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Drug Development Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

HighGround

Business Development Representative

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$40K - $130K/yr

Business Development Representative Position Summary Power Dry is seeking a motivated and ... Valid driver's license and ability to pass a drug screen and background check Benefits * Bi-weekly ...

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Drug Development information

See Iowa salary details

$31K

$72.7K

$124.9K

How much do drug development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for drug development in Iowa is $72,735.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,900.00 and $85,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What career develops drugs?

A career in drug development typically involves roles such as pharmacologist, medicinal chemist, clinical researcher, or regulatory affairs specialist. These professionals work in laboratories, research institutions, or pharmaceutical companies to discover, test, and bring new drugs to market, often requiring knowledge of biology, chemistry, and regulatory processes.

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 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.

How much do drug development professionals make?

Drug development professionals, including roles such as research scientists and clinical trial managers, typically earn between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while senior roles with advanced skills and certifications can exceed this range.

How do you get into drug development?

To enter drug development, individuals typically need a background in life sciences such as biology, chemistry, or pharmacology, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or advanced degree. Gaining experience through internships, research projects, or entry-level roles in pharmaceutical or biotech companies can be valuable, along with developing skills in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and regulatory compliance.

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 job categories do people searching Drug Development jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Drug Development jobs in Iowa are:
Drug Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drug Development job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,735 per year, or $35 per hour.

Analytical QA Leader - Drug Development (Remote) (Des Moines)

Travere Therapeutics

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Travere Therapeutics in San Diego is seeking an Associate Director of Quality Assurance - Technical to lead GxP analytical quality and compliance across development and commercialization stages. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams and vendors to qualify, validate, and transfer analytical methods, review validation activities, and support regulatory submissions.

The role requires deep GMP knowledge, risk assessment, and readiness for 10-20% travel; on-site presence in San Diego is

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