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Drug Development Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Latigo Bio

Head of Government Affairs

Washington, DC · Remote

Serve as a strategic advisor to the executive team on public policy trends, legislative developments, and regulatory issues impacting drug development, pain management, and biotechnology innovation.

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Drug Development information

See Reston, VA salary details

$34.4K

$80.7K

$138.6K

How much do drug development jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for drug development in Reston, VA is $80,712.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,000.00 and $94,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Drug Development jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Drug Development jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Drug Development jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Drug Development job openings:
Drug Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drug Development job openings in Reston, VA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 40% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,712 per year, or $38.8 per hour.
Director, Strategic Projects and Organisational Enablement Clinical Development Hematology, R&D

Director, Strategic Projects and Organisational Enablement Clinical Development Hematology, R&D

AstraZeneca

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

AstraZeneca rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 71 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

Summary of Group:
The Hematology Research and Early Development (R&D) team has the accountability for all drug development activities in hematology research from first in man studies, all the way to late-stage trials leading to drug approval by regulatory agencies (Phase 1, 2 and 3 trials). The team strives to deliver compelling preclinical, clinical and translational data packages providing confidence in the dosing strategy, tolerability profile and therapeutic efficacy of our candidate drugs to support investment in late-stage clinical development, leading to drug approval.
Summary of Role:
The Director, Strategic Projects & Organizational Enablement drives execution of strategic priorities across Clinical Development by leading cross-functional initiatives, enhancing operational performance, and ensuring alignment with Haematology goals. The role integrates planning, performance management, and financial oversight while enabling collaboration, innovation, and effective delivery across global teams.
Responsibilities and Accountabilities:
  • Coordinate business improvement projects across Clinical Development, ensuring projects align with business needs and progress according to established breakthroughs. Implement new operational initiatives that improve business performance and continuity in the sophisticated, fast-moving Haematology environment. Support Clinical Development leaders to drive performance on the deliverables of the function in alignment with global Haematology goals
  • Work cross-functionally to highlight opportunities for innovation and operational excellence in support of Clinical Development function, proactively engaging with partners.
  • Coordinate priority initiatives and cross-portfolio activities across multiple teams and regions, maintaining alignment within and beyond sub-departments, and encouraging performance, collaboration and accountability.
  • Support senior leadership teams by helping with planning, defining objectives, and reviewing performance. You will ensure that the aims of the Clinical Development function are consistent with the broader Haematology vision and goals.
  • Track progress of goals and deliverables; you will report quarterly breakthroughs up to the Haem scorecard.
  • Lead communications with KEEs and setting up one-time or long-term contracts with external authorities for consultations
  • Coordinate with Global Clinical Heads on External Science Panels/Advisory Boards to receive external authority advice on clinical trial design proposals, including coordination with key external authorities, contracting, content creating, meeting logistics and takeaways
  • Coordinate annual planning cycles and ensure measurable metrics and success criteria are defined for all initiatives. Build and maintain relationships across functions to ensure the deliverables align with broader organizational priorities.
  • Lead business and financial planning activities for Clinical Development in partnership with Finance (e.g., long-term and medium-term planning) and contribute to Haematology-level planning in collaboration with the Head of Business Planning and Operations for CMO.
  • Work with leadership teams to set, lead, and communicate strategic priorities and goals (activities and budget), in close collaboration with portfolio, project and strategy teams, demonstrating reporting and analytics tools to communicate results.
  • Oversee the travel budget and carbon allocation for Clinical Development
  • Support preparation for critical internal and external meetings and presentations in partnership with Communications
  • Oversee the Clinical Development budget forecasting, resource planning in collaboration with Portfolio & Capacity, Finance and the Head of Business Planning and Operations for Haematology.
  • Support talent development, retention, and succession planning initiatives, including supporting open head count requests and leading the succession planning for the Clinical Development LT.

Required Education and Experience:
  • Master's degree in relevant discipline
  • 10+ years industry experience with 3+ years focus on project management or operations management
  • Solid understanding of pharmaceutical development or biotech
  • Consistent track record of supporting leadership teams or cross-functional teams
  • Strong ability to influence across organizational levels and functions
  • Demonstrated success in driving critical initiatives and business improvements
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to present to senior management and external partners
  • Consistent record to lead through change and in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong attention to detail and quality standards
  • Experience supporting organizational change or business transformation initiatives

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 $147,507 to $221,261. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
AstraZeneca is where science meets innovation to create impactful solutions! We challenge the status quo by leveraging data to drive scientific breakthroughs that make a tangible difference in patients' lives. Our collaborative environment fosters learning and growth, empowering you to contribute to meaningful research across global Therapy Areas. With countless opportunities for development, AstraZeneca is committed to investing in technology and expanding knowledge to maximize impact.
Ready to make a difference? Apply now to join our team and be part of something extraordinary!
Date Posted
20-May-2026
Closing Date
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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