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Drug Metabolism Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gilead

Sr Scientist, Drug Metabolism

Foster City, CA

$169K - $219K/yr

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 ...

Gilead

Sr Scientist, Drug Metabolism

Foster City, CA · On-site

$169K - $219K/yr

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 ...

Frontage Laboratories

Scientist

Exton, PA · On-site

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 ...

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How much do drug metabolism jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 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 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 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 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.

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Cities with the most Drug Metabolism job openings:

What states have the most Drug Metabolism jobs?

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Drug Metabolism jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drug Metabolism job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $239,632 per year, or $115.2 per hour.

Senior Scientist (Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics)

Genentech, Inc.

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Genentech rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 86 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

The Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) department at Genentech is seeking a highly motivated leader who will be supporting small molecule projects in discovery and development.
The DMPK group is dedicated to enabling the discovery, development and commercialization of safe and effective medicines by elucidating the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and pharmacokinetic properties of traditional small molecule and emerging modality drug candidates. We accomplish this through the application of state-of-the-art technologies and sciences of bioanalysis, drug metabolism, drug transport and pharmacokinetics. The DMPK group works in close partnership with disciplines such as medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, pharmaceutical sciences, clinical pharmacology and regulatory to optimize leads, select clinical candidates, conduct preclinical development studies, support clinical evaluation and contribute to IND and NDA filings.
The Opportunity
The individual would lead the DMPK strategy, design and oversee non-clinical studies in a highly collaborative project team environment. Specifically, the individual will be involved in the following activities as part of their role:
  • Serve as the DMPK representative on multidisciplinary project teams and communicate recommendations to project teams.
  • Lead DMPK strategy and author or review relevant sections of regulatory briefing packages/filings.
  • Design, oversee, interpret and integrate in vitro and in vivo ADME, PK and translate nonclinical data into human PK and dose predictions.
  • Identify DMPK-related risks, and develop mitigation strategies.

Who You Are
  • PhD in pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism, pharmaceutical sciences or related discipline.
  • At least 2 years of relevant pharmaceutical industry experience as a DMPK project leader.
  • Strong knowledge of ADME, PK, and the integration of DMPK data into discovery and development decisions.
  • Experience designing, interpreting and integrating nonclinical DMPK studies.
  • Ability to communicate complex scientific data, uncertainties and recommendations clearly to multidisciplinary teams and senior stakeholders.

Preferred
  • Experience as a member/leader of multi-functional project teams supporting diverse modalities (small/large molecules, peptides, degraders, conjugates etc.), in particular, those outside Lipinski's Rule-of-5.
  • Experience supporting programs through candidate selection, IND-enabling development, clinical development or regulatory interactions.
  • Hands-on experience with PK/PD modeling and/or PBPK modeling using relevant modeling and simulation platforms are highly desired.

Together, we'll advance along the whole patient journey with the aspiration to prevent, stop and cure diseases.
This position does offer domestic relocation.
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of San Francisco, CA is 124,300.00 - 230,900.00 USD. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance.
This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.
Benefits
Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.
If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.

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About Genentech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

A member of the Roche Group, Genentech has been at the forefront of the biotechnology industry for more than 40 years, using human genetic information to develop novel medicines for serious and life-threatening diseases. Genentech has multiple therapies on the market for cancer & other serious illnesses. Please take this opportunity to learn about Genentech where we believe that our employees are our most important asset & are dedicated to remaining a great place to work.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

South San Francisco, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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