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Drug Development Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Development Manager

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$55K - $69K/yr

... drug development, partnering with the CF community, and advancing high-quality, specialized care. By joining the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation , you will be part of a dedicated team committed to our ...

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 ...

Regulatory Affairs Strategy Director

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$186K - $279K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Are you passionate about science and experienced within regulatory affairs and drug development? Do you possess strategic and operational leadership skills? Then, join us at Cardiovascular, Renal or ...

Regulatory Affairs Strategy Director

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$186K - $279K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Are you passionate about science and experienced within regulatory affairs and drug development? Do you possess strategic and operational leadership skills? Then, join us at Cardiovascular, Renal or ...

Must have a thorough knowledge of clinical research concepts, practices, and FDA regulations and ICH Guidelines regarding drug development phases, clinical research and medical writing standards ...

Showing results 41-60

Drug Development information

See Reston, VA salary details

$34.3K

$80.6K

$138.4K

How much do drug development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for drug development in Reston, VA is $80,563.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,900.00 and $94,200.00 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 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:

Infographic showing various Drug Development job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,563 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

Director, Regulatory Affairs Liaison, Vaccines & Infectious Diseases

MSD

Rockville, MD

$152K - $201K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Job Description

Department- Global Regulatory Affairs and Clinical Safety - Vaccine & Infectious Disease

Brief Description of Position-

The Regulatory Affairs Headquarters Principal Scientist is responsible for development and implementation of global regulatory strategy for their assigned projects in the Vaccines and Infectious Disease therapeutic area.

Primary activities include, but are not limited to:

  • Functions with a high degree of independence and provides regulatory oversight for assigned products, functioning as the single, accountable, global regulatory point of contact on those projects within Global Regulatory Affairs and Clinical Safety (GRACS) and external to GRACS.

  • Develops worldwide product regulatory strategy to optimize label and obtain shortest time to approval by regulatory agencies for multiple indications simultaneously.

  • Provides expert advice to Product Development Teams and subsidiaries on regulatory issues as they arise with the developmental compounds or marketed products throughout the entire life cycle of the drug.

  • Provides leadership as head of the Global Regulatory Team, which coordinates cross-functional regulatory support for development programs and marketed products.

  • Represents our company with external organizations through direct communication with the FDA, including telephone calls and e-mail; chairs meetings between our Company and FDA; prepares our Company teams for meetings with FDA at all phases of drug development.

  • Leads cross-functional efforts to prepare for advisory committees and may speak at the advisory committee.

  • Coordinates interactions with foreign agencies through Regulatory Affairs Europe and the subsidiary registration departments to support their interactions and provide strategic direction across multiple regions simultaneously.

  • Reviews and provides final approval of Worldwide Marketing Applications, Clinical Study Reports, Protocols, Investigators Brochures before release from our company to external agencies and investigators.

  • Represents Global Regulatory Affairs (GR) within internal committees to provide regulatory advice and approval according to the committee charters (therapeutic area Document Review Committees, Product Development Team, Early Development Team, and Label Evaluation and Development Team.

  • Conducts initial Investigational New Drug application/Clinical Study Agreement content review and approval to facilitate initial approval by regulatory agencies for conduct of clinical trials.

  • Participates in regulatory due diligence activities for licensing candidate review and works with business development partners in executing regulatory responsibilities to advance developmental compounds or support marketed products.

Location- USA-Pennsylvania-North Wales-Upper Gwynedd

Additional Locations:

USA-New Jersey-Rahway

USA-Pennsylvania-Philadelphia-WeWork

Extent of Travel - 10%

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Education Minimum Requirements:

  • M.D. or Ph.D. or other related doctoral degree in biological science, chemistry or related discipline. Other degrees such as master's with substantial experience in regulatory affairs to suggest equivalent ability to function in this position.

Required Experience and Skills:

  • M.D. with minimum of 3 years relevant drug development or clinical experience required, or

  • Ph.D. with minimum of 5 years relevant drug development experience required, or

  • M.S. with minimum of 7 years relevant drug development or clinical experience, preference if this experience is in regulatory affairs.

  • Excellent communication skills (both oral and written).

  • Good organizational skills with a proven ability to simultaneously balance diverse activities or multiple projects.

  • Flexibility required.

  • Strong scientific and analytical skills with attention to detail.

  • Ability to achieve optimal results with limited day-to-day direction from the manager.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

  • Substantial experience in regulatory affairs.

  • Therapeutic area experience in vaccines or infectious diseases. Experience with antibacterial, antifungal or antiviral agents.

Required Skills:

Biological Sciences, Biostatistics, Clinical Judgment, Clinical Trial Planning, Clinical Trials, Communication, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Detail-Oriented, Infectious Disease, Leadership, Medical Writing, Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs, Pharmacovigilance, Regulatory Affairs Compliance, Regulatory Affairs Management, Regulatory Intelligence, Regulatory Issues, Regulatory Strategy Development, Regulatory Writing

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

EEOC Know Your Rights

EEOC GINA Supplement

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

The salary range for this role is

$210,400.00 - $331,100.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

San Francisco Residents Only:We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only:We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

08/18/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.