Science and Clinical Manager

Location: San Francisco Bay Area, CA

Full Time

Role Overview

As the Science and Clinical Manager, you will lead the design, execution, and integration of Sanmai’s clinical research and scientific initiatives. You’ll ensure that our trials, protocols, and data collection are rigorous, ethical, and aligned with both regulatory requirements and Sanmai’s mission. This is a cross-functional leadership role that bridges science, clinical development, and operations. The Science and Clinical Manager will report to the Chief Clinical Officer (CCO).

What You Will Achieve

As Science and Clinical Manager at Sanmai, your work will directly support the translation of groundbreaking science into transformative care. Your responsibilities will drive success in the following areas:

  • Pivotal Trial Readiness: Lead trial design and site coordination for FDA submissions and IRB approval.

  • Protocol Integrity: Ensure all research protocols are evidence-based, clear, and replicable across settings.

  • Scientific Credibility: Contribute to a body of work that stands up to scrutiny from regulators, academics, and funders.

  • Participant Safety & Experience: Uphold the highest standards of ethical and human-centered research practice.

  • Cross-Functional Insight: Bring scientific clarity to product, marketing, and retreat development.

Your leadership will directly shape how Sanmai brings rigorous, meaningful, and healing innovation to the world.

Responsibilities

Clinical Research Design & Oversight

  • Own the design and strategic direction of Sanmai’s exploratory, feasibility, and pivotal clinical studies.

  • Ensure all research activities embody regulatory rigor, scientific integrity, and alignment with Sanmai’s mission.

  • Take full accountability for protocol development, participant safety, and the credibility of study outcomes.

  • Steward data collection and reporting practices that reinforce transparency, reproducibility, and clinical trust.

Science & Protocol Development

  • Shape and continuously refine Sanmai’s neurostimulation and mindfulness-based protocols to advance both clinical and non-clinical applications.

  • Ensure protocols are not only scientifically grounded but also usable, scalable, and impactful for facilitators and participants.

  • Hold responsibility for integrating emerging research into Sanmai’s protocol ecosystem, bridging theory with practice.

Site & Participant Management

  • Drive the success of Sanmai’s multi-site trials by ensuring sites are fully equipped, trained, and supported.

  • Serve as the central point of accountability between Sanmai, investigators, and coordinators, guaranteeing trial integrity and participant wellbeing.

  • Champion participant recruitment and retention, resolving barriers with foresight and agility.

Documentation & Compliance

  • Safeguard Sanmai’s reputation for rigor by ensuring all documentation is accurate, audit-ready, and compliant with IRB, HIPAA, and FDA standards.

  • Own regulatory filings and submissions (IND, IDE, De Novo), orchestrating cross-functional and partner collaboration to secure approvals.

  • Maintain a proactive compliance culture that anticipates rather than reacts to regulatory requirements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Ensure scientific and clinical priorities are tightly integrated with Sanmai’s operational, engineering, and product strategies.

  • Bring a scientific lens to marketing, grants, and investor engagement, shaping narratives that reflect integrity and impact.

  • Embed evidence-based practices into experiential programming, ensuring retreats and trainings are aligned with the latest insights.

Leadership & Strategy

  • Foster a culture of research rooted in curiosity, humility, and rigorous inquiry across Sanmai.

  • Cultivate and steward strategic collaborations with leading academics, CROs, and research partners.

  • Anticipate and interpret shifts in neuroscience, mindfulness, and digital therapeutics to position Sanmai at the forefront of innovation.

Qualifications

 Experience:

  • 5+ years in clinical research or scientific management roles, ideally within medtech, neuroscience, or mental health.

  • Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional scientific or clinical programs, including FDA-regulated trials.

  • Familiarity with neurotechnology, digital health tools, or contemplative science is a plus.

Skills:

  • Strong background in experimental design, biostatistics, and scientific writing.

  • Ability to manage IRB and FDA interactions.

  • Exceptional project management and organizational skills.

  • Clear communicator, able to synthesize complex concepts for diverse audiences.

  • Familiarity with data capture tools (e.g., REDCap), protocol design platforms, and version control tools.

Education:

  • Master’s or PhD in neuroscience, psychology, biomedical engineering, clinical research, or related field.

Attributes:

  • Passion for science and mental health innovation.

  • Deep sense of ethics and respect for human subjects research.

  • Strategic thinker who balances big-picture vision with meticulous execution.