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Discovery Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Research and Breakthrough Innovation at Elanco. This laboratory-based position is focused on the ... Discovery (MSD), Gyros, or Quanterix. * Experience with performing immunogenicity (Anti-Drug ...

Head, Research

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$314K - $360K/yr

Calico's highly innovative technology labs, its commitment to curiosity-driven discovery science ... This role will be critical in developing research strategies, evaluating research progress, and ...

Calico's highly innovative technology labs, its commitment to curiosity-driven discovery science ... This role will be critical in developing research strategies, evaluating research progress, and ...

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Discovery Research information

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How much do discovery research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for discovery research in the United States is $40.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.44 and $52.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced in a Discovery Research role, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Discovery Research often encounter challenges such as dealing with ambiguous data, rapidly shifting project priorities, and the need for effective cross-disciplinary communication. Addressing these requires adaptability, strong analytical skills, and proactive collaboration with colleagues from various scientific backgrounds. Building a solid foundation in both experimental design and data analysis, as well as fostering open communication within the team, can help mitigate these issues and ensure research progresses efficiently.

What is the difference between Discovery Research vs User Experience Research?

AspectDiscovery ResearchUser Experience Research
FocusIdentifying user needs, market opportunities, and product concepts early in developmentEvaluating user interactions, usability, and satisfaction with a product or service
MethodsInterviews, market analysis, ethnography, contextual inquiryUsability testing, surveys, interviews, analytics
Work EnvironmentOften in early project phases, cross-functional teams, research labsThroughout product lifecycle, design teams, testing labs
GoalsDiscover unmet needs, inform product strategyImprove user experience, optimize usability

Discovery Research and User Experience Research are related but distinct roles. Discovery Research focuses on understanding user needs and market opportunities early in product development, while User Experience Research concentrates on evaluating and improving the usability of a product during and after development. Both roles often collaborate but serve different stages of the product lifecycle.

What is discovery research?

Discovery research refers to the early-stage scientific investigation aimed at identifying new knowledge, concepts, or targets that could lead to breakthroughs, particularly in fields like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and technology development. It typically involves exploring biological mechanisms, chemical compounds, or innovative ideas before moving into more targeted development phases. Discovery research lays the groundwork for future applied research and product development, helping organizations understand complex problems and uncover potential solutions. This process is critical for innovation and often involves collaboration among scientists, researchers, and technology experts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Discovery Research, and why are they important?

To excel in Discovery Research, you need a strong background in scientific disciplines such as biology, chemistry, or pharmacology, often supported by an advanced degree (e.g., PhD) and research experience. Familiarity with laboratory techniques, data analysis software, and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is typically required. Critical thinking, curiosity, collaboration, and effective communication are vital soft skills for generating and sharing novel insights. These abilities enable researchers to design experiments, interpret results, and drive innovation in developing new products or therapies.
More about Discovery Research jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Discovery Research jobs? The most popular types of Discovery Research jobs are:
Director, Discovery Research Scientific Insights

Director, Discovery Research Scientific Insights

AbbVie

North Chicago, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


AbbVie rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 98 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 73 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Company Description

About AbbVie

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

Job Description

The Director, Discovery Research Scientific Insights is a senior scientific and strategic partner to the Head of Discovery Research Program Management & External Partnerships and the Senior Vice President, Discovery Research. This role delivers rapid scientific assessment, portfolio insight, and decision-ready recommendations on high-priority research, partnership, and executive matters. 

This role is accountable for providing independent scientific assessments, synthesizing cross-functional input, and delivering clear recommendations to senior Discovery Research leadership. The scope includes external opportunities, partnered programs, portfolio issues, and other high-priority scientific topics requiring rapid evaluation and executive communication. The role requires deep knowledge of the Discovery Research continuum, from target and disease biology through discovery strategy, candidate progression, translational planning, and transition to IND/early clinical development, to identify risks, frame options, and support leadership decisions. 

Responsibilities: 

  • Partner with senior Discovery Research leadership on high-priority scientific, portfolio, and executive matters. Responsible for questioning and advising the business to create the best possible outcome to complex scientific issues or projects. 
  • Bring rigorous conceptual thinking to rapidly assess urgent and complex scientific questions by framing issues, engaging experts, and synthesizing recommendations. 
  • Leverage deep end-to-end drug discovery expertise to evaluate external research opportunities, including scientific rationale, feasibility, differentiation, risk, and strategic fit.  
  • Translate complex or incomplete scientific information into concise, decision-ready summaries, options, and clear recommendations. 
  • Maintain visibility across all Discovery-stage external partnerships, including program status, milestones, emerging issues, and leadership decision points. 
  • Provide external portfolio insights and executive updates that are accurate, analytically rigorous, and actionable. 
  • Drive cross-functional alignment with alliance managers and internal stakeholders to surface risks, opportunities, and recommendations for external collaborations. 
  • Support time-sensitive leadership communications with clear, balanced, and scientifically sound content. 
  • Anticipate emerging scientific or partnership issues and develop options to enable timely leadership decisions. 
Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in a relevant scientific discipline; PhD preferred or equivalent scientific training and experience. 
  • 12+ years of experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology R&D, including substantial Discovery Research experience. 
  • Deep knowledge of the drug discovery continuum through IND-enabling and/or early clinical development. 
  • Demonstrated ability to evaluate scientific opportunities and translate complex data into recommendations for senior leaders. 
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level scientific communications. Experience supporting executive reviews, governance forums, or high-stakes scientific communications. 
  • Exceptional scientific judgment, strategic thinking, and ability to operate effectively under ambiguity. 
  • Extensive experience evaluating external innovation, research collaborations, or partnered programs. 
  • Broad scientific curiosity and the ability to rapidly learn, understand, and evaluate science across therapeutic areas, modalities, and emerging topics. 
Additional Information

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law: 

  • The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of thisposting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location,and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future. 

  • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.

  • This job is eligible to participate in our long-term incentive programs. 

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission,incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless anduntil paid and may be modified at the Company's sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. 

US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html

US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:

https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html


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About AbbVie

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health, and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

North Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2013