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Drug Development Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

This is an attractive opportunity for someone with sound scientific knowledge and drug development experience who enjoys a dynamic and entrepreneurial environment, and a highly visible role that ...

He/she will partner cross-functionally to drive robust drug substance and drug product manufacturing process development by providing key analytical data and insights. He/she will advance fundamental ...

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 ...

Leads strategic planning for drug development activities and projects to achieve departmental strategies, goals, and objectives. Utilizes scientific expertise to provide appropriate interpretation of ...

Leads strategic planning for drug development activities and projects to achieve departmental strategies, goals, and objectives. Utilizes scientific expertise to provide appropriate interpretation of ...

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Showing results 1-20

Drug Development information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$34K

$79.8K

$137K

How much do drug development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for drug development in Chicago, IL is $79,755.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,200.00 and $93,200.00 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.

How much does drug development make?

Drug development professionals, including roles such as research scientists and project managers, typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while senior roles or specialized positions can earn higher salaries, especially in biotech hubs or with advanced certifications.

Is drug discovery a good career?

Drug discovery is a vital part of drug development, involving identifying potential new medications through research and laboratory work. It requires strong scientific knowledge, analytical skills, and often collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. The field offers opportunities for innovation and growth, but can also involve long hours and high-pressure environments.

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 do you need to get into drug development?

Drug development professionals typically need at least a bachelor's degree in fields such as chemistry, biology, pharmaceutical sciences, or related disciplines. Advanced roles often require a master's or doctoral degree, along with laboratory skills and knowledge of regulatory processes.

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 popular job titles related to Drug Development jobs in Chicago, IL? For Drug Development jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Drug Development jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Drug Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Drug Development job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,755 per year, or $38.3 per hour.
Business Development Senior Manager

Business Development Senior Manager

Amgen

Deerfield, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Career CategoryBusiness DevelopmentJob DescriptionJoin Amgen's Mission of Serving Patients

At Amgen, if you feel like you're part of something bigger, it's because you are. Our shared mission-to serve patients living with serious illnesses-drives all that we do.

Since 1980, we've helped pioneer the world of biotech in our fight against the world's toughest diseases. With our focus on four therapeutic areas -Oncology, Inflammation, General Medicine, and Rare Disease- we reach millions of patients each year. Amgen is advancing a broad and deep pipeline of medicines to treat cancer, heart disease, inflammatory conditions, rare diseases, and obesity and obesity-related conditions. As a member of the Amgen team, you'll help make a lasting impact on the lives of patients as we research, manufacture, and deliver innovative medicines to help people live longer, fuller happier lives.

Our award-winning culture is collaborative, innovative, and science based. If you have a passion for challenges and the opportunities that lay within them, you'll thrive as part of the Amgen team. Join us and transform the lives of patients while transforming your career.

Business Development Senior Manager

What you will do

Let's do this. Let's change the world. The mission of Amgen's External Research and Development (ER&D) group within Business Development is to maximize Amgen's ability to deliver life changing therapies through rigorous identification and assessment of external innovation. Amgen is currently searching for a highly strategic and scientifically curious person to join our External R&D group as Senior Manager to support the General Medicines therapeutic area, with an emphasis on cardiovascular and bone diseases.

In this vital role you will actively support Amgen's growing pipeline and strategic goals by identifying and assessing opportunities from all external sources, including universities, venture/investment firms, small start-up companies, and other large pharma. The Senior Manager is responsible for the global search efforts to support the Therapeutic Area's strategic objectives, as well as managing the technical due diligence to ensure a thorough understanding of the potential and the risks of each opportunity. For opportunities of high interest, this person will partner with a Transaction lead to execute agreements that enhance the value of the opportunity, including venture investments, licensing, collaborations, and acquisitions. This is an attractive opportunity for someone with sound scientific knowledge and drug development experience who enjoys a dynamic and entrepreneurial environment, and a highly visible role that offers a chance to make significant contributions towards Amgen's goals and improve patient care.

Responsibilities:

  • Identify, prioritize, and evaluate innovative therapeutic opportunities from early preclinical through clinical and commercial stage

  • Support and lead strategic discussions and presentations, collaborating closely with senior management, R&D, and Commercial to develop a set of priorities for licensure or M&A.

  • Proactively source opportunities via internal and external networking, attending scientific sessions, monitoring of pipelines, news, and other sources such as KOLs, VCs, and industry leaders

  • Guide and manage evaluations with cross-functional teams, including R&D, Commercial, CMC/manufacturing, Legal, IP, and others

  • Provide recommendations and guidance, and ensure robust and efficient decision-making processes

  • Work closely with other Business Development functions to ensure appropriate deal structures and valuations are achieved

  • Ensure thorough record keeping

  • Reach out externally and internally to share Amgen's Business Development vision

  • This role requires strong collaboration, organization, scientific, and strategic skills, as well as the ability to prepare and present clear communications for senior management

What we expect of you

We are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. The Business Development professional we seek is a Senior Manager with these qualifications.

Basic Qualifications:

Doctorate degree and 2 years of Drug development industry and/or consulting and/or Business Development and/or competitive intelligence experience

OR

Master's degree and 4 years of Business Development and/or drug development industry experience

OR

Bachelor's degree and 6 years of Business Development and/or drug development industry experience

OR

Associate's degree and 10 years of Business Development and/or drug development industry experience

OR

High school diploma / GED and 12 years of Business Development and/or drug development industry experience

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Doctorate in scientific discipline, with robust working knowledge in cardiovascular, bone, or metabolic diseases

  • 3+ years of experience in biotech/pharma business development and/or drug development and/or consulting and/or competitive intelligence

  • Strong scientific, organizational, communication, and project management skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, with a record of key accomplishments

  • Effective communication skills, and ability to present to a wide range of audience, including senior executives

  • The ability to foresee and solve problems, and prioritize and meet deadlines

  • Strong team player

  • Ability to interface effectively with all-levels of experts across differing functional expertise within the organization, including Commercial, Legal, CMC, and Finance.

  • Demonstrated ability to create and build relationships with internal and external parties.

  • Professional demeanor with strong decision-making skills and ability to work calmly in a high intensity and dynamic environment

  • The ability to work independently as well as coordinate and guide large cross functional teams

What you can expect of us

As we work to develop treatments that take care of others, we also work to care for your professional and personal growth and well-being. From our competitive benefits to our collaborative culture, we'll support your journey every step of the way.

The expected annual salary range for this role in the U.S. (excluding Puerto Rico) is posted. Actual salary will vary based on several factors including but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.

In addition to the base salary, Amgen offers a Total Rewards Plan, based on eligibility, comprising of health and welfare plans for staff and eligible dependents, financial plans with opportunities to save towards retirement or other goals, work/life balance, and career development opportunities that may include:

  • A comprehensive employee benefits package, including a Retirement and Savings Plan with generous company contributions, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts
  • A discretionary annual bonus program, or for field sales representatives, a sales-based incentive plan
  • Stock-based long-term incentives
  • Award-winning time-off plans
  • Flexible work models where possible. Refer to the Work Location Type in the job posting to see if this applies.
Apply now and make a lasting impact with the Amgen team.careers.amgen.com

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Application deadline

Amgen does not have an application deadline for this position; we will continue accepting applications until we receive a sufficient number or select a candidate for the position.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship for this role is not guaranteed.

As an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people around the world, Amgen fosters an inclusive environment of diverse, ethical, committed and highly accomplished people who respect each other and live the Amgen values to continue advancing science to serve patients. Together, we compete in the fight against serious disease.

Amgen is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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Salary Range

147,832.00USD -200,008.00USD