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Drug Analyst Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Intuitive Surgical

Drug Product, Dir.

Sunnyvale, CA

Collaborate with Analytical Colleagues to manage the drug product stability programs. * Collaborate cross-functionally--partnering with functional groups within Fluorescence Imaging and the greater ...

Intuitive

Drug Product, Dir.

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Collaborate with Analytical Colleagues to manage the drug product stability programs. * Collaborate cross-functionally-partnering with functional groups within Fluorescence Imaging and the greater ...

Intuitive

Drug Product, Dir.

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Collaborate with Analytical Colleagues to manage the drug product stability programs. * Collaborate cross-functionally-partnering with functional groups within Fluorescence Imaging and the greater ...

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All JobsDrug Analyst JobsDrug Analyst Jobs in California

Drug Analyst information

See California salary details

$30.6K

$72.3K

$128.3K

How much do drug analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for drug analyst in California is $72,302.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,800.00 and $85,900.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Drug Analyst jobs in California?

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

What job categories do people searching Drug Analyst jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Drug Analyst jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Drug Analyst jobs?

Cities in California with the most Drug Analyst job openings:

Drug Analyst jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drug Analyst job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,302 per year, or $34.8 per hour.

Scientist, Drug Product Analytical

NewLimit

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

About NewLimit
NewLimit is a biotechnology company working to radically extend human healthspan. We're developing medicines to treat age-related diseases by reprogramming the epigenome, a new therapeutic mechanism to restore regenerative potential in aged and diseased cells. We leverage functional genomics, pooled perturbation screening, and machine learning models to unravel the biology of epigenetic aging and disease using experiments of unprecedented scale.
Position
We are seeking a skilled and motivated Scientist to join our Delivery Sciences team. In this role, you will focus on building the analytical methods to characterize Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs) to enable our nucleic acid delivery technologies and support the drug product development.
Expertise in developing and implementing analytical methods to characterize RNA drug substances and LNP drug products, with experience managing method qualification, validation, and tech-transfer processes.
What you'll do
In your role as a Scientist, you will:
  • Design and execute analytical methods to assess the identity, integrity and purity of RNA drug substances and LNP drug products and LNP-conjugates
  • Perform deep-dive analysis into mRNA integrity, identity, lipid content and identity analysis to support drug product stability studies
  • Work closely with the cross-functional teams to support RNA and LNP analysis for drug development from early discovery to GLP/GMP stages. Act as a technical expert for our CRO/CDMO partners on drug substance and drug product analytical method development, validation phases and PK/PD assay developments
  • Interpret data from various analytical assays, reports and prepare data packages
  • Author high-quality technical reports, SOPs, and validation protocols to support regulatory filings
Requirements
  • Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field with 1-3 years of industry experience with direct experience working with mRNA-LNP delivery systems
  • IP-RP LC-UV/FLR: Expertise in Ion-Pair Reversed-Phase Chromatography for determining RNA purity, integrity and content
  • LC-CAD: Expertise in method development for lipid purity, content and lipid adducts analysis.
  • Capillary Electrophoresis (CE): Experience developing RNA integrity analysis in both Drug Substance (DS) and LNP Drug Product (DP)
  • DLS/MALS/Cryo-TEM: Expertise in particle size, polydispersity and particle distribution analysis
Nice to have
  • Understanding of ICH guidelines regarding method qualification and validation ICH Q2 (R1) and Q14
  • Proven success in tech-transferring analytical methods to Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations.
  • DoE, data visualization and statistical analysis (JMP, Python, R)
Benefits
NewLimit offers generous benefits to ensure our team can focus on our mission:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid parental leave
  • Industry-leading paid time off (PTO) - 20 days/year for all employees + holidays
  • Meals and snacks on-site

Salary Range: $130,000 to $170,000. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. NewLimit offers a competitive benefits package, which includes a 401k, healthcare coverage, and 20 days of PTO. Learn more at: https://www.newlimit.com/careers *This compensation and benefits information is based on Company's good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.

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