ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Pharmaceutical Development Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Orano

Process Development Scientist

Plano, TX · On-site

We are seeking a highly motivated Process Development Scientist with expertise in ... Experience working in a pharmaceutical/biotech setting * Excellent written and verbal communication ...

Labcorp

Method Development Scientist II

Madison, WI · On-site

Method Development Scientist - II (Madison, Wisconsin) Work schedule : Monday - Friday (Day Shift ... Develops routine and complex analytical methods for quantitation of pharmaceuticals from biological ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPharmaceutical Development Scientist Jobs

Pharmaceutical Development Scientist information

See salary details

$20

$38

$61

How much do pharmaceutical development scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 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.

How do I get into R&D Pharmacy?

To become a Pharmaceutical Development Scientist, typically a bachelor's degree in pharmacy, chemistry, or a related field is required, with many roles favoring or requiring a master's or Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences or chemistry. Gaining experience through internships, research projects, or entry-level positions in pharmaceutical R&D helps build relevant skills. Familiarity with laboratory techniques, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), and regulatory guidelines is also beneficial.

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.

How much do pharmaceutical developers make?

Pharmaceutical development scientists typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with advanced skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in research and regulatory roles.

Is there a demand for pharmaceutical scientists?

Pharmaceutical development scientists are in high demand due to ongoing advancements in drug discovery, regulatory requirements, and the need for innovative therapies. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as the pharmaceutical industry expands and invests in research and development, often requiring skills in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and regulatory compliance.

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.

What is the highest paid pharmaceutical scientist?

The highest paid pharmaceutical scientists are typically senior-level professionals such as Principal Scientists or Directors of Pharmaceutical Development, with salaries exceeding $150,000 annually. Factors influencing pay include experience, specialization, and the size of the company, with those in leadership roles or with advanced expertise earning the most.
More about Pharmaceutical Development Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Pharmaceutical Development Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Pharmaceutical Development Scientist job openings:
What states have the most Pharmaceutical Development Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Pharmaceutical Development Scientist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Pharmaceutical Development Scientist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Pharmaceutical Development Scientist jobs are:
Pharmaceutical Development Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pharmaceutical Development Scientist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,420 per year, or $38.7 per hour.
Vice President, Pharmaceutical Development

Vice President, Pharmaceutical Development

Kymera Therapeutics

Watertown, MA • On-site

$315K - $395K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Who we are:
Kymera is a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering the field of targeted protein degradation (TPD) to develop medicines that address critical health problems and have the potential to dramatically improve patients' lives. Kymera is deploying TPD to address disease targets and pathways inaccessible with conventional therapeutics. Having advanced the first degrader into the clinic for immunological diseases, Kymera is focused on building an industry-leading pipeline of oral small molecule degraders to provide a new generation of convenient, highly effective therapies for patients with these conditions. Founded in 2016, Kymera has been recognized as one of Boston's top workplaces for the past several years. For more information about our science, pipeline and people, please visit www.kymeratx.com or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) or LinkedIn.
How we work:
  • PIONEER: We are courageous, resilient and rigorous in our mission to improve patients' lives through our revolutionary degrader medicines.
  • COLLABORATE: We value trust + transparency from everyone. Our goals are shared, our decisions data-driven and our camaraderie genuine.
  • BELONG: We recognize our differences, inviting curiosity and inclusivity, so that our people are valued, seen, and heard.

How you'll make an impact:
  • Define and lead the company's pharmaceutical development strategy across the portfolio, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities and development timelines
  • Provide strategic leadership for preformulation, biopharmaceutics, and formulation development activities supporting discovery, preclinical, and clinical-stage programs
  • Champion innovation in formulation sciences and enabling technologies to address complex drug delivery and bioavailability challenges
  • Drive development and implementation of phase-appropriate drug product development and manufacturing strategies
  • Lead a high-performing Pharmaceutical Development team, in internal activities and management of an external network of CROs, CDMOs, and strategic partners
  • Establish scalable processes, operational frameworks, and best practices to support portfolio growth
  • Provide strategic oversight of outsourced development and manufacturing activities, ensuring quality, timelines, and technical objectives are achieved
  • Lead CMC-related regulatory strategy for drug product development activities, regulatory submissions and health authority interactions
  • Ensure compliance with applicable GMP and regulatory requirements
  • Represent Pharmaceutical Development in due diligence activities, external collaborations, and interactions with other functions
  • Contribute to risk assessment, resource prioritization, and investment decisions as a member of the Technical Operations leadership team
  • Foster strong cross-functional partnerships across Research, Clinical, Regulatory, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management to enable efficient advancement of pipeline programs

Skills and experience you'll bring:
  • Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline with 18+ years of relevant pharmaceutical industry experience
  • Demonstrated success leading pharmaceutical development strategy from discovery through clinical development, with experience supporting commercialization readiness
  • Strong understanding of preformulation, biopharmaceutics, formulation development, and oral solid dose drug product manufacturing for small molecules
  • Deep expertise in formulation approaches for poorly soluble compounds, including application of enabling technologies to improve bioavailability and product performance
  • Proven track record of advancing programs through IND and clinical development milestones and contributing to successful regulatory submissions
  • Strong knowledge of GMP requirements, regulatory expectations, and evolving industry trends
  • Experience building and managing high-performing teams and external partnerships
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to effectively engage technical teams, executive leadership, external partners, and regulatory agencies

Equal Employment Opportunity
Kymera Therapeutics is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, sex, marital status, gender expression or identity, genetic information, sexual orientation, citizenship, or any other legally protected class.
Compensation
  • Kymera offers a competitive compensation package that recognizes both results and capabilities through market-based, performance-driven pay.
  • The anticipated base salary range for this role is $315,000 - $395,000, with eligibility for annual bonus, equity participation, and comprehensive benefits.
  • Actual salary is based on a holistic evaluation of the specific role/level as well as each candidate's depth of experience and the capabilities they bring to the position.

Apply