Research Coordinator Jobs in California
Research Coordinator jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in clinical trials, public health research, and academic science with openings from entry-level assistants through senior coordinators managing multi-site studies. The greatest hiring volume sits in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where institutions like UC San Diego Health, Stanford Medicine, and Kaiser Permanente consistently post research coordinator roles across oncology, cardiovascular research, and community health initiatives. Regulatory compliance coordination, clinical data management, and IRB protocol administration are the most in-demand specialties across California's research landscape. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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This is a limited appointment.
We are looking for a Clinical Research Coordinator who is passionate about addressing health disparities, as well having a familiarity with chronic disease management and clinical trials. This position will function as a member of a multidisciplinary research team and as someone who has experience working in care settings serving low-income patients. Experience working with racially, ethnically diverse, and lower health literacy patient populations is desired.
This role requires a high level of comfort and skill with communicating with a diverse range of stakeholders in the public health setting. This role will perform independently or with general direction at the fully operational journey level of the series to execute, manage, and coordinate research protocols, as directed by the Project Manager, Project Coordinator, and/or Principal Investigators (PI); may coordinate the data collection and operations of several concurrent clinical research studies under the guidelines of research protocols, UCSF and regulating agency policies.
The CRC will be asked to help with INS2PiRED (Implementation Strategies for Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring in Racially and Ethnically Diverse Populations), a randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating strategies to improve hypertension control through self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring in urban safety-net healthcare systems serving low-income and racially/ethnically diverse populations. The study aims to increase adoption and sustained use of SMBP monitoring among English-, Spanish-, and Cantonese-speaking adults with uncontrolled hypertension across six primary care clinic sites.
The project includes a patient-level randomized controlled trial enrolling 330 participants who will be randomized to either a low-intensity intervention consisting of SMBP education and text-message reminders, or a high-intensity intervention that additionally incorporates group classes and caregiver engagement. Concurrently, the study will implement clinic-level strategies to improve integration of SMBP data into clinical care workflows, including staff education, workflow shadowing, audit-and-feedback activities, and optimization of electronic health record (EHR) use.
The duties may include, but will not be limited to supporting the management and coordinating the tasks of single or multiple clinical research studies, depending on their size and complexity; recruit study participants; act as intermediary between services and departments while overseeing data management; manage and report on study results; create, clean, update, and manage databases and comprehensive datasets and reports; manage Investigator’s protocols in the IRB/Institutional Review Board online system, as well as renewals and modifications of protocol applications and the implementation of new studies; participate in the review and writing of protocols to ensure institutional review board approval within University compliance; help assure compliance with all relevant regulatory agencies; oversee study data integrity; implement and maintain periodic quality control procedures; interface with departments to obtain UCSF approval prior to study initiation; maintain all regulatory documents; report study progress to investigators; participate in any internal and external audits or reviews of study protocols; and perform other duties as assigned.
Other responsibilities include supporting additional patient engagement activities outside of recruitment, including facilitating group education sessions (hybrid and in-person).
This position will need to travel to various clinic sites in-person across the Bay Area.
Department Description:
The UCSF Division of General Internal Medicine (DGIM) at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center (ZSFG) delivers innovative, comprehensive and complex primary medical care to San Francisco’s vulnerable patients; carries out highly impactful translational research focused on generating new knowledge to improve the health of vulnerable populations; engages in meaningful policy work focused on reducing health disparities and ensuring access to care; and trains the next generation of physician leaders and researchers in the care of vulnerable and underserved populations. DGIM works closely with the UCSF Action Research Center (ARC), which carries out innovative research to prevent and treat chronic disease in populations for whom social conditions often promote or make management of the chronic diseases more challenging. ARC is nationally and internationally known for its research in health communication and health policy to reduce health disparities, with special expertise in the social determinants of health, including literacy, food policy, poverty, and minority status, with a focus on the clinical conditions of pre-diabetes, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- HS graduation and sufficient experience and demonstrated skills to successfully perform the assigned duties and responsibilities; and/or equivalent experience/training.
- Bilingual proficiency in written and oral communications in Cantonese and English or Spanish.
- Attention to detail; strong interpersonal skills; excellent, effective verbal and written communication skills to coordinate with subjects, team members, other departments and outside institutions; and the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment while working with a diverse subject population.
- Ability to work well independently, complete projects in a timely manner, and prioritize multiple projects to ensure the completion of essential tasks by deadlines.
- Basic knowledge of relevant policies and regulatory requirements. Basic knowledge of health professions education industry. Basic knowledge of administrative analysis and operations research. Skills in developing and implementing processes and systems. Familiarity with the administrative and operational implications in a program.
- Communication skills; includes verbal, written and active listening, empathy, humility, and warmth. Service oriented and responsive to questions and requests. Ability to interact in a professional, resourceful, and courteous manner. Ability to convey complex concepts in an understandable manner to a lay public.
- Demonstrated ability to develop working relationships study team as well as community/patient partners.
- Organizational and analytical skills, has ability to work with complex faculty calendars/schedules and requires well organized and detail-oriented precision.
- Investigative, data analysis, and reporting skills. Ability to generate computer reports, checking for errors, correcting and submitting accurate reports. Skills include entering, maintaining, extracting, and analyzing data in electronic systems.
- Familiarity and comfort with use of mobile phone apps, preferred knowledge of apps designed to promote wellness.
- Capacity for self-monitoring and improvement, demonstrated excellent punctuality, attendance, and reliability. Follow-up and works well under pressure and deadlines.
- Documentation skills, ability to set priorities, work collaboratively.
- Excellent computer and word processing skills, using standard software (such as Microsoft Word Excel, Access and/or PowerPoint).
- Proven flexibility to adjust to constantly changing priorities.
- Understanding of patient population to create rapport and a relationship, while also giving insight to what is realistic and appropriate for patient participation.
- Proactive in helping lead the development and implementation of recruitment strategies.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in health or public health or related discipline
- Certification by the Society of Clinical Research Associates or the Association of Clinical Research Professionals
- At least one year of previous experience as a clinical research coordinator or equivalent combination of experience/training
- Experience with research tools such as REDCap, Qualtrics, Dedoose or Atlas.ti.
- Fluency in the usage of Institutional Review Board (IRB) online system for submission, renewal, and modification of protocols through this system.
- Certification by the Society of Clinical Research Associates or the Association of Clinical Research Professionals
- Experience working with diverse populations, knowledge of community resources and experience working with a variety of community-based organization.
- Experience with electronic medical records.
- Knowledge of UCSF and departmental policies for dealing with reimbursement, guidelines for research, confidentiality and HIPPA regulations, following the UCSF mission statement and purpose for research, and a clear understanding of policies and procedures on patient safety and confidentiality (electronic and hard copy medical records, patient charts, communication, etc.); knowledge of medical terminology, research policies and guidelines, guidelines for packing/shipping infectious substances, database building/analysis, and data management within some of the following: REDCap, Qualtrics, and Microsoft Excel.
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Experience applying the following regulations and guidelines:
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Good Clinical Practice Guidelines
- Health Information and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
- The Protection of Human Research Subjects
- IRB regulations for recruitment and consent of research subjects
- Effective Cash Handling Procedures
- Environmental Health and Safety Training
- Fire Safety Training
About UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.
Pride Values
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Salary Information
The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.
Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.
To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html
See All 91 Research Coordinator Jobs in California
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Find Research Coordinator JobsResearch Coordinator Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Coordinator Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- University of California - San Francisco51

