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Drug Design Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Foth

Civil Design Technician

Des Moines, IA · On-site

We are seeking a full-time Civil Design Technician to join our Transportation Design team in our ... Foth will pay for all drug testing, which will be conducted by a licensed independent medical ...

Foth

Civil Design Technician

Des Moines, IA · On-site

We are seeking a full-time Civil Design Technician to join our Transportation Design team in our ... Foth will pay for all drug testing, which will be conducted by a licensed independent medical ...

Foth

Civil Design Technician

Des Moines, IA

We are seeking a full-time Civil Design Technician to join our Transportation Design team in our ... Foth will pay for all drug testing, which will be conducted by a licensed independent medical ...

Rite-Hite

Design Engineer

Dubuque, IA · Hybrid

Rite-Hite is seeking a Design Engineer to join our team. This position is responsible for the ... We are also committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace for the safety of our employees and ...

Rite Hite

Design Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

Rite-Hite is seeking a Design Engineer to join our team. This position is responsible for the ... We are also committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace for the safety of our employees and ...

Varsity Tutors

Organic Chemistry Tutor

Ames, IA · 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 ...

Varsity Tutors

Organic Chemistry Tutor

Iowa City, IA · 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 ...

Varsity Tutors

Biochemistry Tutor

Iowa City, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes molecular-level reasoning and connects biochemistry to drug design, clinical diagnostics, and genetic disease mechanisms. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

Varsity Tutors

Biochemistry Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes molecular-level reasoning and connects biochemistry to drug design, clinical diagnostics, and genetic disease mechanisms. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

Tri-City Group

Senior Designer/Design Manager

Davenport, IA

$90K - $96K/yr

Senior Designer/Design Manager will be responsible for producing design-related documents to ensure ... All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen. Tri ...

Tri-City Group

Senior Designer/Design Manager

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$99K - $106K/yr

Tri-City Fire Protection is currently seeking a Senior Designer/Design Manager for an immediate ... All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen. Tri ...

Tri-City Group

Senior Designer/Design Manager

Davenport, IA · On-site

$90K - $96K/yr

Senior Designer/Design Manager will be responsible for producing design-related documents to ensure ... All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen. Tri ...

Tri-City Group

Senior Designer/Design Manager

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$99K - $106K/yr

Tri-City Fire Protection is currently seeking a Senior Designer/Design Manager for an immediate ... All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen. Tri ...

Tri-City Group

Senior Designer/Design Manager

Davenport, IA · On-site

$90K - $96K/yr

Senior Designer/Design Manager will be responsible for producing design-related documents to ensure ... All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen. Tri ...

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All JobsDrug Design JobsDrug Design Jobs in Iowa

Drug Design information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$16

$23

How much do drug design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for drug design in Iowa is $16.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $18.08 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 are popular job titles related to Drug Design jobs in Iowa?

For Drug Design jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drug Design jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Drug Design jobs in Iowa are:

Drug Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drug Design job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,980 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Civil Design Technician

Foth

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Foth is a 100% member-owned science and engineering consulting firm headquartered in Wisconsin, with over 85 years of success. Our 750 members across 33 locations are dedicated to solving our clients' toughest science and engineering challenges. Consistently ranked by Engineering News Record in the top 150 firms, we offer a values-based, collaborative, and flexible work environment with professional growth opportunities. If you thrive working alongside a smart and caring team, Foth may be the place for you.
Join our team and experience the Foth difference that contributes to our impressive 92+% member retention rate! Learn more at foth.com/careers. 


At Foth, your career is more than just a job. It's an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the communities we serve. We are seeking a full-time Civil Design Technician to join our Transportation Design team in our newly relocated Des Moines, IA office, located in the heart of downtown. You will support transportation infrastructure projects, receive one-on-one mentorship, and contribute to innovative design solutions that make a difference!

Primary Responsibilities:
  • Serve as technical support for the project team of design engineers and project managers for roadway/transportation related projects
  • Assist in the planning, design, and construction administration of projects
  • Coordinate roadway design project plans with associated utilities
  • Create 3D models to support the design and engineering of key project elements
  • Integrate new technologies within the design process
  • Demonstrate eagerness to learn new areas of engineering
Required Qualifications:
  • Associates degree in Civil Engineering Technology or related field
  • Familiarity with or previous experience using MicroStation/OpenRoads Designer and/or AutoCAD/Civil3D software for design and drafting tasks
All Foth Companies are equal opportunity employers, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Qualified women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. All locations are tobacco-free.  Subject to applicable state law, all applicants who have received a written offer of employment and a copy of Foth's Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Program Policy, will be required to undergo testing for commonly abused controlled substances. Applicants must complete the required drug testing within two business days of offer acceptance.  Foth will pay for all drug testing, which will be conducted by a licensed independent medical laboratory that follows testing requirements in accordance with applicable state law.
 
Colorado Residents: In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
 
Notice to Third Party Recruiters/Agencies: Foth does not accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiting firms. Absent a signed recruiting agreement coordinated through Foth, Foth reserves the right to pursue and hire candidates without financial obligation to third party recruiters or agencies.
Artificial Intelligence: Foth uses artificial intelligence and other technology-assisted tools in connection with parts of our recruiting and hiring process, including to assist with reviewing application materials, identifying potentially qualified candidates, sourcing candidates, and supporting interview preparation. These tools are used to support, but do not replace, human decision-making, and all employment decisions are made by qualified human reviewers. Where required by law, we will provide additional information regarding the use of these tools, and applicants may contact us with questions or request reasonable accommodation regarding their use.
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