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Drug Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Drug Development information

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$32.6K

$76.4K

$131.3K

How much do drug development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for drug development in California is $76,424.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,700.00 and $89,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Drug Development vs Pharmacologist?

AspectDrug DevelopmentPharmacologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or related fields; often requires experience in clinical trialsDegree in Pharmacology, Pharmacy, or related fields; may require licensing or certification for clinical practice
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, clinical trial sitesResearch labs, hospitals, academic institutions, regulatory agencies
Industry UsageDeveloping new drugs, overseeing clinical trials, regulatory submissionsStudying drug effects, mechanisms, safety, and efficacy; advising on drug use

While both roles are integral to the pharmaceutical industry, Drug Development focuses on creating and bringing new drugs to market through research, testing, and regulatory processes. Pharmacologists primarily study how drugs interact with biological systems, often working in research or clinical settings to understand drug effects and safety. The two roles often collaborate but differ in their core responsibilities and career focus.

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

To thrive in Drug Development, you need a strong background in pharmaceutical sciences, biology, or chemistry, often supported by an advanced degree (e.g., PhD, PharmD, or MSc). Familiarity with regulatory compliance, clinical trial management systems, and data analysis software such as SAS or R is typically required. Excellent problem-solving, project management, and cross-functional communication skills help professionals excel in this multidisciplinary field. These competencies ensure that new drugs are developed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with regulatory standards.

What degree to develop drugs?

Drug development professionals typically hold degrees in pharmacy, chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, or related fields. Advanced roles often require a master's or doctoral degree, along with laboratory skills and knowledge of regulatory processes. Relevant certifications and experience in clinical trials or pharmaceutical research can also be important.

What is drug development?

Drug development is the process of bringing a new pharmaceutical drug to market. It involves several stages, including drug discovery, preclinical research, clinical trials, and regulatory approval. Each stage is designed to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of the drug before it can be made available to patients. The entire process can take several years and requires collaboration between scientists, clinicians, regulatory agencies, and pharmaceutical companies.

What is the highest paying job in pharmaceuticals?

In drug development, senior roles such as Vice President of Research and Development or Chief Scientific Officer typically have the highest salaries, often exceeding $200,000 annually. These positions require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership skills, and they oversee large teams and strategic decision-making in pharmaceutical companies.

What job is drug development?

A job in drug development involves researching, designing, testing, and bringing new pharmaceutical drugs to market. Professionals in this field often work in laboratories or clinical settings, utilizing skills in biology, chemistry, and regulatory compliance to develop safe and effective medications.

How do you get into drug development?

To enter drug development, candidates typically need a strong background in science or engineering, often holding a bachelor's degree in fields like chemistry, biology, or pharmacology. Advanced roles may require a master's or Ph.D., along with experience in laboratory research, clinical trials, or regulatory processes. Gaining skills in data analysis, Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), and familiarity with regulatory agencies like the FDA can also be beneficial.

What are the typical stages of collaboration between different teams in a drug development role?

In drug development, professionals regularly collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, including research scientists, clinical trial coordinators, regulatory affairs specialists, and manufacturing experts. Early stages involve close work with research and discovery teams to identify promising compounds, followed by coordination with clinical teams during trial phases, and finally with regulatory and production teams as the drug moves toward approval and commercialization. Effective communication and cross-functional teamwork are essential, as each stage relies on timely data sharing and joint problem-solving to navigate complex challenges.
What are popular job titles related to Drug Development jobs in California? For Drug Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Drug Development jobs? Cities in California with the most Drug Development job openings:
Assistant Professor, Early Drug Development

Assistant Professor, Early Drug Development

Stanford Energy

Stanford, CA • On-site

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Job description

Assistant Professor, Early Drug Development

Apply now Work type: University Medical Line
Location: Stanford University
Categories: School of Medicine

The Stanford Cancer Institute (SCI) at the Stanford University School of Medicine seeks a board-certified medical oncologist to join the Department of Medicine and the Division of Oncology as Assistant Professor in the University Medical Line. We are particularly interested in candidates with a focus on early-phase clinical trials.

  • The major criteria for appointment for faculty in the University Medical Line shall be excellence in the overall mix of clinical care, clinical teaching, scholarly activity that advances clinical medicine, and institutional service appropriate to the programmatic need the individual is expected to fulfill.

Individuals appointed as Assistant Professors will have completed their house staff training and, where appropriate, postdoctoral fellowship training.  They must demonstrate excellence or promise of excellence in the overall mix of contributions in clinical care, teaching and scholarly activity that advances clinical medicine appropriate to the programmatic need upon which the appointment will be based.  There should be evidence that candidates have the promise to attain regional recognition for excellence in the overall mix of contributions.   If these individuals have not had formal teaching experience, they should have demonstrated during their house staff and fellowship training a commitment to teaching, and they should have the potential to meet or exceed acceptable standards in teaching.

The SCI leads an Early Drug Development (EDD) Program focused on Phase I clinical trials in oncology. These are typically studies where first in-human novel cancer therapeutics clinical trials are developed for our patients, incorporating biomarkers in their clinical design. Increasingly, these Phase I studies serve an important role in the oncology drug development ecosystem where not only toxicity, but efficacy data are acquired with the goal of improving the standard of care for oncology patients.

The successful candidate should be a fellowship-trained specialist in medical oncology, with a focus on early-phase clinical trials. Additionally, she or he should have a demonstrated track record or significant potential in obtaining research funding, along with a history of publishing in leading scientific or medical journals.

This position is open to candidates trained in developing and conducting early phase innovative clinical/translational trials with targeted agents and immunotherapeutics. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a clinical/translational research program, teach graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and clinical fellows, and participate in the Oncology clinics. The SCI and the Division of Oncology benefits from an outstanding scientific and clinical environment, including active collaboration with the basic science departments and other Stanford Institutes. Eligible candidates must have an MD or MD/PhD and be board-certified in medical oncology.

The successful candidate will have experience working with a broad spectrum of investigators and, preferably, a dedicated interest in a particular disease area and/or focus on a therapeutic pathway, or experience with genomics and other biomarkers. Participation in relevant clinical and basic science conferences is also expected.

The mission of the Stanford Cancer Institute (SCI) is to leverage the broad and unique strengths of Stanford University in the sciences, in clinical care, and in translation to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of cancer patients; to understand cancer etiologies among diverse populations; and to decrease cancer incidence. The SCI offers unique opportunities for the successful candidate to be integral to its mission and to join a faculty highly engaged in improving cancer research and patient care.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University's research, teaching and clinical missions.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact disability.access@stanford.edu.

The university's central functions of research and education depend on freedom of thought, and expression. The Stanford Cancer Institute, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, and Stanford University value faculty who will help foster an open and respectful academic environment for colleagues, students, and staff with a wide range of backgrounds, identities, and perspectives. Candidates may choose to include as part of their research and teaching statements a brief discussion about how their work and experience will further these values.

Submit a CV, cover letter outlining the applicant's background and broad vision, a 2-page research interest statement, and a list of 3 references via the application link.

For questions, please contact Mihaela Bozdog at mihaelab@stanford.edu.

The expected base pay range for this position is $282,000 - $296,000. 

This pay range reflects base pay, which is based on faculty rank and years in rank. It does not include all components of the School of Medicine's faculty compensation program or pay from participation in departmental incentive compensation programs. For more information about compensation and our wide-range of benefits, including housing assistance, please contact the hiring department.

Stanford University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position upon hire. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including equivalent years in rank, training, and field or discipline; internal equity; and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Advertised: 29 Jan 2026 5:00 PM Pacific Standard Time
Applications close:

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