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Drug Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SNA International

Forensic Drug Chemist

Decatur, GA · On-site

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 ...

SNA International

Forensic Drug Chemist

Pearl, MS · On-site

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, to ...

SNA International

Forensic Drug Chemist

Decatur, GA

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 ...

SNA International

Forensic Drug Chemist

Pearl, MS

Minimum of three (3) 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 ...

Eurofins

Computational Chemist

Saint Charles, MO · On-site +1

Given the expanding scope of the Drug Discovery Chemistry group's operations, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to continue to build on the existing team to achieve this goal. S/he ...

Textum Opco LLC

Chemist

Miamisburg, OH · On-site

Textum OPCO, LLC is a drug-free work environment. * Textum OPCO, LLC is an equal opportunity ... Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a related field is required * 2+ years of ...

Ergon, Inc - Refining & Marketing

Chemist

Newell, WV · On-site

Laboratory Chemist ResponsibilitiesDevelop and optimize laboratory methodologies for testing ... Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check. A clean MVR is required.

Ergon, Inc - Refining & Marketing

Chemist

Newell, WV · On-site

Laboratory Chemist Responsibilities * Develop and optimize laboratory methodologies for testing ... Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check. A clean MVR is required.

Ergon

Chemist

Newell, WV

Laboratory Chemist Responsibilities * Develop and optimize laboratory methodologies for testing ... Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check. A clean MVR is required.

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Drug Chemist information

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How much do drug chemist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for drug chemist in the United States is $30.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $35.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Drug Chemist, you need a solid background in chemistry, analytical techniques, and pharmaceutical sciences, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemistry or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation such as HPLC, GC-MS, and compliance with regulatory standards like GLP or GMP is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help drug chemists ensure accuracy and work collaboratively in lab environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing safe, effective drugs and maintaining rigorous quality control throughout the drug development process.

What are some common challenges faced by drug chemists in a forensic laboratory setting?

Drug chemists often encounter challenges such as handling a high volume of casework, ensuring the accurate identification of complex or emerging substances, and maintaining strict chain-of-custody protocols for evidence. Working in a forensic lab also requires meticulous attention to detail and adherence to quality control standards to ensure results are legally defensible. Collaboration with law enforcement officers and attorneys is common, and drug chemists must be prepared to provide expert testimony in court regarding their analytical findings.

What is the difference between Drug Chemist vs Pharmaceutical Scientist?

AspectDrug ChemistPharmaceutical Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Pharmacy, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Pharmacy, Chemistry, or Pharmaceutical Sciences
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, manufacturing plantsResearch labs, development centers, manufacturing settings
Industry UsageDeveloping and testing drugs, quality controlFormulating, testing, and improving pharmaceutical products

Both Drug Chemists and Pharmaceutical Scientists work in laboratory settings within the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on drug development and testing. While their roles overlap in chemistry and lab work, Drug Chemists often concentrate on chemical analysis and quality control, whereas Pharmaceutical Scientists focus on formulation and product development. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the pharmaceutical field.

How do I become a drug chemist?

To become a drug chemist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field. Advanced roles often require a master's or doctoral degree, along with laboratory experience and knowledge of analytical techniques such as chromatography and spectroscopy. Certification or training in Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) can also enhance job prospects.

How much does a drug chemist make?

A drug chemist typically earns a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can vary based on the industry, level of expertise, and whether they work in research, development, or quality control environments.

What does a drug chemist do?

A drug chemist researches, develops, and tests pharmaceutical compounds to ensure their safety, efficacy, and quality. They analyze chemical properties, synthesize new drugs, and work in laboratories using techniques like chromatography and spectroscopy, often requiring specialized knowledge and certifications. Their work supports the creation of medications used in healthcare.
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Drug Chemist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drug Chemist job openings in the United States 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 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,466 per year, or $31 per hour.

Forensic Drug Chemist

SNA International

Decatur, GA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 27 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.

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