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Drug Development Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IQVIA

Senior Director, Drug Development

Durham, NC · On-site

Senior Director, Drug Development Location: Home-based in USA/Europe Job Overview: Manages a ... Provide medical, clinical, scientific, regulatory, and product development leadership and ...

Pacelabs

Analytical Development Scientist

Woburn, MA · On-site

$95K - $140K/yr

... innovative drug candidates. Summary We seek a highly motivated scientist with experience in analytical method development to support method and formulation development. Our clients include ...

Pace

Analytical Development Scientist

Woburn, MA · On-site

$95K - $140K/yr

... innovative drug candidates. Summary We seek a highly motivated scientist with experience in analytical method development to support method and formulation development. Our clients include ...

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How much do drug development scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for drug development scientist in the United States is $38.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.37 and $46.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a drug development scientist do?

A drug development scientist conducts research to discover and develop new medications, overseeing the process from laboratory experiments to clinical trials. They analyze data, optimize formulations, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards, often using specialized tools and techniques in a laboratory setting.

How to become a drug development scientist?

To become a drug development scientist, typically a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's or Ph.D. for advanced roles. Relevant skills include laboratory techniques, data analysis, and knowledge of regulatory requirements; experience through internships or research projects is also valuable.

How much does a drug discovery scientist make?

A drug discovery scientist's salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced scientists with advanced skills or specialized knowledge can earn higher salaries, especially in biotech or pharmaceutical companies.

What degree do I need for drug development?

A drug development scientist typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as chemistry, biology, pharmacology, or pharmaceutical sciences. Many roles require a master's degree or Ph.D. for advanced research positions, along with strong laboratory skills and knowledge of regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between Drug Development Scientist vs Pharmacologist?

AspectDrug Development ScientistPharmacologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or related fields; PhD often preferredBachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Pharmacology, Toxicology, or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, pharmaceutical companiesResearch labs, academic institutions, healthcare settings
Industry UsageDevelops and tests new drugs, oversees clinical trialsStudies drug effects, mechanisms, and interactions in biological systems

While both roles involve drug-related research, Drug Development Scientists focus on creating and testing new medications, whereas Pharmacologists study how drugs affect biological systems. Their work environments and credentials overlap, but their primary objectives differ: development versus understanding drug actions.

Infographic showing various Drug Development Scientist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,420 per year, or $38.7 per hour.
Senior Director, Drug Development

Senior Director, Drug Development

IQVIA, Inc.

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

IQVIA rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 207 rated it services

Job description

Job Level: Senior Director, Drug Development
Location: Home-based in USA/Europe
Job Overview:
Manages a department or small unit.; Provide leadership and advice on the development of optimum strategies for drug development, product lifecycle management and portfolio management to meet pharmaceutical and biotechnology customer goals (such as strategic leadership of clinical development plans, go/no go decisions, in-licensing, out-licensing, accelerated time to market, etc).; Provide medical, clinical, scientific, regulatory, and product development leadership and consultancy expertise to support strategic business activities and investment opportunities.; Participate in all aspects of Strategic Drug Development and lead the implementation of mission, goals and objectives, development of policies, procedures and standards for the department. ; Provide thought leadership in pharmaceutical product development by preparing publications, white papers, and blogs in areas of expertise and by participating in scientific conferences and webinars, as appropriate.
Essential Functions:
  • Evaluate and develop product development strategies for pharmaceutical products (drugs, biologics, advanced therapies) focusing on clinical-commercial convergence that encompasses all phases of development from discovery to market, including preclinical strategy, clinical strategy, regulatory strategy, and commercial strategy.
  • Support engagements with regulatory authorities (e.g., FDA, EMA) on behalf of customers, across the lifecycle of drug development from pre-clinical to licensing, including contribution to briefing documents and other meeting materials, and attendance and contribution to meetings and other interactions.
  • Lead assessments of risk and probability of regulatory success and development of mitigations for candidate pharmaceutical products, including providing regulatory contributions to indication prioritization exercises, development strategy evaluations and gap analyses, due diligence, and similar activities.
  • Support the innovative development of compounds to maximize technical, regulatory, and commercial success, including contribution to the development of Target Product Profiles (TPPs), Clinical Development Plans (CDPs), clinical study designs, synopses, and protocols, as appropriate.
  • Strategic leadership of the development of regulatory submissions, including INDs, marketing/licensing authorizations (NDA/BLA/MAAs), special designations (orphan drugs, pediatrics plans, "fast-track", "break-through" etc....).
  • Ensure high-quality, well-reasoned, objective deliverables (using data-driven design, where available and appropriate) that meet the highest standards of medical, ethical and scientific integrity and conduct.
  • Assume the role of customer senior management as requested, including membership of virtual cross functional drug development teams.
  • Provide drug development expertise to support strategic business activities and investment opportunities.
  • Assist in the development of programs to maximize the organization's growth and profitability.
  • Ensure Customer Satisfaction by working closely with Senior Management, CRO Operations, Therapeutic Units, and other Operations Heads to ensure optimum strategic consultancy to customers.
  • Serve as a key resource and participate in strategic business development activities including presentations to prospective clients, professional meetings or other business development activities for IQVIA Strategic Drug Development.
  • Provide internal and external therapeutic and pharmaceutical development-related educational services in support of all branches of IQVIA business.
  • Attend key scientific meetings/conferences and keep abreast of relevant scientific publications to maintain awareness of current scientific developments and progress in drug development methodology
  • As appropriate, represent IQVIA or the partner in such meetings.
  • Develop and maintain ongoing relationships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, key opinion leaders
  • identify new business opportunities.
  • Compliance with all business office requirements for tracking time and effort.

