ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Drug Development Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

MMS

Senior Biostatistician - Remote (US)

Nashville, TN · On-site

Ability to apply drug development knowledge during production of high quality statistical analyses. * Perform sample size calculations for a variety of scenarios and study designs. * Leads projects ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDrug Development JobsDrug Development Jobs in Tennessee

Drug Development information

See Tennessee salary details

$30K

$70.3K

$120.7K

How much do drug development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for drug development in Tennessee is $70,284.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,100.00 and $82,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

How much do drug development professionals make?

Drug development professionals, including roles such as research scientists and clinical trial managers, typically earn salaries ranging from $70,000 to over $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior positions or those with specialized skills and certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in biotech and pharmaceutical companies.

Is drug development a good career?

Drug development is a challenging and rewarding career that involves research, clinical trials, and regulatory processes to bring new medications to market. It requires strong scientific knowledge, attention to detail, and often collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. The field offers opportunities for growth, innovation, and contributing to public health, but can also involve long hours and high responsibility.

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 facilities, or pharmaceutical companies to discover, test, and bring new drugs to market, often requiring knowledge of biology, chemistry, and regulatory processes.

What are popular job titles related to Drug Development jobs in Tennessee?

For Drug Development jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drug Development jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Drug Development jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Drug Development jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Drug Development job openings:

Drug Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drug Development job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,284 per year, or $33.8 per hour.

Director, Drug Development Unit - Tennessee Oncology

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

OneOncology
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 5K employees

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by parents

Learn more about OneOncologyexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Director, Drug Development Unit
Tennessee Oncology
Chattanooga, TN
Job Details:
Occupation: Director, Drug Development Unit
Specialty: Hematology/Oncology
Clinic Location: Chattanooga, TN
Employment: Full-Time
Opportunity: Unique opportunity to blend clinical and research responsibilities
Board Certifications: BE/BC
Degree: MD/DO
Work Environment: Private Practice
Ideal Candidate: Board-Certified/Board-Eligible, strong background in providing direct patient care and conducting research
About the Practice and their Mission:
Tennessee Oncology is built on a foundation of clinical excellence, compassionate support, and commitment to helping our patients through exceedingly challenging times in their lives. The education and experience of our physicians and healthcare team enable us to provide access to high-quality cancer care and the expertise of clinical research for all patients, at convenient locations within their community and close to their homes. The practice offers Hematology/Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Palliative Care, and Clinical trial & Research Programs.
Tennessee Oncology is a proud partner of OneOncology. OneOncology is a national partnership of leading independent community oncology practices working together to improve the lives of everyone living with cancer with a physician-led, data-driven, technology-powered, and patient-centric model. Through OneOncology, partner practices have shared technology platforms that foster communication, data sharing, and clinical excellence across the network. OneOncology's non-exclusive clinical trial site management subsidiary, OneR, delivers complex, multi-center clinical trials to affiliated practices.
Practice Details:
  • Total Group Count: 105 Physicians and 105 APPs
  • Phase 1, 2, and 3 clinical trials
  • Ancillary services include: in-house lab, in-house pathology, infusion centers, genetic counseling, proton therapy, imaging, retail pharmacy, nutritionist, physical therapist, social workers, chaplain
  • Medical services include: hematology/medical oncology, radiation oncology, palliative care, and APPs

About the Role:
Tennessee Oncology is seeking a Director of a new Phase I unit in Chattanooga. The Director will be responsible for the scientific leadership of this drug development unit including study selection, patient enrollment, study conduct, and sponsor relationships. This Phase I unit is part of a larger Phase I program within the Greco-Hainsworth Centers for Research at Tennessee Oncology, and part of a regional hub for clinical research. The Director will be supported a robust clinical trials infrastructure including study start-up, regulatory, contract and budgeting, data management, research nursing, pharmacy, and quality. More job details below:
  • The role requires a high-performing and energetic individual who demonstrates outstanding scientific knowledge applicable to hematology or oncology clinical research and the highest personal and ethical standards.
  • Develop and implement a strategic vision for the oncology clinical trials and research department aligned with the organization's broader medical and research goals.
  • Collaborate with senior management to set realistic objectives, timelines, and budgetary allocations for research initiatives.
  • Design and review clinical trial protocols to ensure scientific rigor, ethical compliance, and patient safety.
  • Supervise the initiation, execution, and completion of multiple clinical trials concurrently.
  • Monitor and analyze trial progress, outcomes, and safety data to make data-driven decisions and adapt protocols as necessary.
  • Ensure adherence to all relevant regulatory requirements and guidelines governing clinical trials in oncology.
  • Establish and maintain ethical standards, obtaining necessary approvals from institutional review boards (IRBs) and ethics committees.
  • Foster a collaborative environment among interdisciplinary teams, including physicians, researchers, statisticians, data managers, and other relevant staff.
  • Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for team members.
  • Analyze trial results and data to draw meaningful conclusions and contribute to scientific publications and presentations at conferences.
  • Prepare regular reports and updates on the progress and outcomes of clinical trials for stakeholders and governing bodies.
  • Represent the organization in professional conferences, scientific meetings, and collaborations with industry partners and academic institutions.
  • Actively seek opportunities for collaboration and funding for oncology research.
  • Ensure all processes, documentation, and procedures comply with quality assurance standards for clinical trials.

Recruitment Package:
  • Highly Competitive Compensation Models, including Productivity/Quality Incentives
  • Relocation Offered
  • CME Reimbursement
  • Comprehensive Medical/Dental Benefits
  • Retirement Savings Plan
  • Paid Time Off Offered
  • Malpractice Coverage Paid
  • Become part of Physician-Led Organizations that Supports Work/Life Balance

If you would like to apply or learn more about this opportunity, please email your CV to shanna.carpien@oneoncology.com
I look forward to speaking with you!

What OneOncology employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply