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Biopharma Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Phage Display Scientist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$37.50 - $47/hr

Celebrating 50 years of service, Lancaster Laboratories is a leading contract lab providing testing and research services in the environmental, pharmaceutical, and biopharmaceutical sciences to ...

High-impact global role with visibility across Life Sciences, Bioprocessing, Regulatory, Commercial, R&D, Digital, and senior leadership teams. * Opportunity to shape biopharma growth strategy by ...

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Biopharma Scientist information

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$50.5K

$130.1K

$174K

How much do biopharma scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for biopharma scientist in the United States is $130,117.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Biopharma Scientists when transitioning from academic research to an industry setting?

Biopharma Scientists often find that moving from academia to industry involves adapting to faster-paced timelines, stricter regulatory requirements, and more collaborative, cross-functional teams. Unlike academic research, where projects can be more exploratory, industry work typically focuses on clear deliverables and product-oriented goals. Learning to balance scientific rigor with business needs and communicating effectively with non-scientists, such as regulatory or business teams, are key adjustments. Embracing these challenges can lead to significant career growth and exposure to diverse roles within the biopharmaceutical sector.

What does a Biopharma Scientist do?

A Biopharma Scientist conducts research and development to discover, design, and test new pharmaceutical drugs derived from biological sources, such as proteins, cells, or genes. They work in laboratories, often using advanced biotechnology tools to study how these drugs interact with living systems. Their work is crucial in developing new therapies for diseases, improving drug safety and efficacy, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Biopharma Scientists often collaborate with other scientists, clinicians, and regulatory agencies throughout the drug development process.

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

To thrive as a Biopharma Scientist, you need a strong background in molecular biology, biochemistry, or related fields, often supported by an advanced degree (MSc or PhD). Familiarity with laboratory techniques such as PCR, ELISA, cell culture, and experience with data analysis software like GraphPad Prism or bioinformatics tools is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, collaboration, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for designing experiments and sharing results within multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are essential to drive innovative drug development and ensure rigorous scientific standards in the highly regulated biopharmaceutical industry.

What is the difference between Biopharma Scientist vs Biotech Research Associate?

AspectBiopharma ScientistBiotech Research Associate
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Life Sciences, PhD often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Life Sciences, some roles may require less experience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firmsLaboratories, research institutions, biotech companies
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical and biotech industries, R&D departmentsBiotech startups, research labs, biotech divisions of larger companies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Biopharma Scientist and a Biotech Research Associate lies in experience and responsibilities. Biopharma Scientists typically hold advanced degrees and lead research projects, while Biotech Research Associates support experiments and data collection. Both roles are vital in biotech and pharmaceutical industries, but the Scientist position usually involves more independent research and higher-level decision-making.

More about Biopharma Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Biopharma Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Biopharma Scientist job openings:
Infographic showing various Biopharma Scientist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,117 per year, or $62.6 per hour.
Project Leader/Scientist II

Project Leader/Scientist II

KBI Biopharma, Inc.

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


KBI Biopharma rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Position Summary
The Analytical Development (AD) unit executes analytical activities supporting the development of biologic drug substances and drug products from early development through late-phase support manufacturing. The team provides analytical leadership for non-GMP and early-phase GMP programs, partnering closely with Process Development, Formulation Development, Manufacturing, Regulatory, and clients to accelerate development timelines while maintaining scientific rigor and quality.
The Project Leader/Scientist II - AD serves as the technical and project lead for development-stage analytical programs, providing scientific leadership, coordinating cross-functional activities, managing client communications, and driving execution of analytical deliverables. This role is heavily focused on PD Support activities, including analytical strategy, method development oversight, investigational studies, troubleshooting, and supporting rapid program progression from development through early clinical manufacturing.
The Project Leader is responsible for ensuring all work is conducted in accordance with company procedures, applicable regulatory requirements, and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) when appropriate.
Responsibilities
  • Lead analytical support for development-stage biologics programs, which may include method development, method establishment, method qualification, analytical testing and data trending, investigational studies, formulation support, characterization testing, and non-GMP/early-phase analytical activities.
  • Serve as the primary analytical project leader for assigned development programs by coordinating cross-functional activities, managing priorities, facilitating internal and client meetings, and ensuring timely delivery of project milestones.
  • Develop analytical strategies to support early-phase program development, comparability assessments, process development, formulation development, and manufacturing decisions.
  • Review analytical documentation including study plans, protocols, reports, method development documentation, method qualification packages, and client technical documents to ensure scientific quality and execution readiness.
  • Provide technical leadership for complex analytical investigations, data interpretation, troubleshooting, and risk assessments.
  • Build strong client relationships through regular technical discussions, presentations, and consultation on analytical development strategies.
  • Produce high-quality technical reports and client deliverables suitable for regulatory submissions and development decision-making.
  • Maintain current knowledge of latest analytical technologies, regulatory expectations, and industry best practices relevant to biologics development.
  • Support laboratory operations and promote a culture of quality, collaboration, continuous improvement, and safety.
  • Mentor junior scientists and project leaders. Previous experience leading scientific teams or direct people management is strongly encouraged.
Requirements
  • Ph.D. with 3+ years of directly related industry experience, M.S. with 7+ years, or B.S. with 10+ years in analytical development supporting biologics.
  • Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional analytical development programs and interacting directly with clients.
  • Strong technical knowledge of biologics analytical development, characterization, method development, and early-phase product support.
  • Excellent scientific writing, communication, organization, and project management skills.
  • Ability to lead multiple fast-paced development programs while maintaining high-quality deliverables and client satisfaction.
  • Previous people management or demonstrated scientific leadership experience.
  • Working knowledge of cGMP regulations and analytical development supporting biotechnology-derived products.

KBI Biopharma, Inc. is an EEO/AA employer and actively seeks to diversify its work force. Therefore, all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status, are strongly encouraged to apply.
I understand that neither the completion of this application nor any other part of my consideration for employment establishes any obligation for KBI Biopharma, Inc. to hire me. If I am hired, I understand that either KBI Biopharma, Inc. or I can terminate my employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause and without prior notice. I understand that no representative of KBI Biopharma, Inc. has the authority to make any assurance to the contrary.
I attest with my signature below that I have given to KBI Biopharma, Inc. true and complete information on this application. No requested information has been concealed. I authorize KBI Biopharma, Inc. to contact references provided for employment reference checks. If any information I have provided is untrue, or if I have concealed material information, I understand that this will constitute cause for the denial of employment or immediate dismissal.

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