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Drug Development Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

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Drug Development information

See Washington, DC salary details

$37.4K

$87.7K

$150.6K

How much do drug development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for drug development in Washington, DC 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, DC?

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

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

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

Drug Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drug Development job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,706 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Medical Director, Respiratory, Early Clinical Development

AstraZeneca

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$249K - $374K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

AstraZeneca rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 86 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

Are you ready to shape and deliver the AstraZeneca Respiratory pipeline?
If you are a motivated drug developer, this is an excellent time to join!
Who We Are
In the Respiratory Translational Sciences and Clinical Development (TSCD) team, we are investigating the drivers of key respiratory diseases, with access to pioneering science, innovative drug discovery approaches and key collaborations with academic centers around the world. We are investigating a wide range of drug modalities - small molecules, biologics, oligonucleotides and other modalities - across multiple diseases with high unmet medical need.
TSCD in Respiratory is where science meets clinical drug development with a focus upon delivering innovative, early phase clinical studies (Phase 1 - Phase 2), while collaborating closely with our late phase clinical development colleagues who guide later phase clinical studies. We are a diverse team of experienced physicians, clinical scientists and translational medicine scientists who collaborate with scientists and late clinical development to define our early phase clinical development strategies, design innovative clinical trials, develop and validate new clinical endpoints and translate scientific ideas to proof-of-concept studies in targeted patient populations.
What You Will Do
Asa Medical Director, you will provide medical and scientific input to preclinical and clinical stage assets within the context of a respiratory clinical team. This will include the creation of overall clinical development plans and clinical study design as well writing protocols, key study and health authority documentation, medical monitoring and ensuring timely delivery of studies, all in close collaboration with internal and external partners and clinical research organizations.
Experience in Respiratory Medicine is strongly preferred. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, proactive can-do culture, be a strong communicator, and a collaborator.
  • Responsible for the design, delivery and interpretation of clinical studies ensuring the ethical and scientific integrity of the plans, studies and product in compliance with GCP.

  • Provide guidance in the medical strategy and clinical/disease expertise to Research, Translational Medicine, Early and Late-stage Clinical Development and Commercial colleagues as part of across functional teams.

  • Closely follow medical developments within respiratory diseases and disseminate new information within Clinical Development and the wider organization to transform trends and emerging data into agile and innovative clinical plans.

  • Work closely and collaborate across early and late R&I clinical development, partner functions and wider AZ organization to ensure design and delivery of clinical development plans with high quality and speed.

  • Represent Early Respiratory TSCD to external partners, including Investigators, key external experts and patient advocacy groups.

  • Medical Lead for regulatory communication and preparation of higher level documents

  • Ensures internal and external peer review of potential study/program design.

  • Support qualification of pharmacodynamic/disease markers for early assessment of efficacy.

  • Support establishing scientific collaborations with academic collaborators to support key advancing translational science activities

  • As available, provide clinical strategic input to in-licensing opportunities.

Basic Qualifications:
  • MD or PhD in respiratory sciences or related field

  • Minimum of 5 years experience in industry or relevant clinical or research experience.

  • Understanding of the drug development process, including clinical and non-clinical study design and execution.

  • Understanding of clinical research methodology and biostatistics principles to facilitate innovative and efficient clinical trial design, and clinical development plans with clear data-driven decision rules.

  • Understanding of FDA, MHRA and ICH GCP guidelines to ensure the appropriate conduct of global clinical studies in the United States, Europe, and the rest of the world.

  • Attention to detail, internal drive to generate high-quality work, and sense of passion and urgency to achieve team and program goals.

  • Demonstrated experience managing complex projects and working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders regarding new strategies to ensure consistent communication.

  • Demonstrated track record in delivering results.

  • Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.

  • Excellent analytical, problem solving and strategic planning skills.

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $249,827 - $374,740. However, 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. 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 salary (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.
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.
Date Posted
07-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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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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