ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Drug Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SNA International

Forensic Drug Chemist

Decatur, GA · On-site

Provide expert technical assistance to law enforcement agencies in analyzing controlled substances ... Coordinate and perform a range of drug identification tests, including Color Tests, Gas ...

SNA International

Forensic Drug Chemist

Pearl, MS · On-site

Provide expert technical assistance to law enforcement agencies in analyzing controlled substances ... Coordinate and perform a range of drug identification tests, including Color Tests, Gas ...

SNA International

Forensic Drug Chemist

Pearl, MS · On-site

Provide expert technical assistance to law enforcement agencies in analyzing controlled substances ... Coordinate and perform a range of drug identification tests, including Color Tests, Gas ...

SNA International

Forensic Drug Chemist

Decatur, GA · On-site

Provide expert technical assistance to law enforcement agencies in analyzing controlled substances ... Coordinate and perform a range of drug identification tests, including Color Tests, Gas ...

Harris Health System

Sr Drug Replacement Analyst

Houston, TX · On-site

$22.05 - $28.12/hr

The Senior Drug Replacement Analyst is responsible for overseeing the enrollment of patients in drug manufacturer's Patient Assistance Programs and managing all records and paperwork associated with ...

HumanitApp

$200 - $250/hr

Create and critique rubrics that analyze commercial drugs and drug-development programs. * Provide overall company and asset assessment mechanism, clinical data, competitive position, and value ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHealthcare JobsMedical Specialists JobsDrug Analyst Jobs

Drug Analyst information

See salary details

$31K

$73.3K

$130K

How much do drug analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for drug analyst in the United States is $73,261.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $87,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drug analyst?

Drug Analysts are professionals who examine and test pharmaceutical substances to ensure their quality, safety, and compliance with regulatory standards. They use a variety of laboratory techniques to analyze the chemical composition and potency of drugs. Drug Analysts often work in pharmaceutical companies, research labs, or government agencies, playing a vital role in ensuring that medications are safe and effective for public use. Their work helps prevent the distribution of substandard or counterfeit drugs, contributing to public health and safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drug analyst?

To thrive as a Drug Analyst, you need a solid background in chemistry, pharmacology, and analytical techniques, typically supported by a degree in pharmacy, chemistry, or related fields. Familiarity with laboratory instruments like HPLC, GC-MS, and knowledge of regulatory standards (such as FDA or USP) are essential, with certifications in analytical chemistry being advantageous. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong documentation skills are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate drug analysis, compliance with safety standards, and the reliability of test results crucial to public health.

What are some common challenges drug analysts face when interpreting complex laboratory results?

Drug Analysts often encounter challenges when distinguishing between similar compounds or detecting trace levels of substances in complex matrices. Staying current with evolving testing methodologies and regulatory requirements is essential, as is maintaining accuracy under tight deadlines. Collaborating with chemists, quality assurance teams, and regulatory authorities is common, and effective communication is crucial when reporting findings or addressing discrepancies. Attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills help ensure reliable results and compliance with industry standards.

What is the difference between Drug Analyst vs Toxicologist?

AspectDrug AnalystToxicologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in chemistry, pharmacology, or related field; certifications varyBachelor's or higher in toxicology, biology, or related; often advanced certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, forensic labs, pharmaceutical companiesResearch labs, healthcare, environmental agencies
Industry UsageDrug testing, forensic analysis, pharmaceutical quality controlHealth risk assessment, environmental safety, forensic investigations

While both Drug Analysts and Toxicologists work in laboratory settings and require similar educational backgrounds, Drug Analysts primarily focus on analyzing drugs, substances, and forensic samples. Toxicologists assess the effects of chemicals and toxins on health and the environment. Their roles often overlap in forensic and pharmaceutical contexts, but Toxicologists typically have a broader scope related to toxicity and safety assessments.

How do you become a drug analyst?

To become a drug analyst, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or a related field. Relevant skills include laboratory techniques and knowledge of analytical instruments like chromatography and mass spectrometry; some positions may require certification or specialized training. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level laboratory work can also improve job prospects.

How to become a drug analyst?

To become a drug analyst, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or a related field. Relevant skills include laboratory techniques, attention to detail, and knowledge of analytical instruments like chromatography and spectrometry. Some positions may require certification or experience in forensic or pharmaceutical analysis.
More about Drug Analyst jobs

What cities are hiring for Drug Analyst jobs?

Cities with the most Drug Analyst job openings:

What states have the most Drug Analyst jobs?

States with the most job openings for Drug Analyst jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Drug Analyst jobs?

For Drug Analyst jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Drug Analyst jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drug Analyst job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,261 per year, or $35.2 per hour.

Forensic Drug Chemist

Decatur, GA • On-site

SNA International
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about SNA Internationalexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Description
SNA International seeks a bright, collaborative Forensic Drug Chemist with a strong work ethic to join our team. SNA International's team works together in pursuit of the same cause: building a safe and just world by empowering organizations to use forensics, biometrics, and identity intelligence.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Provide expert technical assistance to law enforcement agencies in analyzing controlled substances, following laboratory policies, Standard Operating Procedures, and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation requirements.
  • Facilitate the receipt, tracking, and secure storage of samples related to drug cases, in accordance with chain-of-custody requirements.
  • Coordinate and perform a range of drug identification tests, including Color Tests, Gas Chromatography (GC), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).
  • Document findings thoroughly and prepare comprehensive reports.
  • Ensure that all activities comply with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards and that lab safety procedures are strictly followed.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college/university in chemistry or other related science with sufficient chemistry courses (minimally general, organic, and analytical) or equivalent experience.
  • A minimum of three(3) to five(5) years of recent work experience as a Forensic Drug Chemist working as a bench analyst within an ISO/IEC 17025 forensic laboratory is required.
  • Successful completion of a formal, documented casework training program from an accredited forensic laboratory in forensic drug analysis and/or demonstration of competency.
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience with Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) and UV-VIS spectrometry plates.
  • Knowledge of basic theoretical principles and applications of the instrumentation and methodologies used to analyze controlled substances (e.g., Color Tests, GC, GC/MS, FTIR) and performing microscope and chemical tests.
  • Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures, quality assurance/quality control, and laboratory practices; instrumental analysis and experience in forensic drug analysis.

TO APPLY:
Please submit your resume.
SNA International is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Apply