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Drug Metabolism Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ph.D. with 5+ years of post-graduate industry experience in PK, drug metabolism, pharmaceutics, or a related life science field, with a primary focus on quantitative modeling of agents (small ...

Ph.D. with 5+ years of post-graduate industry experience in PK, drug metabolism, pharmaceutics, or a related life science field, with a primary focus on quantitative modeling of agents (small ...

DMPK The DMPK/ Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics group is dedicated to enabling the discovery, development and commercialization of safe and effective medicines by elucidating the absorption ...

Scientist

Hayward, CA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Our core competencies include pre-clinical, drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics/ pharmacodynamics (PK/PD), safety and toxicology, bioanalytical services, chemistry and manufacturing controls for drug ...

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Drug Metabolism information

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$14

$115

$173

How much do drug metabolism jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for drug metabolism in the United States is $115.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56.73 and $166.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drug Metabolism Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drug Metabolism Scientist, you need a strong background in biochemistry, pharmacology, and analytical chemistry, typically with a relevant advanced degree. Familiarity with mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography, and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is essential, along with certifications in GLP/GMP compliance. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are critical soft skills for interpreting complex data and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Mastery of these skills ensures accurate drug profiling, regulatory compliance, and efficient progression of drug development pipelines.

What is drug metabolism?

Drug metabolism refers to the process by which the body chemically alters pharmaceutical substances. This typically happens in the liver, where enzymes break down drugs into metabolites that are easier for the body to excrete. Understanding drug metabolism is important because it affects the duration and intensity of a drug's effect, as well as its potential side effects. People who work in drug metabolism study these processes to help develop safer and more effective medications.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in drug metabolism research?

Professionals in drug metabolism often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex pharmacokinetic data, keeping up with rapidly evolving analytical technologies, and ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory requirements. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as medicinal chemists and toxicologists, is frequent and essential to advance drug discovery projects. Additionally, accurately predicting human metabolic pathways based on preclinical data can be demanding, requiring critical thinking and strong attention to detail.

What is the difference between Drug Metabolism vs Pharmacokinetics?

AspectDrug MetabolismPharmacokinetics
Primary FocusBiochemical transformation of drugs in the bodyAbsorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research settingsClinical settings, research, and drug development
Required CredentialsPharmacy, biochemistry, or pharmacology degreesPharmacy, pharmacology, or related health sciences degrees

Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics are closely related fields in drug development. Drug metabolism focuses on how the body chemically modifies drugs, while pharmacokinetics encompasses the entire process of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, but their specific focus areas differ, making them distinct yet complementary careers in the pharmaceutical industry.

More about Drug Metabolism jobs
What cities are hiring for Drug Metabolism jobs? Cities with the most Drug Metabolism job openings:
What states have the most Drug Metabolism jobs? States with the most job openings for Drug Metabolism jobs include:
Infographic showing various Drug Metabolism job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $239,632 per year, or $115.2 per hour.

Sr Scientist, Drug Metabolism

Gilead

Foster City, CA • On-site

$169K - $219K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

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


Gilead Sciences rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

At Gilead, we're creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, we've tackled diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19 and cancer - working relentlessly to develop therapies that help improve lives and to ensure access to these therapies across the globe. We continue to fight against the world's biggest health challenges, and our mission requires collaboration, determination and a relentless drive to make a difference.

Every member of Gilead's team plays a critical role in the discovery and development of life-changing scientific innovations. Our employees are our greatest asset as we work to achieve our bold ambitions, and we're looking for the next wave of passionate and ambitious people ready to make a direct impact.

We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Gilead and help create possible, together.
Job Description

This position is onsite at our global headquarters in Foster City, CA.

Essential Duties and Job Responsibilities:

  • Provide advanced PK and PK/PD modeling expertise on project teams across discovery and development stages, guiding the design and interpretation of nonclinical PK, toxicology, and pharmacology studies.

  • Drive quantitative DMPK strategy for programs, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to integrate modeling approaches into decision-making; communicate modeling insights and align strategies with scientists, collaborators, and management.

  • Design, implement, and validate complex PK/PD and mechanistic models to address translational questions, support dose selection, and predict first-in-human exposures.

  • Develop and refine modeling workflows for nonclinical study design, including simulation-based approaches to optimize study parameters and interpret outcomes, with application of AI-based enhancements where possible

  • Work closely with project teams, line management and CROs to assure high quality and timely delivery of documents for regulatory submissions.

  • Participate in business development and licensing evaluations.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills:

Ph.D. with 5+ years of post-graduate industry experience in PK, drug metabolism, pharmaceutics, or a related life science field, with a primary focus on quantitative modeling of agents (small molecules, biologics, antibody-drug conjugates, targeted protein degraders etc.) for PK and PK/PD characterization across discovery and development.

Strong foundation in PK and PD principles, with demonstrated ability to translate these concepts into mathematical models.

Extensive experience in mechanistic PK/PD and multi-compartmental modeling, including proficiency with software platforms such as Phoenix/WinNonlin, MATLAB/SimBiology, GastroPlus, SimBiology, R, or equivalent modeling tools.

Proven ability to design, implement, and interpret complex modeling workflows, determine next steps based on quantitative insights, and effectively communicate results to project teams and senior management.

Hands-on experience in application of AI, in model-building and in streamlining and automation of workflows.

Demonstrated intellectual curiosity and commitment to staying current with advances in biologics DMPK and modeling methodologies, supported by a track record of external visibility through publications, presentations, and/or professional organization involvement.

Excellent communication skills, particularly the ability to explain complex topics to diverse audiences.


The salary range for this position is: $169,320.00 - $219,120.00. Gilead considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications, and geographic location. These considerations mean actual compensation will vary. This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary based on role), paid time off, and a benefits package. Benefits include company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans*.

For additional benefits information, visit:

https://www.gilead.com/careers/compensation-benefits-and-wellbeing

* Eligible employees may participate in benefit plans, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.


For jobs in the United States:

Gilead Sciences Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment comprised of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Employment decisions regarding recruitment and selection will be made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability,genetic information or characteristic, gender identity and expression, veteran status, or other non-job related characteristics or other prohibited grounds specified in applicable federal, state and local laws. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact ApplicantAccommodations@gilead.comfor assistance.


For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the'Know Your Rights' poster.

NOTICE: EMPLOYEE POLYGRAPH PROTECTION ACT
YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT


Gilead Sciences will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, (c) consistent with the legal duty to furnish information; or (d) otherwise protected by law.

Our environment respects individual differences and recognizes each employee as an integral member of our company. Our workforce reflects these values and celebrates the individuals who make up our growing team.


Gilead provides a work environment free of harassment and prohibited conduct. We promote and support individual differences and diversity of thoughts and opinion.


For Current Gilead Employees and Contractors:

Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.


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