Sansum Diabetes Research Institute logo
Sansum Diabetes Research Institute
Santa Barbara, California

Clinical Research Physician Investigator

Endocrinology 8.0 Work-LifeFull-Time

Listed compensation

$250K - $350K

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.

Posted 3mo ago

Job Description

Sansum Diabetes Research Institute has an opportunity for a full-time, board certified, or board-eligible Endocrinologist to serve as a Clinical Research Physician Investigator.

SDRI is a non-profit organization and center of excellence with a mission to improve the lives of people impacted by diabetes through research, education, and clinical care. We are a preferred site for industry sponsored clinical trials, a testament to our exceptional research capabilities.

On average, SDRI conducts 25+ trials per year, engaging approximately 1,000 participants. Current industry partners include Abbott, Dexcom, Insulet, Eli Lilly, Mannkind, Medtronic Diabetes, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Tandem Diabetes Care, and more.

We are experts with experience across all study phases, and a broad portfolio of trials and clinical work focused on diabetes and metabolic health.

Diversity and inclusivity are prioritized in in our clinical trials---in 2023, 30% of our research participants were from underrepresented populations.

We have just completed a full renovation of our 18,000 square foot research facility in March 2026, creating a state-of-the-art center designed to accelerate life-changing diabetes research.

Position Details

  • Responsible for 12+ Industry Sponsored Trials Per Year
  • Design, Fund, and Execute Investigator Initiated Trials
  • Develop Strategies and Partnerships to Drive Innovation Across the Enterprise
  • Opportunity to Maintain a Clinical Practice through our Clinics
  • Standard Office Hours

Salaried Position

$250,000 - $350,000 Annually NOTE: The listed range is solely a base compensation for experienced full-time physician researchers. It does not include incentives and benefits. The base compensation rate may be adjusted based on training, community need and other possible determining factors.

We Offer

  • Medical/Dental/Vision
  • CME Stipend
  • Malpractice Insurance
  • Disability
  • Retirement 403 (b)
  • Annual Leave and Sick Time
  • Licensure/DEA/Board Exam Fees
  • PSLF Eligibility

Requirements

  • MD or DO with Directly Related Experience in Endocrinology
  • Board Certified or Board Eligible in Endocrinology
  • DEA Certificate
  • Eligible to Work in the United States, Must be in or Relocate to Santa Barbara, CA
  • CA Licensure or the Ability to Obtain CA Licensure
  • Interest in Research, Experience with Research preferred
  • Exceptional Communication and Interpersonal Skills

About Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is known as The American Riviera® thanks to its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, rich heritage, world-renowned food and wine scene, stunning natural beauty and near-perfect weather.

We invite you to learn more and to consider joining us at SDRI where you will join an experienced cross-functional team focused on developing and executing trials targeting innovation and excellence crossing drugs, devices, and technology that will impact the health span and life span of people living with diabetes.

Key Responsibilities

The role involves managing over 12 industry-sponsored trials per year and designing and executing investigator-initiated trials. Additionally, the physician will develop innovation strategies and may maintain a clinical practice.

Qualifications

Education
Doctoral or professional degree (postgraduate degree)
Experience
5+ years of experience

Certifications

DEA LicenseBoard Certification

Key Skills

Trial DesignPatient CareInterpersonal CommunicationMedical Research ExecutionStrategic Partnership DevelopmentClinical Practice Management

Endocrinology — Physician Career Context

The cost-of-living index for California is 110.7 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$300k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $271k in an average-cost state. 63.6% of California clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Endocrinology pay on WeekdayDoc is down 11.7% vs. the prior quarter (through Sep 2026).

Work-Life Balance Analysis

WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Clinical Research Physician Investigator at Sansum Diabetes Research Institute a 8.0 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as excellent. This places the position in the top 25% in Endocrinology — ranked against 304 active Endocrinology listings on WeekdayDoc.

Top Endocrinologist Jobs

11 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution11 jobs · 10 employers

2
<$275k
3
$275k-300k
3
$300k-325k
1
$340k
2
$350k+

Annual compensation range

Work-Life Balance Distribution11 jobs · 10 employers

0
1-2
0
3-4
0
5-6
10
7-8
1
9-10

Higher = better work-life balance

#1

Physician - Endocrinology

Sanford Health · Bemidji, Minnesota

$400k
#2

Physician- Endocrinology: BMG Golden Triangle

Baptist · Columbus, Mississippi

$280k–$350k
#3

Endocrinologist - West Fresno CHC

$315k-$340k
#4

Physician: Endocrinology Oncology - Tinley Park, IL

$250k-$320k
+ 9 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

median 6.4this job 8.0
Better work-life than 80% of Endocrinology listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 304 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

Living in Santa Barbara

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$1.91M≈ 7.7× annual pay
Typical market rent
$3,692/mo≈ 18% of gross pay
Residents’ average commute
17 min
Metro price indexU.S. average = 100
108.8
State income tax
Up to 13.3%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

BEA 2024 · Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA metro prices. Housing figures are city-level.

Ratios use this listing’s gross annual pay. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

Sansum Diabetes Research Institute logo

About Sansum Diabetes Research Institute

Research
Santa Barbara, CA
51-200 employees

Benefits & Perks

Medical/Dental/Vision
CME Stipend
Malpractice Insurance
Disability
Retirement 403(b)
Annual Leave and Sick Time
Licensure/DEA/Board Exam Fees
PSLF Eligibility