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How much do method development scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for method development scientist in the United States is $38.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.37 and $46.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a method development scientist?

Method Development Scientists are professionals who design, develop, and validate analytical methods used to test and measure chemical, biological, or physical properties in various samples. They work primarily in laboratories within industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and environmental science. Their role ensures that testing methods are accurate, reliable, and compliant with regulatory standards, which is crucial for product development, quality control, and safety assessment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a method development scientist?

To thrive as a Method Development Scientist, you need a solid background in analytical chemistry, experience with experimental design, and at least a bachelor's or master's degree in chemistry or a related field. Expertise with analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, GC, and mass spectrometry, as well as familiarity with regulatory guidelines and data analysis software, is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel when troubleshooting and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for developing robust, reliable methods that support quality control, regulatory compliance, and innovation in scientific research.

What are some typical challenges a method development scientist might encounter during the development of new analytical methods?

A Method Development Scientist often faces challenges such as optimizing analytical procedures for sensitivity and specificity, troubleshooting instrument or sample issues, and ensuring methods are robust enough for routine use. Balancing regulatory compliance with innovative approaches can also be demanding, especially when adapting methods to complex or novel sample matrices. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as QC, R&D, and regulatory affairs, is key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring successful method validation and transfer.

What is the difference between Method Development Scientist vs Analytical Chemist?

AspectMethod Development ScientistAnalytical Chemist
Primary FocusDesigning and optimizing new analytical methodsPerforming routine analysis and testing
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, product developmentQuality control labs, manufacturing support
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry or related field
Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, biotech, chemicalsPharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics

While both roles require a background in chemistry and similar credentials, a Method Development Scientist focuses on creating and refining new analytical methods, often in research and development settings. An Analytical Chemist typically performs routine testing and analysis to ensure product quality. The roles are complementary but differ mainly in scope and focus within the industry.

What does a method development scientist do?

A method development scientist designs, optimizes, and validates laboratory procedures to ensure accurate and reliable analytical testing. They often work with techniques such as chromatography or spectroscopy and use specialized software, following regulatory guidelines to develop new methods or improve existing ones. Their work supports quality control, research, and regulatory compliance in industries like pharmaceuticals and biotech.
More about Method Development Scientist jobs

What states have the most Method Development Scientist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Method Development Scientist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Method Development Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,420 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

Development Scientist I, Analytical Development and QC

AstraZeneca

New Haven, CT • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired 3 days ago. 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

This is what you will do:
The Development Scientist I position is a technical position responsible for development and optimization of release and stability methods including process residuals, excipient analysis and physicochemical chromatography (size exclusion, ion-exchange, reversed phase, hydrophobic interaction, etc.) for clinical and commercial biotherapeutics. This position will also support other analytical method development pertaining to characterization and investigation efforts, as well as conduct testing for Alexion's biotherapeutic products when required. Participation in method validation and transfer or troubleshooting of methods to internal and external laboratories will be required. In addition, this position is expected to interact regularly with scientific staff in other Research & Development groups as well as Manufacturing, Quality Assurance and Quality Control groups.
You will be responsible for:
  • Development, optimization and phase-appropriate qualification of custom (U)HPLC chromatographic methods to evaluate key quality attributes for therapeutic proteins (SEC, RP-HPLC, Ion-Exchange, HIC, etc.)
  • Organize activities of self as well as supervise operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of analytical instrumentation (e.g. UPLC, HPLC along with various detectors including UV, FLR, ELSD, CAD, RI and MALS)
  • Support application of new cutting-edge technologies to improve throughput and enhance capability of cGMP testing
  • Apply automated liquid handling and sample preparation platforms to increase throughput, improve consistency and reduce hands-on time.
  • Author SOPs, method documents (METs), study plans, protocols, and method development and qualification reports. Draft reports for regulatory filing
  • Support change control, deviations and laboratory investigations, including assessment of impact and definition of corrective action.
  • Perform data and document review of work generated by other analysts, including verification of chromatographic integration, calculations and transcription against source data.
  • Work with various Research and Development teams to support transfer of analytical test methods for development and clinical support.
  • Maintain current knowledge of relevant analytical techniques, compendial methods and regulatory expectations. Train other lab personnel as assigned in areas of expertise and participate in cross-functional process development teams
  • Seek out and evaluate new instruments, methods, techniques and technology platforms to enhance analytical operations

You will need to have:
  • Ph.D. or M.S. degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a biological science with 2+ years of relevant industry experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Experience in (U)HPLC and practical knowledge of method development and optimization for protein therapeutics are required.
  • Ability to take initiative in problem solving and consistently bring independent, scientific approach to method development.
  • Ability to provide technical content for regulatory submissions with respect to analytical sections.
  • The individual in this position will be able to organize his/her own work on a routine basis with no supervision as well as provide lead troubleshooting and investigative efforts.
  • Ability to travel up to 20% to support on-site training and troubleshooting
  • Working proficiency with chromatography data systems (Empower), electronic laboratory notebooks, and electronic document management systems.
  • Sound understanding of the statistics that underpin method qualification, including precision (%RSD), linearity, accuracy, range, LOQ, and the basis for setting acceptance criteria.
  • Demonstrated commitment to data integrity and ALCOA+ principles, with clear traceability from raw data through calculation to reported result.
  • The duties of this role are generally conducted in a lab environment. As is typical of a lab-based role, employees must be able, with or without an accommodation to: lift/carry 15/30 pounds unassisted/assisted; work comfortably in a controlled environment with and around biological, infectious, and hazardous materials; gown/degown PPE; use a computer; engage in communications via phone, video, and electronic messaging; engage in problem solving and non-linear thought, analysis, and dialogue; collaborate with others; maintain general availability during standard business hoursPerform all job functions in compliance with cGXPs and maintain accurate and legible laboratory records with a close attention to detail.

We would prefer for you to have:
  • The ability to independently contribute and oversee the generation of procedures, protocol and reports pertaining to test methods
  • Strong knowledge of current regulatory guidelines and cGMP requirements.
  • Engage in problem solving and non-linear thought, analysis and dialogue.
  • High emotional intelligence, excellent interpersonal skills, and strong communication skills.
  • The individual is expected to have several areas of expertise and is expected to mentor other analysts within the laboratory.
  • The individual is expected to recognize aberrant test and sample conditions and provide adequate guidance to team with an assessment of the circumstances and corrective action.

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 four 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.
Why AstraZeneca:
Here, courage, curiosity, and collaboration fuel a relentless focus on transforming cancer outcomes, powered by a pipeline that fuses cutting-edge science with advanced technology. You will work in an environment where unexpected teams come together to spark bold ideas, backed by meaningful investment and a clear path from discovery to impact. We value kindness alongside ambition, and we empower leaders at every level to ask sharp questions, take smart risks, and turn data into decisions that help patients sooner.
Date Posted
25-Aug-2026
Closing Date
24-Aug-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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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