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Drug Development Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Sr. R&D Scientist

Manassas, VA · On-site

$91K - $125K/yr

Join the global drug development and delivery leader and help us bring over 7,000 life-saving and life-enhancing products to patients around the world. Catalent is an exciting and growing ...

Phlebotomist Float

Richmond, VA · On-site

$17.75 - $27.69/hr

Labcorp is a leader in diagnostics, drug development and healthcare innovation. Across every role, we harness data and AI to work smarter, move faster and create breakthrough solutions that improve ...

Phlebotomist

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$17.75 - $27.69/hr

Labcorp is a leader in diagnostics, drug development and healthcare innovation. Across every role, we harness data and AI to work smarter, move faster and create breakthrough solutions that improve ...

Phlebotomist

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$17.75 - $27.69/hr

Labcorp is a leader in diagnostics, drug development and healthcare innovation. Across every role, we harness data and AI to work smarter, move faster and create breakthrough solutions that improve ...

Labcorp is a leader in diagnostics, drug development and healthcare innovation. Across every role, we harness data and AI to work smarter, move faster and create breakthrough solutions that improve ...

Phlebotomist

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$17.75 - $26/hr

Labcorp is a leader in diagnostics, drug development and healthcare innovation. Across every role, we harness data and AI to work smarter, move faster and create breakthrough solutions that improve ...

Labcorp is a leader in diagnostics, drug development and healthcare innovation. Across every role, we harness data and AI to work smarter, move faster and create breakthrough solutions that improve ...

Labcorp is a leader in diagnostics, drug development and healthcare innovation. Across every role, we harness data and AI to work smarter, move faster and create breakthrough solutions that improve ...

Phlebotomist

Vienna, VA · On-site

$17.75 - $26/hr

Labcorp is a leader in diagnostics, drug development and healthcare innovation. Across every role, we harness data and AI to work smarter, move faster and create breakthrough solutions that improve ...

Labcorp is a leader in diagnostics, drug development and healthcare innovation. Across every role, we harness data and AI to work smarter, move faster and create breakthrough solutions that improve ...

Phlebotomist

Vienna, VA

$17.75 - $26/hr

Labcorp is a leader in diagnostics, drug development and healthcare innovation. Across every role, we harness data and AI to work smarter, move faster and create breakthrough solutions that improve ...

Phlebotomist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$17.75 - $26/hr

Labcorp is a leader in diagnostics, drug development and healthcare innovation. Across every role, we harness data and AI to work smarter, move faster and create breakthrough solutions that improve ...

Phlebotomist

Vienna, VA · On-site

$17.75 - $26/hr

Labcorp is a leader in diagnostics, drug development and healthcare innovation. Across every role, we harness data and AI to work smarter, move faster and create breakthrough solutions that improve ...

Phlebotomist

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$17.75 - $26/hr

Labcorp is a leader in diagnostics, drug development and healthcare innovation. Across every role, we harness data and AI to work smarter, move faster and create breakthrough solutions that improve ...

Phlebotomist Float

Richmond, VA · On-site

$17.75 - $27.69/hr

Labcorp is a leader in diagnostics, drug development and healthcare innovation. Across every role, we harness data and AI to work smarter, move faster and create breakthrough solutions that improve ...

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Showing results 1-20

Drug Development information

See Virginia salary details

$32.7K

$76.8K

$131.9K

How much do drug development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for drug development in Virginia is $76,774.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $89,700.00 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 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.

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.

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 are popular job titles related to Drug Development jobs in Virginia?

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Drug Development jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Drug Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Drug Development job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,774 per year, or $36.9 per hour.

Director Labs - Bioanalytical LCMS Research and Development

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Richmond, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Thermo Fisher Scientific rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 426 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

199th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

Work Schedule
Standard (Mon-Fri)
Environmental Conditions
Office
Job Description
This is a fully onsite role based at our bioanalytical laboratory in Richmond, VA at 8700 Quioccasin Road. We welcome applicants from all locations within the US.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, which includes a drug screening.
At Thermo Fisher Scientific, you'll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life - enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while taking science a step beyond through research, development and delivery of life-changing therapies. With clinical trials conducted in 100+ countries and ongoing development of novel frameworks for clinical research through our PPD clinical research portfolio, our work spans laboratory, digital and decentralized clinical trial services. Your determination to deliver quality and accuracy will improve health outcomes that people and communities depend on - now and in the future.
Our PPD® Laboratory Services team has a direct impact on improving patient health through the expertise of scientists, industry thought-leaders and therapeutic experts. As the world leader in serving science, our laboratory professionals bring their commitment to accuracy and quality to deliver groundbreaking innovations.
Discover Impactful Work:
Oversees all aspects of management of laboratory operations and ensures productivity, efficiency and quality of the work is maintained and financial goals of the business are achieved. Allocates resources, facilities and personnel where necessary. Plans and develops laboratory policies and ensures proper implementation. Provides technical leadership and mentors lab management staff. Develops and maintains client relationships.
A Day in the Life:
  • Negotiates and executes project contracts, defines project scope, pricing and business and contractual interactions with clients, business development and inside sales. Supports sales/marketing efforts and builds and maintains client relations.
  • Manages and directs work responsibilities of staff, assigns and prioritizes tasks and resources.
  • Financial management of projects, revenues and costs and ensures the financial goals for the business are met; strategic planning and capabilities development.
  • Oversees laboratory operations and ensures compliance to company SOP's and policies and client requirements.
  • Procures and allocates personnel and analytical instrumentation, IT and space needs to appropriate areas based on business needs.
  • Manages staff, which may include interviewing and selection, job description preparation, professional development, goal setting, performance management, coaching and mentoring, employee counseling, and separations. Approves courses of action on salary administration, hiring, corrective action, and terminations. Reviews and approves time records, expense reports, requests for leave, and overtime.

Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent and relevant formal academic / vocational qualification.
Previous experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job (comparable to 12+ years). 5+ years of management responsibility
Strong leadership skills.
In some cases an equivalency, consisting of a combination of appropriate education, training and/or directly related experience, will be considered sufficient for an individual to meet the requirements of the role.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Full understanding of GLP, ICH M10 guidelines and other regulatory requirements
  • Strong knowledge of the drug development industry, with a deep understanding of the role bioanalytical laboratories play in supporting clinical and nonclinical programs.
  • Strong knowledge of personnel and fiscal management
  • Strong knowledge of chromatography, mass spectrometry and other analytical instrumentation operation and troubleshooting within a regulated environment
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Excellent time management and organization skills
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to mutli-task
  • Excellent critical thinking skills to support quality decision making

Working Conditions and Environment:
Thermo Fisher Scientific values the health and wellbeing of our employees. We support and encourage individuals to create a healthy and balanced environment where they can thrive. Below is listed the working environment/requirements for this role:
• Able to communicate, receive, and understand information and ideas with diverse groups of people in a comprehensible and reasonable manner.
• Able to work upright and stationary for typical working hours.
• Ability to use and learn standard office equipment and technology with proficiency.
• Able to perform successfully under pressure while prioritizing and handling multiple projects or activities.
• May require travel.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range estimated for this position based in Virginia is $180,000.00-$230,000.00.
This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:
  • A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs
  • Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement
  • At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy
  • Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan
  • Employees' Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount

For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards

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