ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Senior Scientist

Charles City, IA

$82K - $113K/yr

This position focuses on analytical development for active pharmaceutical ingredients, method validation, and complex data interpretation, while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams. The ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsManufacturing JobsActive Pharmaceutical Ingredient Jobs

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient information

See salary details

$11

$46

$69

How much do active pharmaceutical ingredient jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for active pharmaceutical ingredient in the United States is $46.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.38 and $57.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an active pharmaceutical ingredient?

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, or APIs, are the biologically active components in a medication that produce the intended effects to treat or prevent diseases. APIs are the primary substances in drugs that provide therapeutic benefits, distinguishing them from excipients, which are inactive ingredients used to aid in the drug's formulation. The quality, purity, and potency of APIs are strictly regulated to ensure the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products. APIs can be synthesized chemically or derived from natural sources, and they play a crucial role in the development and manufacturing of medicines.

What are the typical collaboration points between an active pharmaceutical ingredient specialist and other departments during drug development?

API specialists work closely with multiple teams, including process development, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing. They often collaborate with process engineers to optimize synthesis methods, with quality teams to ensure compliance with GMP standards, and with regulatory professionals to prepare necessary documentation. Regular cross-functional meetings and clear communication channels are essential to align requirements, address challenges, and ensure that the API meets all safety, efficacy, and regulatory specifications throughout development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an active pharmaceutical ingredient specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an API Specialist, you need a solid background in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or chemical engineering, typically with a relevant degree and industry experience. Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), analytical instruments like HPLC and GC, and regulatory documentation systems is essential. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the safe, compliant, and efficient production of high-quality pharmaceutical ingredients.

What is the difference between Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient vs Pharmaceutical Chemist?

AspectActive Pharmaceutical IngredientPharmaceutical Chemist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in pharmacy, chemistry, or related fieldRequires a degree in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or related field
Work EnvironmentManufacturing facilities, laboratories, quality controlResearch labs, development centers, quality assurance
Industry UsageComponent used in drug formulationDevelops and synthesizes drug compounds, including APIs
Search/Comparison IntentUnderstanding drug components and manufacturingResearching drug development and synthesis processes

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) are the active components in medications, while Pharmaceutical Chemists focus on developing and synthesizing these compounds. APIs are used in manufacturing drugs, whereas Pharmaceutical Chemists work in labs to create and improve these ingredients. Both roles require chemistry-related credentials and are integral to the pharmaceutical industry, but they differ in their primary functions and work environments.

More about Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient jobs?

The most popular types of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient jobs are:

What states have the most Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient jobs?

States with the most job openings for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient jobs are:

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient jobs near you
Infographic showing various Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,001 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Bioprocess Engineer

Phil Ellis Associates, Inc.

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Company Description
A fully integrated biopharmaceutical company focused on developing a portfolio of innovative treatments for cancer and infectious diseases using their DNA-mediated gene transfer technologies.
Job Description
Company is seeking to hire a Bioprocess Engineer to support the company's ongoing development of novel immunotherapies. The position will play an integral role in the establishment of a GMP manufacturing facility to produce plasmid DNA active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).
• Lead the development of pilot scale downstream processing (DSP) unit operations of plasmid DNA from bacterial cell paste (from 10 L - 100 L bioreactor fermentation), to include lysis, clarification, ultrafiltration/diafiltration, and ion exchange chromatography.
• Plan and execute structured process development experiments to achieve the target yield, process optimization, product quality, scale-up and process robustness objectives.
• Play a pivotal role in the establishment of a GMP manufacturing facility to produce plasmid DNA active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).
• Document work thoroughly with a detail-oriented approach, write concise technical reports, and make effective presentations to management and other team members.
• Translate developed processes into standard operating procedures (SOPs) as well as necessary calibration and preventive maintenance SOPs.
• Write validation protocols and lead the technical support staff to successfully execute IQ, OQ, and PQ.
• Lead the process transition into the new facility.
• Troubleshoot, optimize, and improve ongoing process activity with scientific curiosity.
Qualifications
• B.S. or M.S. degree in Biochemical/Chemical Engineering preferred. Will also consider other disciplines such as biology, chemistry, or related field with requisite experience.
• 4+ years of hands-on biopharmaceutical experience at pilot or commercial scale with bioreactor fermentation (USP) and DSP of plasmid DNA from bacterial cell paste, including lysis, clarification, ultrafiltration/diafiltration, and ion exchange chromatography.
• 2+ years of experience working in a GMP manufacturing environment. Candidates with supervisory experience are preferred.
• Significant experience using ultrafiltration and diafiltration with tangential flow filtration (TFF) in a DSP unit operation.
Additional Information
Competitive salary, bonus, stock, relocation and benefits are offered.

Apply