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Discovery Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UAB NOVA RENT

SCIENTIST II

Birmingham, AL · On-site

The Scientist II is expected to contribute meaningfully to obtaining AI drug discovery research funding as a Co-Investigator on grant proposals, to perform SPARC service activities not covered by ...

Cogent Biosciences

Research Project Manager

Boulder, CO · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

The Research Project Manager drives planning, execution, and communication within and across discovery research programs. This role partners closely with crossfunctional scientific stakeholders to ...

UAB

SCIENTIST II

Tampa, FL

The Scientist II is expected to contribute meaningfully to obtaining AI drug discovery research funding as a Co-Investigator on grant proposals, to perform SPARC service activities not covered by ...

Direct Counsel

eDiscovery Associate Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

$310K - $390K/yr

Research and draft legal memoranda, motions, and discovery-related briefing * Manage written discovery and coordinate document preservation, collection, review, and production efforts * Assist with ...

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How much do discovery research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 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:
What job categories do people searching Discovery Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Discovery Research jobs are:
Discovery Research jobs near you
VP/SVP, Discovery Research (Virology)

VP/SVP, Discovery Research (Virology)

Work In Biotech

Seattle, WA • On-site

Other

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

(S)VP, Discovery Research (Virology)

Location: [Seattle, WA / Bay Area | Hybrid]

Company: Stealth-mode Biotechnology Company


The Role

Will lead the strategy and execution of discovery research across all antiviral programs, owning efforts from discovery through IND-enabling studies including virology/pharmacology, structural/biophysical characterization, DMPK, and toxicology.


Key Responsibilities

Discovery Strategy & Scientific Leadership

  • Define and lead the end-to-end discovery strategy for antiviral programs
  • Drive target identification and validation grounded in viral biology, host-pathogen interactions, and mechanisms of immune protection
  • Establish and/or oversee platform capabilities across virology, immunology, and antibody engineering


Virology & Antiviral Discovery Execution

  • Lead development and implementation of virologically relevant screening systems (e.g. neutralization assay, cell-based infection models, HTS)
  • Oversee viral isolate selection and characterization, including emerging variants
  • May guide epitope mapping and therapeutic design, including structure-guided approaches
  • Direct studies of viral entry, replication, and immune evasion mechanisms
  • Integrate in vitro and in vivo infection models to evaluate efficacy and translational relevance
  • Establish and interpret correlates of protection and functional immune readouts
  • Drive resistance profiling and escape mutation analysis to ensure durability of antiviral candidates


Research Through IND-Enabling Oversight

  • Extend leadership beyond discovery to scientific oversight of IND-enabling activities, ensuring continuity of program strategy
  • Guide design and interpretation of:
  • Pharmacology and efficacy studies (including relevant animal models)
  • PK/PD and dose-ranging studies
  • Nonclinical safety strategy, including IND-enabling toxicology planning and study design
  • Ensure alignment between discovery data, candidate profile, and regulatory expectations for IND submission
  • Contribute to IND strategy, data packages, and regulatory documentation in collaboration with cross-functional teams
  • Maintain accountability for candidate quality and differentiation through transition into early clinical development


Operating Model & Team Building

  • Contributes to the build and leadership of a high-performing, multidisciplinary organization
  • Establish and/or manages a partially externalized research model leveraging CROs, academic collaborators, and specialized virology labs
  • Set standards for scientific rigor, reproducibility, and efficient execution


Cross-Functional Leadership

  • Partner closely with CMC, translational, regulatory, and clinical partners to ensure seamless progression from discovery through clinical trials
  • Lead cross-functional trade-off decisions balancing potency, breadth, developability, manufacturability, and timelines


External Engagement & Scientific Insight

  • Engage with KOLs and partners to stay at the forefront of virology, immunology, and emerging pathogens
  • May evaluate external opportunities aligned with company strategy


Qualifications

Required

  • PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in virology, immunology, or related field
  • 15+ years of industry experience with proven successful record advancing biologic therapeutics into the clinic.
  • Deep expertise in viral biology


Strongly Preferred

  • Direct experience with protein-based therapeutics, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)
  • Experience contributing to BLA approval or late-stage clinical success
  • Respiratory pathogen expertise
  • Prior successful direct experience in and/or management of protein sciences, virology pharmacology, DMPK and toxicology.


Leadership Profile

  • Builder mindset with the ability to contribute to a world-class, yet lean, discovery organization
  • Sets a culture of scientific rigor, speed, and accountability
  • Able to bridge deep biology with translational and regulatory requirements
  • Strong communicator who drives clear, decision-oriented discussions

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