Clinical Research QA Auditor – Hybrid/Remote

SLAC; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 78,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Flexible work options

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Stanford University is seeking a Quality Assurance Auditor 1 to conduct internal audits of clinical research studies, evaluating compliance with FDA regulations, GCP, IRB approvals, and institutional policies. The role collaborates with investigators, prepares audit reports, and supports CAPA activities to promote regulatory compliance.

The position involves sponsor audits, regulatory inspections, and contributing to quality systems development.

Qualifications

• Experience conducting QA or regulatory audits in academia or healthcare.
• Knowledge of FDA regulations, GCP, HIPAA, and human subject protections.
• Experience auditing investigator-initiated and industry-sponsored studies.
• Experience supporting sponsor audits, FDA inspections, or other regulatory inspections.
• Strong organizational skills with multiple concurrent audits and deadlines.
• Professional certification such as ACRP, SOCRA, or CQA.

Responsibilities

• Audit clinical research protocols to identify issues of adherence and regulatory compliance.
• Review protocol documents to create audit plans and select files for auditing.
• Collect data to determine compliance with protocol and regulatory requirements.
• Identify quality issues and drive CAPAs with study teams.
• Maintain organization for tracking information (SmartSheet/REDCap).
• Guide sponsors and investigators to meet IND/IDE requirements as needed.
• Participate in FDA external audits and training of research teams.
• Participate in sponsor/regulatory agency audits and inspections.
• Collaborate with IRB, Cancer Clinical Trials Office, and other partners.

Skills

Clinical research QA

FDA regulations

GCP knowledge

HIPAA

Audit coordination

Education

ACRP/SOCRA/CQA certification

Tools

SmartSheet

REDCap

Job description

Clinical Research Quality (CRQ), a unit within Spectrum and the Senior Associate Dean of Research Office at Stanford University School of Medicine, is seeking a Quality Assurance Auditor 1 to conduct internal audits of clinical research studies. The auditor will evaluate compliance with federal regulations, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), IRB approvals, institutional policies, and study protocols. The incumbent will collaborate with investigators and research teams to identify opportunities for quality improvement, prepare standardized audit reports, support corrective and preventive action (CAPA) activities, and provide education to promote regulatory compliance.

The Quality Auditor will also participate in sponsor audits and regulatory inspections, assist research teams in preparing for external audits, and contribute to the development and maintenance of quality systems and audit documentation. The role works closely with investigators, study teams, and institutional partners to strengthen research quality and advance continuous improvement across the clinical research enterprise.

CRQ supports the School of Medicine’s commitment to high-quality, compliant clinical research. As part of Spectrum—an interdisciplinary center that advances clinical and translational research—CRQ provides infrastructure, education, consultation, and innovative programs that accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into improved human health.

This position is based in Stanford’s Research Park and has the option of a telecommuting/hybrid schedule subject to operational needs.

In this role you will:

• Evaluate clinical research studies of varying complexity, therapeutic areas, and phases, including drug, cell therapy, and medical device studies. Assess compliance in areas such as informed consent, participant eligibility, safety reporting, investigational product accountability, data integrity, and applicable FDA/GCP requirements.
• Independently coordinate assigned audits from initiation through closure, including scheduling, developing sampling strategies, categorizing findings based on compliance risk, presenting findings to study teams, and preparing audit reports. Consult with senior quality staff as appropriate for more complex audits.
• Review sponsor audit reports and FDA Form 483 responses, assess the adequacy of proposed corrective actions, and conduct effectiveness checks to verify resolution of identified deficiencies.
• Conduct mock audits, provide inspection-readiness tools and training materials, offer guidance to research teams during external inspections, and prepare inspection updates and reports for leadership.
• Provide targeted education on Good Documentation Practices, Root Cause Analysis, CAPA Planning and Implementation, and Audit Readiness. Collaborate with institutional partners, including the IRB, Cancer Clinical Trials Office, Stanford Center for Clinical Research, University Internal Audit and Privacy, and School of Medicine departments and programs.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience conducting clinical research quality assurance or regulatory compliance audits within academia or healthcare
• Knowledge of FDA regulations, ICH Good Clinical Practice (GCP), HIPAA, and human subject protection requirements
• Experience auditing investigator-initiated and industry-sponsored clinical research studies
• Experience supporting sponsor audits, FDA inspections, or other regulatory inspections
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent audits and meet established deadlines
• Professional certification such as ACRP, SOCRA, or Certified Quality Auditor (CQA)

Responsibilities

Core Duties:

• Audit clinical research protocols to identify potential issues of adherence and regulatory compliance.
• Review protocol documents to create audit plan, select subject case files to be audited, and review source documentation (which may include medical records as allowed by HIPAA regulations).
• Collect data and backup documents to determine if the research team is in compliance with protocol and regulatory requirements.
• Identify quality issues/non-conformance, and work with study teams to complete Corrective Actions and Preventive Actions (CAPAs).
• Contribute to maintaining an organizational and operational structure for tracking a large amount of information (e.g., SmartSheet or REDCap).
• Provide guidance to Sponsor-Principal Investigators to help ensure that the additional responsibilities of holding an Investigational New Drug (IND) or Investigational Device Exempt (IDE) are met.
• Working as a member of an audit team may contribute to training research teams in self-auditing techniques. Preparing for FDA audits, assisting with external audit preparation, and presenting at educational meetings.
• Participates in Sponsor, Regulatory Agency audits and inspection.
• May participate in more complex audit(s) or an external audit as part of team, lead by and under the direction of senior team members.
  

4 years of related experience with 2 years in clinical research in industry or academia managing complex compliance issues, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong analytical, interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Proven auditing ability, skilled in reporting on internal and external quality systems
• Demonstrated knowledge of clinical research regulations including the principles of Good Clinical Practice
• Knowledge/understanding of federal, state, and local regulations regarding the conduct of clinical trials, the informed consent process, and the protection of human research subjects.
• Strong technical skills and experience with quality systems, methods and concepts, SOP.
• Strong team-oriented, interpersonal skills and collaborative work style.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and coordinate all tasks assigned and effectively complete all expected deliverables in a timely manner and proactively communicate changes in pre-established goals and deadlines.
• Excellent organizational skills and superb attention to detail; strong communication and interpersonal skills as information will be communicated in electronic, written, and verbal communications to principal investigators, medical and research personnel.
  

Certificates and Licenses Required

Society of Clinical Research Associate or Association of Clinical Research Professionals certification is preferred.

• Pay Range $77,971-$145,546
• Pay Frequency Annually
• Fixed Term N
• Stanford Schools and Units School of Medicine
• Full time or Part time Full Time
• Regular or Temporary Regular
• Job Category Research
• Posting Date 10/09/2026, 03:54 PM
• Grade H
• Job Identification 201351

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Benefits that support you, and your future

18+ PTO days per year

Health benefits start when you start

Flexible work options

$6000+ annual tuition and training assistance

403(b) plan

Mental health and wellness programs

Free and discounted commuter transportation

Applies to regular full-time positions.

Notice to Applicants

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Stanford University provides job pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a particular job. The specific pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on a wide range of factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to geographic work location, relevant knowledge, skills and abilities, relevant education, years of relevant experience, depth and breadth of relevant experience, and performance; further including but not limited to other business and organization needs such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the minimum qualifications, departmental budget availability, and market and internal equity across the university, school/ unit, department, as well as job reporting relations hips.

Why work at Stanford

World-changing work in a culture of continuous learning

An inspiring community that values collaboration

High-quality health and wellness benefits that put you and your family first

Access to world-class education and career development, with tuition reimbursement, training assistance, and more