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Pharmaceutical Laboratory Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ashland has an exciting opportunity for a Pharmaceutical Laboratory Analyst to join our Ashland business at our Columbus, OH plant. This is a very visible, significant role within the Company and the ...

Ashland has an exciting opportunity for a Pharmaceutical Laboratory Analyst to join our Ashland business at our Columbus, OH plant. This is a very visible, significant role within the Company and the ...

Minimum 2 years of pharmaceutical laboratory experience required. Hands-on experience operating HPLC and GC instruments is essential. Perform chemical analysis of raw materials, in-process, finished ...

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Pharmaceutical Laboratory information

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$9

$25

$45

How much do pharmaceutical laboratory jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for pharmaceutical laboratory in the United States is $25.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pharmaceutical laboratory?

A pharmaceutical laboratory is a specialized facility where scientists and technicians conduct research, analysis, and testing of pharmaceutical products such as medications and vaccines. These labs play a crucial role in drug discovery, development, and quality control to ensure medicines are safe and effective for public use. They are equipped with advanced instruments for chemical, biological, and microbiological testing and follow strict regulations to maintain safety and accuracy.

What is the highest paying job in pharmaceuticals?

In the pharmaceutical industry, senior roles such as Pharmaceutical Executive, Director of Research and Development, or Vice President of Pharmaceutical Operations tend to be the highest paying positions. These roles typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, and they often oversee large teams or strategic initiatives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a pharmaceutical laboratory role, and why are they important?

To thrive in a pharmaceutical laboratory, you need a strong background in chemistry, biology, or related sciences, typically supported by a relevant degree and laboratory experience. Familiarity with analytical instruments (such as HPLC, GC, and spectrophotometers), laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) certification is highly valued. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for excelling in this environment. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure accurate results, regulatory compliance, and the safe development of pharmaceutical products.

What do pharmaceutical labs do?

Pharmaceutical laboratories conduct research, development, and testing of drugs to ensure safety, efficacy, and quality. They perform activities such as chemical analysis, formulation, stability testing, and quality control using specialized equipment and adhering to regulatory standards. Laboratory technicians and scientists often work with protocols, documentation, and may require certifications in Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a pharmaceutical laboratory, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in pharmaceutical laboratories often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict compliance with regulatory standards, ensuring accuracy in testing, and managing tight project deadlines. Adhering to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is essential and requires constant attention to detail and thorough documentation. Effective communication with team members and cross-functional departments helps to prevent errors and streamline workflow. Ongoing training and staying updated with the latest industry guidelines are key strategies to address these challenges and foster a collaborative, efficient lab environment.

What is the highest paying job in a laboratory?

In a pharmaceutical laboratory, senior roles such as Laboratory Director or Principal Scientist tend to be the highest paid, often earning six-figure salaries. These positions require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership skills, and may involve overseeing research, compliance, and regulatory activities.

How to become a pharmaceutical lab technician?

To become a pharmaceutical lab technician, typically a high school diploma or equivalent is required, followed by postsecondary training or an associate degree in a related field such as chemistry, biology, or pharmaceutical sciences. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory equipment, and understanding of safety protocols; certification is not always mandatory but can enhance job prospects. On-the-job training is common, and familiarity with laboratory software and techniques is beneficial.

What is the difference between Pharmaceutical Laboratory vs Pharmaceutical Technician?

AspectPharmaceutical LaboratoryPharmaceutical Technician
CredentialsDegree in pharmacy, chemistry, or related fieldDiploma or associate degree in pharmacy technology
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, quality control, product developmentManufacturing facilities, pharmacies, quality assurance
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical companies, research institutionsPharmacies, manufacturing plants, hospitals
Job FocusResearch, testing, formulation developmentPreparing medications, quality checks, lab support

While both roles work within the pharmaceutical industry, Pharmaceutical Laboratory professionals focus on research, testing, and development in lab settings, often requiring advanced degrees. Pharmaceutical Technicians assist in manufacturing and quality assurance, typically with technical diplomas. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path based on their skills and interests.

