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Drug Design Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Design Consultant Location: Naples, FL Reports To: General Manager Company Overview: At Kanes ... We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment background and drug testing. Kane's is ...

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning over memorization and connects organic chemistry to drug design, polymer science, and biochemistry pathways. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning over memorization and connects organic chemistry to drug design, polymer science, and biochemistry pathways. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning over memorization and connects organic chemistry to drug design, polymer science, and biochemistry pathways. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning over memorization and connects organic chemistry to drug design, polymer science, and biochemistry pathways. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning over memorization and connects organic chemistry to drug design, polymer science, and biochemistry pathways. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Organic Chemistry Tutor

Tampa, FL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning over memorization and connects organic chemistry to drug design, polymer science, and biochemistry pathways. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning over memorization and connects organic chemistry to drug design, polymer science, and biochemistry pathways. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Organic Chemistry Tutor

Miami, FL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning over memorization and connects organic chemistry to drug design, polymer science, and biochemistry pathways. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

Organic Chemistry Tutor

Miramar, FL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes mechanistic reasoning over memorization and connects organic chemistry to drug design, polymer science, and biochemistry pathways. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar ...

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Drug Design information

See Florida salary details

$8

$12

$18

How much do drug design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for drug design in Florida is $13.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.77 and $14.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is drug design?

Drug design is the process of discovering and developing new medications based on the knowledge of biological targets. Scientists use techniques like computer modeling and chemical analysis to create molecules that interact specifically with proteins or enzymes involved in diseases. This approach helps to optimize the effectiveness and safety of new drugs before they are synthesized and tested in the laboratory. Drug design plays a crucial role in developing targeted therapies and accelerating the drug discovery process.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in drug design teams?

Professionals in drug design often encounter challenges such as balancing innovation with regulatory requirements and managing the complexity of biological systems. Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams—including chemists, biologists, and computational scientists—can require strong communication skills to align on goals and methodologies. Additionally, tight project timelines and the need to iterate on compound structures based on early testing results are frequent hurdles. Staying updated with the latest technologies and methodologies is also essential for success in this rapidly evolving field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in drug design, and why are they important?

To excel in Drug Design, a strong background in chemistry, biology, pharmacology, and often a graduate degree in a related field are essential. Familiarity with molecular modeling software, cheminformatics tools, and high-throughput screening systems is typically required. Analytical thinking, creativity, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for identifying novel drug candidates and collaborating across disciplines. These skills enable the efficient development of safe, effective pharmaceuticals in a complex and highly regulated industry.

What is the difference between Drug Design vs Medicinal Chemist?

AspectDrug DesignMedicinal Chemist
Required CredentialsDegree in Chemistry, Pharmacology, or related fields; often advanced degreesDegree in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or related fields; often advanced degrees
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firmsResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms
Industry UsageFocuses on designing new drug candidates using computational and experimental methodsFocuses on synthesizing and optimizing chemical compounds for drugs

Drug Design and Medicinal Chemist roles overlap significantly, with both working in pharmaceutical research and requiring similar educational backgrounds. Drug Design emphasizes the conceptual creation of new drugs, often using computational tools, while Medicinal Chemists focus on synthesizing and refining these compounds. Both careers are vital in drug development and frequently searched together by professionals interested in pharmaceutical innovation.

How much do drug design engineers make?

Drug design engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills in computational modeling or medicinal chemistry can earn higher salaries, especially in biotech or pharmaceutical industries.

How to get a career in drug design?

A career in drug design typically requires a strong educational background in chemistry, biochemistry, or pharmacology, often at least a bachelor's degree with advanced degrees like a master's or Ph.D. for research roles. Skills in molecular modeling, computer-aided drug design, and familiarity with laboratory techniques are important, along with experience using specialized software and understanding of biological systems. Gaining internships or research experience can also improve job prospects in this field.

Is drug development a good career?

