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Drug Development Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Immunocore

Director Clinical Development

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$87K - $118K/yr

At least 3 years of relevant experience in clinical drug development across academia or pharmaceutical industry (must include experience conducting early phase trials) * 2 years or more experience as ...

New

Cytel

Director, Business Development

Annapolis, MD · On-site

You will have the opportunity to play an integral role helping our clients and the industry shape the future of drug development * You will be part of an exciting new chapter in Cytel's history with ...

TRI Challenge Convention

S & P Specialist

Bethesda, MD · Hybrid

Knowledge of GCP and ICH guidelines preferred; drug development/clinical trial experience essential. Knowledge of safety databases and/or MedDRA coding preferred Experience leading clinical and cross ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsDrug Development JobsDrug Development Jobs in Washington

Drug Development information

See Washington salary details

$37.4K

$87.7K

$150.6K

How much do drug development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for drug development in Washington is $87,706.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,300.00 and $102,500.00 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 Washington?

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

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

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

What cities in Washington are hiring for Drug Development jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Drug Development job openings:

Drug Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drug Development job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,706 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Senior Director, Global Project Management, Cell Therapy

Gaithersburg, MD • Hybrid

AstraZeneca
Pharmaceutical Product Wholesalers • 10K+ employees
Learn more about AstraZenecaexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

AstraZeneca rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Senior Director, Global Project Management, Cell Therapy

Gaithersburg, MD, candidates from Boston, MA will also be considered

Global Portfolio & Project Management (GPPM)

Hybrid Work- on average 3 days/week in office

The Senior Director, Global Project Management, Cell Therapy is a key leadership position,accountable for theprojectmanagementofGlobal Project Teams (GPTs), working alongsideGlobalProduct, Scientific, ClinicalCommercialLeaderstoestablishthe brand strategy and deliverthe approved project plans.

You will be assigned to leadprogrammesof the highest complexity and priority and are regarded as key leaders within theGPT andGPPM organization.This is a critical and exciting opportunity to use your scientific knowledge and strategicexpertiseto lead and influence decisions that will have a direct impact on patients' lives. Working at the highest levels, you will ensure the decisions we make position AstraZeneca for maximum return on investment and positive patient outcomes.

What you'll do

StrategicBusiness Partnership

  • Provide program management leadership and excellence through active input into the project strategy ensuring alignment of the programstrategy with operational reality

  • Leaddevelopment of drug project, cross-project, or portfolio strategies

  • Where applicable, work with alliance partners and run joint alliance forums and governance committee

  • Identifykey business opportunities orneedsfor strategic shifts based on external and internal events

  • Partner with Business Development to provide strategic input to potential deal cases (investment & divestment)

  • Ensureappropriate linkagesbetween project strategy and key internal processes (TA strategy, TA prioritization, corporate scorecard)

Cross-functional Team Leadership and Delivery

  • Lead project management of cross functional drug development teams andensuredelivery of strategic objectives

  • Createa shared sense of purpose, inspiring andenergisingothers to build andmaintaina cohesive High Performing Team.

  • Coach project teamsandGPT towards successful issue resolution and decision making.Engage with critical stakeholders to address barriers or challenges facing team

  • Focusthe GPT on the right activities at the right time. Coordinate the efforts of sub-teams to ensure delivery at multiple levels of the development team.

  • Design, implement, andoptimizeeffective communication within and outside the team. Coordinate with corporate communicationstolead the team's external communication plan.

  • Ensurethe team hasa good informationmanagement system in line with AZ best practice.Ensure integrity of information management systems to connect to external parties. Drive continuous improvement in how the team approaches information management

  • Ensuredata quality as per agreed standards and monitoring metrics

  • Identifydevelopment opportunities for team members

Governance and Investment Decisions

  • Lead team towards optimized governance decisions -e.g.evaluate multiple strategic options and drive team to value-maximizing drug development decisions

  • Provide guidance to both the team and senior management / governance bodies that allows efficient (timelyand informed) decision making

  • Leverage broad influential network and ensures engagement at all levels prior to key decisions

Planning, Monitoring and Delivery

  • Ensure that overall GPT deliverables, budgets, schedules, and performance standards are realistically set, governance approved andattained, and that the project effectively fulfils all information management and business reporting requirements

  • Direct project support staff inmaintainingplans of the highest data quality, accountable for all integrated project management deliverables associated with the GPT

  • Accountable for all integrated Project Management deliverables associated with the program

Entrepreneurship

  • Serve as a role model for cross-functional collaboration and effective conflict resolution

  • Lead by example in learning and innovation,seek opportunities to change paradigms and remove barriers within and outside the team

  • Applyextensive business insight to drive cross project learning,championand embed better ways of working across the enterprise.

  • Proactivelypromotelearning and knowledge sharing. Expected to mentor or supervise other project managers. May provide input for staff development, recruitment, successionplanningand resource model.Helpestablishnew company best practices

  • Share lessons learned and communicate those throughout the GPM community to drive adoption of knowledge beyond the GPT

Essential for the role

  • Bachelor's degree in a scientific or business related field

  • Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience with cross-functional drug development teams.

  • Extensive experience leading drug development projects including success in multiple roles/development phases/TAs related to drug development project or program management.

  • Track-record of expertly navigating governance processes to drive complex projects forward.

  • Successful track record of delivering complex/ high strategic business impact projects within agreed time, quality and cost. Expert knowledge of project management tools and processes.

  • Experience of driving cross portfolio, above-asset DA or TA drug development projects.

  • Experience in developing Business Development business cases including pressure testing of proposed timelines, and where applicable, Due Diligence activities.

  • Skilled at building, motivating, leading and inspiring high performing teams. Proven ability to develop and educate team members and mentor individuals within and outside own function.

  • Experience in project control, project reporting and ensuring high quality project data (milestone, cost, risk) in enterprise systems.

  • Track record of effective senior stakeholder management, demonstrating effective communication skills and strong ability to influence strategically using data.

Desirable for the role

  • Late stage drug development experience

  • Relevant therapeutic area expertise - CVRM and/or Respiratory & Immunology, and/or cell therapy experience.

  • Strong internal network with experience in AZ ways of working.

  • Track-record of building diverse, inclusive teams and delivering in multi-cultural environments.

Office Working Requirements

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $206,993.60 - 310,490.40 USD. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives-an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now and join us on this exciting journey.

#LI-Hybrid

Date Posted

27-Aug-2026

Closing Date

09-Sept-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.

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About AstraZeneca

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world's most serious diseases. But we're more than one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. A place built on courage, curiosity and collaboration - we make bold decisions driven by patient outcomes. Empowered to lead at every level, free to ask questions and take smart risks that write the next chapter for our pipeline and Oncology team. Make a meaningful impact that brings real benefits to society. By applying your knowledge of data, you will help to redefine our industry and ultimately save lives. Work with experts who share a common goal: to accelerate the potential of medicines and the science of tomorrow.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers and pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, GB

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