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Addiction Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chief Research Officer

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$320K - $340K/yr

As the addiction landscape evolves, Truth Initiative is expanding its scientific focus beyond tobacco and nicotine to better understand the broader ecosystem of substance use and addiction ...

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Addiction Science information

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$37K

$53K

$70.5K

How much do addiction science jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for addiction science in the United States is $52,998.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $56,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is addiction science?

Addiction science is the multidisciplinary study of the causes, effects, prevention, and treatment of substance use disorders and addictive behaviors. It combines research from fields like neuroscience, psychology, medicine, and public health to better understand why people become addicted and how to help them recover. This field focuses on both the biological and social factors that contribute to addiction, as well as developing evidence-based interventions to address these issues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Addiction Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Addiction Scientist, you need a solid background in psychology, neuroscience, or public health, often supported by a master's or doctoral degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with data analysis tools (such as SPSS or R), research methodologies, and regulatory compliance (like IRB procedures) is commonly required. Strong critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills help in translating complex research findings and working within multidisciplinary teams. These competencies enable effective investigation and application of evidence-based strategies to address addiction, ultimately improving public health outcomes.

How does an Addiction Science professional typically collaborate with healthcare providers and community organizations?

Addiction Science professionals often work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including physicians, therapists, social workers, and community outreach coordinators. This collaboration is essential for designing and implementing effective prevention, intervention, and treatment programs. Regular meetings, joint case reviews, and shared research projects are common, fostering a holistic approach to addressing substance use disorders. Building strong partnerships with community organizations also enables professionals to connect clients with critical support services and resources, enhancing long-term recovery outcomes.

What is the difference between Addiction Science vs Addiction Counselor?

AspectAddiction ScienceAddiction Counselor
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Addiction Science, Psychology, or related fieldsCertification as a Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) or similar
Work EnvironmentResearch settings, healthcare facilities, academic institutionsRehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, community health programs
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, healthcare organizationsRehab centers, clinics, social service agencies

While Addiction Science focuses on research, data analysis, and developing treatment methods, Addiction Counselors provide direct client support and therapy. Both roles are essential in the addiction treatment field but differ in their primary functions and work settings.

More about Addiction Science jobs
What cities are hiring for Addiction Science jobs? Cities with the most Addiction Science job openings:
What states have the most Addiction Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Addiction Science jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Addiction Science jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Addiction Science jobs are:
Infographic showing various Addiction Science job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,998 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

UNIV - Assistant Professor - Psychiatry: Addiction Sciences Division

Medical University of South Carolina

Charleston, SC โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Job Description Summary

This position will be supported through a K23 Career Development Award from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). This candidate will devote a minimum of 75% effort to research activities associated with the NIAAA K23 grant and up to 25% effort may be spent in other research activities such as working as a co-investigator on grants alongside principal investigators in the Addiction Science Division.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Faculty

Cost Center

CC001039 COM PSYCH Addiction Science CC

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Pay Grade

University-00


Pay Range

0.00 - 0.00 - 0.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Job Summary: This position will be supported through a K23 Career Development Award from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). This candidate will devote a minimum of 75% effort to research activities associated with the NIAAA K23 grant and up to 25% effort may be spent in other research activities such as working as a co-investigator on grants alongside principal investigators in the Addiction Science Division. The candidate will also apply for other grants in areas of relevant expertise. The specific research focus for this position will be novel treatment development and evaluation for alcohol and other substance use disorders.

The K23 mentorship team and the environment of the Addiction Sciences Division will provide a supportive environment and access to faculty who will offer expertise and guidance in research design, measurement techniques, study coordination, data management, biostatistical analysis, research dissemination, and grant writing. In addition to leading the specific K23-supported research project, the individual will work with other faculty in pursuing an array of research endeavors as a co-investigator, further extending the individuals background and experience.

Payscale Salary Range: UNIV-Band 0: Commensurate with experience.

FLSA: Salaried

Minimum Requirements: Candidate must hold a PhD degree or similar.

Additional Job Description

Physical Requirements: (Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift) Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work outdoors in all weather and temperature extremes. (Infrequent) Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Infrequent) Ability to perform job functions from kneeling positions. (Infrequent) Ability to squat and perform job functions. (Infrequent) Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Infrequent) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Frequent) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Frequent) Ability to reach in all directions. (Frequent) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift objects, up to 15 lbs., from floor level to height of 36 inches, unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lower objects, up to 15 lbs., from height of 36 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to push/pull objects, up to 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected, in one eye or with both eyes. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Frequent) Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Frequent) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Frequent)

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees