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Pharmaceutical Development Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Merck & Co.

Working at the intersection of pharmaceutical science, digital technologies, and data integration, the candidate will support the development of semantic models, ontologies, and knowledge graph ...

Abbott

Method Development Scientist

Santa Rosa, CA

$90K - $180K/yr

Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of ... for pharmaceuticals in biological specimens * Recent experience with Sciex (Analyst, Multiquant ...

Abbott

Method Development Scientist

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$90K - $180K/yr

Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of ... for pharmaceuticals in biological specimens * Recent experience with Sciex (Analyst, Multiquant ...

Abbott

Method Development Scientist

Santa Rosa, CA

$90K - $180K/yr

Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of ... for pharmaceuticals in biological specimens * Recent experience with Sciex (Analyst, Multiquant ...

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How much do pharmaceutical development scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 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.
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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.
Assoc Director/Director, Pharmaceutical Development

Assoc Director/Director, Pharmaceutical Development

Erasca

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

$200K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Erasca is a clinical-stage precision oncology company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing medicines for the benefit of patients with cancer. Our programs take novel approaches to shutting down one of cancer's most commonly mutated signaling cascades, the RAS/MAPK pathway, which affects approximately 5.5 million lives each year worldwide. The name "Erasca" has an important embedded meaning: it is a contraction of our audacious hope to "erase cancer" that drives our mission and everything that we do on behalf of patients with cancer.
Position Summary:
Reporting to the Sr Director Pharmaceutical Development, the Associate Director or Director of Pharmaceutical Development will be a liaison for the manufacture of Erasca's small molecule development drug products (DPs) at external contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs). This individual will work on cross functional teams with colleagues from process development, analytical, formulation development, supply chain, QA, and regulatory CMC to plan, coordinate, and execute internal and external DP development and manufacturing activities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Provide scientific, technical, and strategic direction to the design, development, and manufacture of investigational drug products from pre-clinical/clinical to commercial stage.
  • Manage activities and contractual relationship with contract manufacturers and laboratories performing product/formulation development, manufacturing, analytical development and testing, stability, and validation services.
  • Lead and collaborate with cross functional project team members to meet CMC goals.
  • Represent CMC DP and provide strategic recommendations and status reporting to cross-functional program team.
  • Author, review, and/or approve development reports, regulatory submissions (e.g., IND, IMPD, NDA, MAA), and SOPs.
  • Act as Subject Matter Expert for knowledge of GMP regulations, ICH guidance, and current regulatory expectations regarding DP manufacture and process control.
  • Function as a highly effective communicator and team player in a dynamic team culture.
  • Up to 25% travel will be needed to oversee development and manufacturing activities as person-in-plant
  • Perform all duties in keeping with the Company's core values, policies and all applicable regulations.

Required Education, Experience and Attributes:
  • Advanced degree in Pharmaceutics, Chemistry or related field is highly preferred, equivalent work experience and scientific credibility may be considered.
  • 10 to 12+ years of progressive experience in the Biotech or Pharmaceutical industry focused on small molecule drug product development and manufacturing, experience in enabling technologies and solid oral dosage form manufacturing preferred.
  • Experience managing relationships with contract manufacturing organizations including knowledge of small molecule drug product validation and experience with regulatory submissions.
  • Familiarity with ICH guidelines and regulatory expectations relevant to drug development and cGMPs including regulations in multiple countries.
  • A strong track record of scientific achievement.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence without direct control.
  • Ability to build strong relationships with co-workers of various backgrounds and expertise.
  • Ability to function at a high level in a team setting whether as manager, lead scientist, or individual contributor.
  • Demonstrated ability to achieve high performance goals and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Effective interpersonal and communication skills; a collaborative team player with a can-do attitude and the ability to identify and implement creative solutions to complex technical problems.
  • Strong learning orientation, curiosity, and commitment to science and patients.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $200,000 to $225,000. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, education, etcetera. In addition to base salary, the hired applicant will be eligible to receive an annual bonus and an equity grant at hire and annually in the form of the option to purchase stock in the future for a specified price.
Along with our casual, collaborative, and fun work and the chance to make your mark in our mission to erase cancer, Erasca offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that includes: Paid Time Off, Holiday, and Sick Leave, Medical, Dental and Vision Plans, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Basic and Voluntary Life/AD&D Coverage, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA, HSA, and Commute), Critical Illness and Accident Coverage, Pet Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, 401(k) Plan with Erasca contribution, and the opportunity to participate in an Employee Stock Purchase Program.
Erasca, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer and takes pride in maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of sex , race, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, sexual orientation, military and veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law or ordinance or regulation.
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About Erasca

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Biotechnology research and development

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

2018

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