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Pharmaceutical Development Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Development Scientist II The Development Scientist II serves as a primary point of contact with the client regarding pharmaceutical development and clinical manufacturing project related activities.

The Development Scientist I will serve as the primary point of contact with the client regarding pharmaceutical development and clinical manufacturing project related activities. The Development ...

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How much do pharmaceutical development scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for pharmaceutical 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 are some common challenges Pharmaceutical Development Scientists face when transitioning a drug from the lab to large-scale manufacturing?

Pharmaceutical Development Scientists often encounter challenges related to scaling up a drug formulation from laboratory experiments to full-scale production. This process requires careful optimization to ensure that the product maintains its efficacy, safety, and quality while being manufacturable at a commercial scale. Issues such as ingredient compatibility, process reproducibility, and regulatory compliance frequently arise, demanding collaboration with cross-functional teams in manufacturing, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs. Adaptability and problem-solving skills are essential for overcoming these hurdles and ensuring successful product development.

What does a Pharmaceutical Development Scientist do?

A Pharmaceutical Development Scientist is responsible for researching, designing, and developing new drugs and medications. They work on formulating drug compounds, ensuring their safety and efficacy through laboratory testing, and optimizing production processes. These scientists collaborate with regulatory agencies to ensure compliance and play a key role in advancing medicines from concept to market. Their work is critical in improving healthcare outcomes and meeting regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Pharmaceutical Development Scientist vs Formulation Scientist?

AspectPharmaceutical Development ScientistFormulation Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Pharmacy, Chemistry, or related fields; often requires experience in drug developmentBachelor's or Master's in Pharmacy, Chemistry, or related fields; focus on formulation techniques
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, development departments, pharmaceutical companiesResearch labs, manufacturing, pharmaceutical companies
Industry UsageInvolved in early-stage drug development, formulation, and process optimizationSpecializes in creating and testing drug formulations for stability and delivery

The main difference is that Pharmaceutical Development Scientists focus on the overall development and process optimization of new drugs, while Formulation Scientists concentrate specifically on designing and testing drug formulations. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, but their core responsibilities differ within the drug development process.

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

To thrive as a Pharmaceutical Development Scientist, you need a solid background in chemistry, biology, or pharmaceutical sciences, often supported by an advanced degree such as a Master's or Ph.D. and relevant laboratory experience. Familiarity with analytical instrumentation (like HPLC and mass spectrometry), regulatory compliance systems (such as GMP), and data analysis software is crucial. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set top professionals apart. These abilities are vital for developing safe, effective medications and ensuring regulatory compliance in a highly collaborative and precise environment.
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What cities are hiring for Pharmaceutical Development Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Pharmaceutical Development Scientist job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Pharmaceutical Development Scientist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Pharmaceutical Development Scientist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Pharmaceutical Development Scientist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Full Time, and 94% Part Time. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,420 per year, or $38.7 per hour.
Pharmaceutical Development Scientist I (2nd shift)

Pharmaceutical Development Scientist I (2nd shift)

Catalent Pharma Solutions

Kansas City, MO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Catalent rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 71 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Pharmaceutical Development Scientist I (2nd shift)

Position Summary

  • Work Schedule: 12pm-10:30pm M-Th OR Tu-Fri (2nd shift)

  • 100% on-site

Catalent's Kansas City facility is home to our Oral & Specialty Drug Delivery, Biologics Analytical Services and Clinical Supply Services businesses. The site provides a range of integrated services for oral solid dosage forms, from formulation development and analytical testing to clinical and commercial-scale manufacture. The Kansas City facility is a Center-of-Excellence for our Biologics Analytical Services business. Our talented team has over 25 years of experience providing analytical services for stand-alone and integrated biologics projects.

Catalent Pharma Solutions in Kansas City, MO is hiring a Pharmaceutical Development Scientist I. The Kansas City Pharmaceutical Development Scientist I serve as technical representative for formulation design and development of oral solid dosage forms. Design and execute experiments and processes necessary for developing formulations of pharmaceuticals oral solid. Lead clinical trial manufacturing endeavors and ensures that all work is carried out in compliance with regulatory requirements, good manufacturing practices (cGMP) and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

The Role

  • Develop and execute laboratory work plans/schedules independently, using customer milestones and Division/site performance standards and metrics

  • Authors technical documents, such as protocols, batch records, test methods, technical reports, and operating procedures

  • Review technical documents for accuracy, thoroughness and regulatory compliance

  • Trains, coaches or mentors' others on technical development or business issues

  • May direct work (limited) of technical staff, including work assignments

  • Supervised customer interaction on team meetings

  • Knowledge of high-shear granulation, fluid-bed technology, roller compaction, compression, encapsulation

  • Executes efficiency improvement project with moderate guidance

  • Identify and recommend business opportunities on a project specific basis

  • All other duties as assigned

The Candidate

  • Bachelor's degree in related life science or physical science field required with 6+ years related work experience required

  • Master's degree in related life science or physical science field required with 4+ years related work experience preferred

  • Doctorate Degree in related life science or physical science field preferred

  • Hands on experience in oral solid dosage form development and manufacturing preferred

Why you should join Catalent

  • Defined career path and annual performance review and feedback process

  • Diverse, inclusive culture

  • Positive working environment focusing on continually improving processes to remain innovative

  • Potential for career growth on an expanding team within an organization dedicated to preserving and bettering lives

  • 152 hours of PTO + 8 paid holidays

  • Generous 401K match

  • Medical, dental and vision benefits effective day one of employment

  • Tuition Reimbursement- Let us help you finish your degree or start a new degree!

Catalent offers rewarding opportunities to further your career! Join the global drug development and delivery leader and help us bring over 7,000 life-saving and life-enhancing products to patients around the world. Catalent is an exciting and growing international company where employees work directly with pharma, biopharma and consumer health companies of all sizes to advance new medicines from early development to clinical trials and to the market. Catalent produces more than 70 billion doses per year, and each one will be used by someone who is counting on us. Join us in making a difference.

personal initiative. dynamic pace. meaningful work.

Visit Catalent Careers to explore career opportunities.

Catalent is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veterans.

If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email, and confirming your request for an accommodation and include the job number, title and location to DisabilityAccommodations@catalent.com. This option is reserved for individuals who require accommodation due to a disability. Information received will be processed by a U.S. Catalent employee and then routed to a local recruiter who will provide assistance to ensure appropriate consideration in the application or hiring process.

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Catalent Pharma Solutions (Catalent) is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Catalent employee by a third party agency and/or search firm without a valid written & signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Catalent. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.

Important Security Notice to U.S. Job Seekers:

Catalent NEVER asks candidates to provide any type of payment, bank details, photocopies of identification, social security number or other highly sensitive personal information during the offer process, and we NEVER do so via email or social media. If you receive any such request, DO NOT respond- it is a fraudulent request. Please forward such requests to spam@catalent.com for us to investigate with local authorities.

California Job Seekers can find our California Job Applicant Notice HERE.


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About Catalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Catalent is an exciting and growing international company where employees work directly with pharma, biopharma and consumer health companies of all sizes to advance new medicines from early development to clinical trials and to the market. Catalent produces more than 70 billion doses per year, and each one will be used by someone who is counting on us. Join us in making a difference.Catalent is committed to the health and safety of its employees, visitors and the customers and patients we serve.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Somerset, NJ, US

Year founded

2007

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