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Drug Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Positively impact retail in-stock levels and sales by implementing forecast changes derived from analysis of item selling patterns and having gained agreement from the customer. * Facilitate planning ...

Financial Analyst

Woodbury, MN · On-site

$70K - $84K/yr

The Impact You Will Make The Financial Analyst role will be responsible for the preparation of ... Kindeva Drug Delivery is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate ...

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Drug Analyst information

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$31K

$73.3K

$130K

How much do drug analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 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:

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.

Program Analyst

Arlington, VA • On-site, Remote

Drug Enforcement Administration
Police Protection • 5 - 10K employees

$102K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Conducts comprehensive program and performance analyses.

  • Plans and executes complex international program reviews.

  • Manages financial and budgetary operations.


Job description

Summary
The position is located in the Drug Enforcement Administration, Office of Foreign Operations (OF), International Impact Section (OFP).
This position(s) primary purpose is to provide analytical support and oversight for the Sensitive Investigative Unit Program (SIU), Vetted Unit Program (VU), and the Judicial Wire Intercept Program (JWIP), and Operation All-Inclusive (OAH).
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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As a Program Analyst your typical work assignments may include:
  • Conducts comprehensive program and performance analyses.
  • Plans and executes complex international program reviews.
  • Manages financial and budgetary operations.
  • Facilitates interagency and international liaison activities.
  • Executes cost-effectiveness and operational studies.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation. Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
  • Incumbent is subject to random drug testing.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit: http://www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.
  • Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov/).

Qualifications
For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility
Applicants must meet the required qualification requirements described below by the closing date of the announcement.
Applicants applying for the GS-12 must meet one of the following requirements:
Have at least one full year of qualifying specialized experience that is at least equivalent in difficulty and complexity to work performed at the GS-11 grade level and your experience includes performing at least three of the tasks below as part of your regular duties.
Specialized experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Qualifying experience must demonstrate the following: 1) Analyzing and evaluating organizational programs and operations; 2) Developing, implementing, and evaluating program performance measures, policies, procedures, and operational requirements; 3) Providing technical advice and consultation to senior and executive-level management; 4) Establishing and maintaining effective liaison relationships with internal and external stakeholders; 5) Conducting resource, budget, and financial analyses for organizational programs; and 6) Conducting complex cost-effectiveness, cost-benefit, operational, workforce, or resource studies.
Applicants applying for the GS-13 must meet one of the following requirements:
Have at least one full year of qualifying specialized experience that is at least equivalent in difficulty and complexity to work performed at the GS-12 grade level and your experience includes performing at least four of the tasks below as part of your regular duties
Specialized experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Qualifying experience must demonstrate the following:1) Analyzing and evaluating organizational programs and operations; 2) Developing, implementing, and evaluating program performance measures, policies, procedures, and operational requirements; 3) Providing technical advice and consultation to senior and executive-level management; 4) Establishing and maintaining effective liaison relationships with internal and external stakeholders; 5) Conducting resource, budget, and financial analyses for organizational programs; 6) Conducting complex cost-effectiveness, cost-benefit, operational, workforce, or resource studies, and 7) Planning, coordinating, and executing complex programs or projects involving multiple organizational components
Additional information on the position qualification requirements are located in the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Qualifications Standards Handbook.
Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants must meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
Education requirements do not apply to this vacancy announcement.
Additional information
For reasonable accommodation at the Drug Enforcement Administration, please contact the Human Resources office listed in this announcement.
Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If an applicant is currently, or has been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, applicants must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office listed in this announcement.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. If eligible, applicants to this announcement may be referred to similar positions in any Division/Office listed in this announcement. Telework eligibility and security clearance requirements may vary for such similar positions.
Relocation Incentives may be considered and approved if the DEA has determined that the position is likely to be difficult to fill in the absence of an incentive and funding for such an incentive is available.
If eligible, telework agreements may be permitted with supervisory approval.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.