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Pharmaceutical Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

LabAnswer

Biovia ELN Developer

Foster City, CA

$56.25 - $74.25/hr

LabAnswer performs significant laboratory automation work in pharmaceuticals, bio-pharmaceuticals ... The Biovia ELN Developer will be involved in developing an Biovia's ELN (Electronic Laboratory ...

LabAnswer

Bioinformatics JAVA Developer

San Francisco, CA

$60 - $77.75/hr

LabAnswer performs significant laboratory automation work in pharmaceuticals, bio-pharmaceuticals ... The Bioinformatics JAVA Developer will be involved in converting existing Perl CGI applications to ...

E*Pro, Inc.

Oracle Developer

Agoura Hills, CA · On-site

$60.50 - $75/hr

... Entertainment, Pharmaceutical, Health Care and service industries ensures our services are ... Oracle Programmer Location : Los Angeles - Agoura Hills, CA Type : Fulltime Permanent Work Status

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Pharmaceutical Developer information

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How much do pharmaceutical developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for pharmaceutical developer in California is $52.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.86 and $63.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pharmaceutical developer?

Pharmaceutical developers are professionals who design, create, and test new medications and drug therapies. They work on the research and development of pharmaceuticals, ensuring that new drugs are safe, effective, and meet regulatory standards. Their work involves a combination of biology, chemistry, and clinical trials to bring new treatments from the laboratory to the market. Pharmaceutical developers often collaborate with scientists, regulatory agencies, and manufacturers throughout the drug development process.

What are the main challenges a pharmaceutical developer faces during the drug development process?

Pharmaceutical Developers often encounter challenges such as navigating complex regulatory requirements, ensuring product safety and efficacy, and managing lengthy development timelines. Balancing innovation with compliance is crucial, as each stage— from research and formulation to clinical trials— involves rigorous testing and documentation. Collaboration with cross-functional teams like regulatory affairs, quality assurance, and clinical researchers is essential to successfully advance a drug candidate through each development phase.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pharmaceutical developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pharmaceutical Developer, you need a solid background in pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, or related fields, often supported by an advanced degree. Familiarity with analytical instruments, Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), regulatory compliance systems, and data analysis software is crucial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help set outstanding professionals apart. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant development of new medications in a highly regulated industry.

What is the difference between Pharmaceutical Developer vs Pharmaceutical Scientist?

AspectPharmaceutical DeveloperPharmaceutical Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Pharmacy, Chemistry, or related fieldBachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D departments, manufacturing settingsResearch labs, academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, R&D centersResearch institutions, pharmaceutical companies, academia
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Pharmaceutical Developers focus on designing, developing, and optimizing new drug formulations and delivery methods, often working closely with manufacturing. Pharmaceutical Scientists conduct research to understand drug properties, mechanisms, and efficacy, primarily in laboratory or academic settings. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work within the pharmaceutical industry, their core responsibilities differ: development versus scientific research.

How do you become a pharmaceutical developer?

To become a pharmaceutical developer, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in pharmacy, chemistry, biology, or a related field, followed by relevant experience or advanced degrees such as a master's or Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences or medicinal chemistry. Skills in laboratory research, knowledge of drug development processes, and familiarity with regulatory requirements are essential for success in this role.

How much do pharmaceutical developers make?

Pharmaceutical developers typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in drug formulation or regulatory affairs can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000 annually.

What cities in California are hiring for Pharmaceutical Developer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Pharmaceutical Developer job openings:

Pharmaceutical Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pharmaceutical Developer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,466 per year, or $52.1 per hour.

Principal Associate Scientist - Pharmaceutical Development

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

Genentech, Inc.
Scientific Research and Development Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Genentech, Inc.external

$92K - $172K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Genentech rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

A healthier future. It's what drives us to innovate. To continuously advance science and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need today and for generations to come. Creating a world where we all have more time with the people we love. That's what makes us Genentech, a member of the Roche Group!
As part of Pharma Technical Development (PTD) our organization is committed to deliver the Pharma ambitions by bringing game-changing therapies from clinical phase I into the market to serve every patient, every day. Our core business is to develop safe, innovative and effective drugs using cutting edge technologies for manufacturing process (Drug Substance and Drug Product), clinical supply, formulation, device, packaging, and analytical development.
As an integrated partner within the drug development ecosystem, Global Biologics Pharmaceutical Development is dedicated to effectively developing innovative and patient-centered parenteral drug products including Formulation and Process Development and Drug Delivery Systems.
The Opportunity
The Principal Associate Scientist ensures robust clinical and commercial parenteral drug product process designs for effective process validation and successful commercialization. This includes hands-on work at laboratory, pilot plant, and commercial scale of biopharmaceutical processing facility for process development, scale up, technology transfer and troubleshooting. Examples of pharmaceutical processing are DP liquid filling and finishing, prefilled syringe, drying technologies, bulk freezing and thawing, sterile filtration, mixing, primary container packaging development, etc. In this role, you are expected to work with formulation scientists, device engineers, and manufacturing staff to conduct drug product process development, perform technology transfers to internal and external CMO sites.
The Principal Associate Scientist works within the Global Drug Product Process Engineering group to support the globally harmonized strategy deployment and ensure right-first-time clinical and launch technology transfers. Principal Associate Scientist contributes to assessment of new technologies, activities related to patent applications and manuscripts for external publication, and presentations at conferences or meetings.
Your key responsibilities:
  • Develop and support Drug Product pharmaceutical processes and technology including freeze/ thaw, mixing, filtration, filling, lyophilization, sterilization, etc.
  • Design appropriate small scale models to understand mechanisms and derisk at-scale processes.
  • Interact and collaborate with other functions including PTD, Quality, Regulatory, Commercial, and Manufacturing organizations in cross-functional projects.
  • Author, review, and approve internal technical, development, validation, and manufacturing documents, including protocols, reports, exceptions, regulatory filings, SOPs etc.
  • Execute development and qualification studies, technology transfers, and new technology investigations.
  • Interact with project teams and leadership to communicate results and drive projects.

Who you are
Our ideal candidate will meet the following criteria:
  • B.S. in chemical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, bioengineering or a related engineering discipline with 2+ years of relevant industry experience
  • Ability to translate expertise in chemical engineering, chemistry and biology into a first principles understanding of DP processes and the underlying chemistry.
  • Excellent analytical and problem solving abilities, hands-on experience with protein processing, lab techniques, and instrumentation.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to interact and influence in a multi- disciplinary group setting.
  • Knowledge of GMP documentation principles.
  • Knowledge of relevant standards, guidance for industry, and regulatory statutes.
  • Ability to contribute to several multi-faceted, cross-functional projects.

Preferred:
  • Relevant biopharmaceutical industry experience
  • Expertise in process development for large molecule parenteral Drug Product pharmaceuticals
  • Demonstrated experience implementing processes in a clinical or commercial manufacturing facility

Relocation benefits are not available for this job posting.
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of South San Francisco, CA is $92,600 - 172,000. 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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