Drug design is a specialized field within pharmaceutical research that involves creating new medications through understanding chemical interactions and biological targets. It offers opportunities in research, laboratory work, and interdisciplinary collaboration, often requiring advanced degrees and knowledge of chemistry, biology, and data analysis. The career can be rewarding for those interested in science and innovation, with job prospects in biotech companies, research institutions, and regulatory agencies.

What cities in Florida are hiring for Drug Design jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Drug Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Drug Design job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $27,035 per year, or $13 per hour.

Design Controls Specialist

Miramar, FL

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Job Summary: 

The Design Controls Specialist is responsible for establishing, maintaining, and ensuring compliance of design control processes in accordance with regulatory requirements (FDA 21 CFR Part 820, ISO 13485, and applicable combination product guidelines). This role will own and manage Design History Files (DHF) and oversee product lifecycle management for transdermal drug delivery systems, ensuring traceability, risk management, and design integrity from concept through commercialization and post-market changes.

Job Responsibilities:

Design Control & Design History File (DHF) Management

  • Lead the creation, organization, review, and maintenance of Design History Files (DHF) for transdermal patch products.
  • Ensure DHFs demonstrate full compliance with:
    • FDA 21 CFR 820.30 (Design Controls)
    • ISO 13485 design and development requirements
    • Combination product regulations (21 CFR Part 4)
  • Maintain complete design traceability from:
    • User needs → Design inputs → Outputs → Verification → Validation → Design transfer
  • Perform routine audits and gap assessments of DHFs to ensure completeness and inspection readiness.
  • Ensure proper version control and document integrity within electronic document management systems (e.g. Trackwise).

Design Lifecycle Management

  • Support end-to-end product lifecycle management for transdermal patches:
    • Concept development
    • Feasibility and design planning
    • Verification & validation
    • Commercialization
    • Post-market lifecycle management
  • Drive and manage design changes (ECR/ECN) ensuring proper documentation, impact assessments, and approvals.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure lifecycle activities meet regulatory and quality expectations.

Risk Management & Compliance

  • Facilitate and maintain risk management documentation (ISO 14971 aligned), including:
    • Risk analyses (FMEA, FTA)
    • Risk control measures
    • Risk-benefit justifications
  • Ensure integration of risk management into design controls and lifecycle activities.
  • Support internal and external audits, including FDA inspections and notified body audits.
  • Act as subject matter expert on design control compliance for transdermal systems

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner with:
    • R&D / Formulation Scientists
    • Engineering (process, packaging, and equipment)
    • Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs
    • Manufacturing and Operations
  • Ensure alignment between product design, process design, and manufacturing transfer.
  • Support Design Transfer activities ensuring readiness for commercial production.

Documentation & Systems

  • Maintain and improve Quality Management System (QMS) procedures related to design controls.
  • Develop templates, SOPs, and best practices for DHF and lifecycle documentation.
  • Ensure all documentation supports labeling, stability, and performance requirements of transdermal patches.
  • Support digital transformation of DHF and lifecycle records when applicable.
  • All other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Life Sciences, or related field.
  • 3–7+ years of experience in:
    • Medical device, pharmaceutical, or combination product industries
    • Design controls and DHF management
  • Strong knowledge of:
    • FDA 21 CFR Part 820 and Part 4 (combination products)
    • ISO 13485 and ISO 14971
    • Design verification and validation processes
  • Experience with document control systems (e.g., TrackWise).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Experience with transdermal drug delivery systems or combination products.
  • Knowledge of adhesives, drug-in-adhesive systems, or patch manufacturing technologies.
  • Familiarity with process validation and technology transfer
  • Experience supporting FDA inspections or regulatory submissions (e.g., NDA, ANDA, 510(k)).
  • Strong attention to detail and documentation rigor
  • Excellent organizational and traceability management skills
  • Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations
  • Cross-functional leadership and collaboration
  • Problem-solving and risk-based thinking
  • Audit readiness mindset