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Pharmaceutical Development Scientist Jobs in Virginia

Sr. R&D Scientist

Manassas, VA · On-site

$91K - $125K/yr

Position Summary We have an opportunity for a Senior R&D Scientist to join our team and provide ... Experience working in a dietary supplement, confection, and/or pharmaceutical manufacturing and/or ...

Sr. R&D Scientist

Manassas, VA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Experience working in a dietary supplement, confection, and/or pharmaceutical manufacturing and/or ... With time-tested experience in development sciences, delivery technologies, and multi-modality ...

Scientist I, AR&D

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Provide assistance in professional development. Requirements Minimum Education & Experience: * Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related ...

Scientist I, AR&D

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Provide assistance in professional development. Requirements Minimum Education & Experience: * Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related ...

Senior Analytical Scientist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$118.74 - $163.27/hr

Partnering across R&D, Formulation Development, Quality, Regulatory, and Manufacturing, the team ... Experience in analytical sciences supporting pharmaceutical, OTC drug products, consumer health ...

Scientist I, AR&D

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Provide assistance in professional development. Requirements: Minimum Education & Experience: * Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or ...

Senior Analytical Scientist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$118.74 - $163.27/hr

Partnering across R&D, Formulation Development, Quality, Regulatory, and Manufacturing, the team ... Experience in analytical sciences supporting pharmaceutical, OTC drug products, consumer health ...

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Pharmaceutical Development Scientist information

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

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.

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 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 popular job titles related to Pharmaceutical Development Scientist jobs in Virginia?

For Pharmaceutical Development Scientist jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pharmaceutical Development Scientist jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Pharmaceutical Development Scientist jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Pharmaceutical Development Scientist jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Pharmaceutical Development Scientist job openings:

Product Development Scientist II - Oral Products

Altria Group, Inc.

Richmond, VA • On-site

$81 - $119/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Altria Group rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Product Development Scientist II - Oral Products Job Description Job Alerts Link Job Title: Product Development Scientist II - Oral Products Req Id: 3183 Work Model: Hybrid Company: Altria Client Services State/Province: Virginia Job Description:

Are you passionate about transforming ideas into products that reach consumers? Do you enjoy hands-on experimentation, solving technical challenges, and collaborating with diverse teams to bring innovative products to life?

We are looking for a Product Development Scientist II to join our Oral Product Development team in Richmond, VA. In this role, you'll contribute to the design, development, commercialization, and lifecycle support of next-generation oral tobacco products. Working alongside scientists, engineers, manufacturing teams, suppliers, and consumer insights experts, you'll help translate ideas into products that deliver meaningful consumer experiences.

This position is a hybrid work position located inRichmond, VA that supports Product Development Lifecyle, must be flexible to adjusted schedule when need.

What you will be doing:
  • Participating in the translation of consumer insights into actionable plans.
  • Assisting with the development and execution of lab-scale experiments and pilot- and factory-scale trials.
  • Managing ingredient and material logistics and quantities to support lab-scale experiments and pilot- and factory-scale trials.
  • Managing ingredients, materials, experimental, and trial related documentation and their archival.
  • Collecting, labeling, and submitting prototype or product samples for laboratory analysis and consumer research.
  • Compiling and analyzing data and summarizing and reporting results.
  • Overseeing laboratory cleanliness and safety as well as laboratory equipment calibration and submitting requests for routine maintenance or troubleshooting.
  • Adhering to quality management requirements and safety protocols in the execution of this role and job responsibilities.
We want you to have:
  • Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Food Science, Biology, or a related technical field
  • 1 to 3 years of experience in the chemical, medical device, pharmaceutical or consumer packaged goods industry
  • Knowledge and experience in product development and applying Quality by Design principles
  • General knowledge of FDA regulatory requirements for industry
  • Self-motivated and must possess a high level of personal initiative
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills
  • Capable of working collaboratively with cross-functional partners and suppliers
  • Ability to be flexible in the face of rapidly evolving business needs and priorities
  • Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods of time in a manufacturing environment

The starting salary is based on but not limited to experience, knowledge, and qualifications in determining compensation decisions. The Salary Range for this position is: $80,800.00 - $118,750.00.

Why You’ll Love Building Your Career at Altria

At Altria, we believe a great career starts with feeling supported — both at work and in life. Here’s what you’ll find here:

  • Work where life works for you —with flexible and remote options that fit your world, not the other way around.
  • Own your time— start with 15 days of paid time off, 13 paid holidays, 2 floating holiday days, and a 37.5-hour workweek so you can recharge and live fully
  • A place where you belong— where your ideas are welcomed, your growth is encouraged, and your impact is real
  • Get recognized for your work– annual merit increases and performance bonus
  • A future you can count on— 401(k) matching from day one; plus Deferred Profit Sharing, an annual company contribution in an amount equal to 13%-17% of your base salary
  • Help with your goals— get help with student loan repayment assistance, attend a conference, or gain a new certification with professional development stipends
  • Support for what matters most— comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family
  • Celebrating your milestones— paid parental and bonding leave for life’s biggest moments.
  • Wellness that goes beyond work— programs that care for your whole well-being at whatever stage you are in your life
  • A culture that gives back— paid volunteer days and a shared commitment to making a difference

At Altria, we offer more than benefits — we offer a career that fits your life, rewards your ambition, and celebrates your impact.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Altria is a Fortune 500 company that has a leading portfolio of products for U.S. adult tobacco and nicotine consumers 21+. For decades we’ve been leaders in the tobacco industry, but the industry is evolving - and so are we. Our Vision is Moving Beyond Smoking™.

At Altria, we celebrate the power of diverse teams working together to shape our future. Each Altria company is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing individuals with criminal records, including formerly incarcerated individuals and individuals with conviction records, a fair chance at employment. Join us as we work together to shape a better future for adult tobacco consumers, our employees, and our shareholders.

Altria is the parent company of Philip Morris USA, John Middleton, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco, Helix Innovations, and NJOY. Altria complements its tobacco portfolio with equity investments in Anheuser‑Busch InBev and Cronos Group.

Learn more about Altria atwww.altria.com and follow us onLinkedIn .

© 2025 Altria Group, Inc.

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