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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 Aug 13, 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 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 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, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,377 per year, or $42 per hour.

Clinical Research & Development Director

AstraZeneca

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

AstraZeneca rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 86 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

What You Will Do
Externally recognized as a thought leader with deep expertise in both clinical research and development with deep understanding of autoimmune disease, specifically inflammatory myopathies, JIA and/or Sjogren's disease. Knowledge and expertise in cell therapy is a plus. Drive the integrated clinical research and development strategy and execution, to ensure value creation and regulatory/market success through innovative, cross-functional leadership. Operate independently and at scale, influencing both operational excellence and strategic direction at the highest organizational levels.
Typical Accountabilities
• Develop and align strategies and objectives for Clinical Research & Development, ensuring they support AstraZeneca's global goals and product vision.
• Lead and oversee execution and delivery of clinical research & development studies, ensuring scientific rigor, commercial viability, and patient-centric focus throughout the drug lifecycle.
• Lead the work with Line Managers to identify resource need and secure resources to ensure flexible and timely formation of the Clinical Research & Development Teams and progression of deliverables
• Provide strategic and operational input to ensure implementation of best practices, new technologies, processes, and global clinical strategies.
• Manage resource planning in collaboration with line managers, securing talent and flexible teams to support dynamic project requirements.
• Oversee budgeting, timelines, contingency and risk management planning, and escalate operational or strategic issues as appropriate.
• Lead the negotiation and management of contracts with CROs and external service providers.
• Drive the preparation, review, and delivery of regulatory submission materials and actively participates in regulatory defense/approval processes.
• Has personal responsibility for creating a culture of courageous leadership, creativity and collaboration
• Mentor, develop, and manage performance of line management and project teams, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and fostering succession planning.
• Ensure all work is compliant with internal and external standards, including Safety, Health, Environment, and regulatory guidelines.
Qualifications and Skills
  • Essential: Advanced degree (Master's, PhD, or equivalent) in a scientific, medical, or health-related discipline; Extensive experience in both clinical research and clinical development within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry; Familiarity with the scientific and clinical community; Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional and/or senior project teams; Demonstrated success in strategy development and execution in both clinical research and clinical development environments; Strong knowledge of the drug development process, GCP/ICH guidelines, and relevant regulatory requirements; Significant operational experience in the planning, delivery, and oversight of clinical trials and regulatory submissions; Budgetary, resource, and risk management expertise on a global or regional scale; Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and ability to present to diverse stakeholders; Demonstrated ability to mentor, develop, and lead teams; Highly skilled in stakeholder engagement, negotiation, strategic influencing, and cross-functional collaboration; Commitment to compliance and safety, health, and environmental standards; Ability and willingness to travel nationally and internationally as required

  • Desirable: Experience as a recognized expert or thought leader within the business and wider industry; Project management certification or formal training; Experience in the introduction or implementation of new technologies or innovative approaches within clinical research or development; Experience in change management and process improvement initiatives; Experience managing complex organizational structures or leading in a global organizational context; Extensive familiarity with key therapeutic areas relevant to AstraZeneca's portfolio; Record of effective succession planning and leadership development within multi-level teams; Experience in successful regulatory defense and participation in external advisory boards or similar expert panels; Advanced negotiation and contracting experience with CROs or external service providers; Ability to identify and leverage emerging trends in drug development, technology, and scientific innovation

Key Relationship to Reach Solutions
  • Internal: Study Delivery personnel; Data Management Centre representatives; Clinical Project Team and therapy area personnel; Clinical Development personnel; Clinical Pharmacology Units; Study Site personnel; Regional Monitoring personnel; Other Skill Centres as appropriate

  • External: External service providers; Investigators and scientists and patient advocacy groups; and external Alliance partners

Date Posted
09-Aug-2026
Closing Date
03-Sep-2026
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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