More about Pharmaceutical Laboratory jobs
What cities are hiring for Pharmaceutical Laboratory jobs? Cities with the most Pharmaceutical Laboratory job openings:
What states have the most Pharmaceutical Laboratory jobs? States with the most job openings for Pharmaceutical Laboratory jobs include:
Infographic showing various Pharmaceutical Laboratory job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,516 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Pharmaceutical Laboratory Analyst

Ashland

Columbus, OH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

ISP Chemicals LLC
Are you the kind of person that is always thinking, sketching, seeking, and adjusting? Who needs to understand how things work and then figure out how they can work better? Are you a passionate, tenacious, solver who loves to work with others who share your drive? Are you positive, constructive, and ingenious? Are you always solving? Then we'd like to meet you and bet you'd like to meet us.
Ashland has an exciting opportunity for a Pharmaceutical Laboratory Analyst to join our Ashland business at our Columbus, OH plant. This is a very visible, significant role within the Company and the Quality Control/Quality Assurance function. This position will report to the Quality Control Manager.
The responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Testing of raw materials, in-process control samples, and final products
  • Analytical controls are placed on raw materials to verify identification and required quality.
  • Understanding the equipment cleaning specifications are critical to prevent cross contamination.
  • Communicating results to production and process engineers.
  • The use of the laboratory iLIMS tracking system (raw material samples, in-process samples, final samples, instrumentation calibration, and stability samples).
  • Secondary responsibilities include process development support, process troubleshooting, analytical method development support, environmental samples, and quality systems support.
  • Documentation consistent with good manufacturing practices (GMP).
  • Calibration of analytical instrumentation.
  • Scheduled testing associated with the stability program.
  • Provide analytical support of the Ashland Columbus waste treatment facility, raw material qualifications and standard qualifications.
  • Provide non-routine testing associated with corrective action preventative action (CAPA) investigations such as customer complaints, out of specification (OOS) investigations, product failures, and shelf-life extension requests.
  • Other Quality Control Responsibilities
    • Maintaining the raw material and final product retain systems.
    • Assisting QC Supervision with maintaining laboratory supplies.
    • Managing lab, sample, and chemical waste disposal.
    • Following the Chemical Hygiene Plan, practice good housekeeping, and general maintenance of the lab.

In order to be qualified for this role, you must possess the following:
  • Associate's degree in Chemistry or related field
  • Knowledge and understanding of analytical chemistry
  • Knowledge and understanding of good manufacturing practices (GMP)
  • Preferably 0-3 years in a chemical manufacturing environment
  • Attention to detail
  • Strong communication skills
  • Strong computer skills which include application knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word
  • Good organizational and documentation skills
  • Willingness and ability to work in 12-hour intervals and to manage the lab alone or with little supervision on weeknights and weekends.

"Do you want to work in the Pharmaceutical Field? Do you love working in the lab? Do you want to learn or expend your knowledge of analytical chemistry? Do you want to contribute to the success of a site whose products help other's health and wellness? Do you want to participate and learn how pharmaceutical products and a variety of complex molecules are made and tested? Do you want to learn about chemical reactions? In this exciting role you would be exposed to and learn about chemical manufacturing and associated testing in a quality control laboratory. You will gain knowledge and experience working with a variety of analytical techniques such as GC, HPLC, FT-IR, UV-VIS, Titration, melting point, viscosity. In this role you would be trained in all of these techniques and more. In addition, you would learn and be trained in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in the pharmaceutical field.
In more than 100 countries, the people of Ashland LLC. (NYSE: ASH) provide the specialty chemicals, technologies and insights to help customers create new and improved products for today and sustainable solutions for tomorrow. Our chemistry is at work every day in a wide variety of markets and applications, including architectural coatings, automotive, construction, energy, personal care and pharmaceutical. Visit www.ashland.com to see the innovations we offer.
At Ashland our vision is to be a leading, global specialty chemicals company whose inspired and engaged employees add value to all we touch. In fact our people, employees, customers and vendors define who we are. They are the driving force behind everything we do.
Not only do we value our customers but we value our employees, and we work to offer them a dynamic and challenging environment. We hold ourselves to high standards at Ashland, and we value integrity and honesty.
Ashland has a history of attracting the best people and keeping them. The reasons are simple: industry competitive salary and benefits, pay-for-performance incentive plans and a diverse work environment where employees feel challenged and valued. People come to Ashland and stay. As a growing Fortune 500 specialty chemicals company, we offer opportunities for development and advancement throughout our global organization. Our values define who we are and what we care about as a company. If you are looking for a relationship with a company instead of simply a job, this may be a great fit.
Ashland is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. NOTE: We do not accept resumes from external staffing agencies or independent recruiters for any of our openings unless we have a signed recruiting agreement in place to fill a specific position.