- City of Hope5

- Loma Linda University Health5

- Medpace4

- UCLA Health4

Top Industries Hiring
- Education66
- Healthcare & Medical Services14
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals7
- Science & Research5
- Technology & Software2
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research coordinator jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in life sciences, public health, or a related field required
- Experience with IRB submissions and human subjects research protocols in California
- Proficiency with clinical data management systems such as REDCap or Epic
- Knowledge of FDA regulations and ICH Good Clinical Practice guidelines
- Strong written communication skills for protocol documentation and regulatory reporting
- Ability to coordinate across multidisciplinary teams at large academic medical centers
Research Coordinator Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research coordinator in California?
Most California research coordinator roles require a bachelor's degree in a life science, public health, or social science field, followed by hands-on experience in a research setting. California does not have a state-issued license for the role, but many employers expect or prefer the Certified Clinical Research Coordinator credential from the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. Large academic medical centers and UC campuses are the most common entry points for candidates building their first research experience.
Which companies hire research coordinators in California?
Employers hiring research coordinators in California right now include University of California - San Francisco, City of Hope, and Loma Linda University Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of academic medical centers, biotech firms, and public health agencies means hiring is consistent across both coastal metros and the Central Valley.
Which California cities have the most research coordinator jobs?
San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Duarte have the most research coordinator openings in California. Los Angeles and San Francisco draw the largest volume because of their dense networks of academic hospitals and biotech headquarters, while San Diego's strong life sciences cluster around Torrey Pines and the UC San Diego campus supports sustained demand for coordinators focused on clinical trials and translational research.
Are there remote research coordinator jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Research coordination often involves on-site patient contact, specimen handling, and IRB-monitored procedures that require in-person presence. About 11% of research coordinator openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those positions tend to concentrate in data management, regulatory affairs coordination, and grant administration rather than clinical trial operations.
How can I get hired as a research coordinator in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a research assistant or clinical research associate role at a UC campus hospital or a large California-based health system such as Kaiser Permanente or Cedars-Sinai, which run structured new-graduate onboarding programs. Moving laterally from a medical assistant, lab technician, or patient care technician role is also a well-worn path. Completing a Good Clinical Practice certification course and volunteering with a faculty research lab strengthens any application without prior coordinator experience.
Where can I find and apply to research coordinator jobs in California?
You can find and apply to research coordinator jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Find roles that fit your experience and location and apply directly through the listing.
See All 91 Research Coordinator Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Coordinator Jobs