Qualifications:
  • Masters degree or higher or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
  • Typically requires 15-20+ years relevant clinical research experience with multi-regional and global focus including significant experience in senior strategic role.
  • Requires broad management and leadership knowledge to lead multiple job areas, the ability to influence others to accept practices and approaches.
  • Expertise in Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Strong strategic thinking, analytical and communication skills and ability to thrive in a culture of achievement.
  • Client-focused and consultative approach for project management - not just an order taker but is able to suggest alternate approaches and provide strategic insights that meet client needs.
  • Demonstrates a strong command of a variety of analytical and market research techniques.
  • Sought out by clients (internal and external) as an analytical expert and, more importantly, as a strategic advisor.
  • Grasps key issues quickly, understands the "big picture", and links market research insights to larger business issues relevant to client needs.
  • Demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication skills and is effective in a variety of presentation settings.
  • Has a strong commitment to quality.
  • Has a proven track record of meeting or exceeding goals.
  • Has broad management knowledge to lead teams and leadership knowledge to lead multiple job areas.
  • Has ability to influence others to accept practices and approaches.

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IQVIA is a leading global provider of clinical research services, commercial insights and healthcare intelligence to the life sciences and healthcare industries. We create intelligent connections to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative medical treatments to help improve patient outcomes and population health worldwide. Learn more at https://jobs.iqvia.com
IQVIA is proud to be 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, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable law. https://jobs.iqvia.com/eoe
IQVIA is committed to integrity in our hiring process and maintains a zero tolerance policy for candidate fraud. All information and credentials submitted in your application must be truthful and complete. Any false statements, misrepresentations, or material omissions during the recruitment process will result in immediate disqualification of your application, or termination of employment if discovered later, in accordance with applicable law. We appreciate your honesty and professionalism.
The potential base pay range for this role, when annualized, is $186,300.00 - $519,000.00. The actual base pay offered may vary based on a number of factors including job-related qualifications such as knowledge, skills, education, and experience; location; and/or schedule (full or part-time). Dependent on the position offered, incentive plans, bonuses, and/or other forms of compensation may be offered, in addition to a range of health and welfare and/or other benefits.

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About IQVIA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At IQVIA, we are passionate about helping customers and partners improve results and patient outcomes. Everything we do contributes to this vision for creating a healthier world. In today’s healthcare environment, it’s not only about how much data, information, and technology you have at your fingertips – it’s what you do with it. IQVIA is focused on making intelligent connections for customers across the entire healthcare ecosystem to help you drive healthcare forward. Whether that means partnering with novel technology companies to boost patient engagement, leveraging AI & machine learning to accelerate results, or using decentralized trials to reach the right patients wherever they are – we are always looking for smarter ways to move you forward.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US

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