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Drug Development Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Interest in improving systems and supporting safe, effective drug development. At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work ...

New

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 ...

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 ...

Casual Hospital Phlebotomist

Portland, OR · On-site

$18 - $22.50/hr

Labcorp is seeking a Phlebotomist to join our team at Good Samaritan in Portland, OR Labcorp is a global leader in diagnostic testing and drug development solutions, helping healthcare providers ...

Labcorp is a global leader in diagnostic testing and drug development solutions, helping healthcare providers, researchers, and patients make informed decisions that advance care. Join us in our ...

Deliver structured feedback to inform the development of AI-driven tools for pharmacovigilance documentation and analysis. Preferred Qualifications * 5+ years of pharmacovigilance or drug safety ...

New

Showing results 21-40

Drug Development information

See Portland, OR salary details

$35K

$82.1K

$141K

How much do drug development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for drug development in Portland, OR is $82,124.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,000.00 and $96,000.00 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 cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Drug Development jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Drug Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Drug Development job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,124 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

Validation Engineer

Lonza

Portland, OR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 2 days ago

New


Lonza rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

The actual location of this job is in Bend, Oregon (USA). Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates and their families, if needed.

Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across five continents. While we work in science, there’s no magic formula to how we do it. Our greatest scientific solution is talented people working together, devising ideas that help businesses to help people. In exchange, we let our people own their careers. Their ideas, big and small, genuinely improve the world. And that’s the kind of work we want to be part of.

What you will get:

  • An agile career and dynamic working culture.
  • An inclusive and ethical workplace.
  • Compensation programs that recognize high performance.
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Access to Lonza’s global benefits program.

What you will do:

  • Partner with engineering, QA, and manufacturing teams to support smooth project execution.
  • Troubleshoot and improve equipment, processes, and systems.
  • Write, review, and execute qualification protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ) for new and existing equipment.
  • Identify risks to product quality and apply mitigation strategies.
  • Generate validation reports and maintain compliant documentation following FDA and cGMP guidelines.
  • Manage and close deviations or non‑conformances identified during testing.
  • Support engineering documentation such as user requirements and design qualification materials.

What we are looking for:

  • High School Diploma or GED required; engineering degree preferred.
  • Experience in CQV and temperature mapping.
  • Understanding of FDA, ICH, ISPE, and ISO guidelines.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Ability to solve problems and work cross‑functionally.
  • Strong communication and documentation skills.
  • Interest in improving systems and supporting safe, effective drug development.

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of.

Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you’re ready to help turn our customers’ breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board.

Ready to shape the future of life sciences? Apply now.


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