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Pharmaceutical Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Pharmaceutical R&D AI Specialist

$60 - $80/hr

We are seeking experienced pharmaceutical research professionals from top pharma, biotech organizations, and leading academic research centers to recreate real-world digital workspaces and design ...

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How much do pharmaceutical research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for pharmaceutical research in the United States is $44.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.00 and $58.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you be a CRA with no experience?

A Clinical Research Associate (CRA) typically requires prior experience in clinical trials, monitoring, or related healthcare fields. Entry-level CRA positions may be available for candidates with strong organizational skills and relevant certifications, but most employers prefer candidates with some industry experience or training in Good Clinical Practice (GCP).

What is a Pharmaceutical Research job?

A Pharmaceutical Research job involves the study and development of new drugs, therapies, and medical treatments. Professionals in this field conduct laboratory experiments, clinical trials, and data analysis to ensure the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products. They work in pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, or regulatory agencies. Their goal is to bring innovative treatments to market while complying with strict regulatory guidelines.

What do pharmaceutical researchers do?

Pharmaceutical researchers develop and test new drugs and therapies to ensure their safety and effectiveness. They conduct laboratory experiments, analyze data, and collaborate with other scientists to bring new medications from concept to clinical trials, often using specialized tools and adhering to regulatory standards.

How much does a pharma researcher make?

The average salary for a pharmaceutical researcher ranges from $60,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions typically start around $60,000, while experienced researchers with advanced degrees can earn over $100,000. Skills in laboratory techniques and familiarity with regulatory standards can influence compensation.

How do I become a pharmaceutical researcher?

To become a pharmaceutical researcher, typically a bachelor's degree in pharmacy, chemistry, biology, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's or Ph.D. for advanced roles. Relevant skills include laboratory techniques, data analysis, and knowledge of drug development processes, with experience gained through internships or research projects. Certification or licensing is not usually mandatory but can enhance job prospects in certain regions or specialties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Pharmaceutical Research position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Pharmaceutical Research, you need a strong background in chemistry, biology, or pharmacology, often supported by a relevant advanced degree such as a Master's or PhD. Expertise in laboratory techniques, data analysis software, and familiarity with regulatory guidelines like Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective collaboration are valuable soft skills for this field. These competencies are essential for ensuring the integrity and success of research projects, supporting drug development, and maintaining compliance with industry standards.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in Pharmaceutical Research?

A typical day in Pharmaceutical Research often involves designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, and documenting findings in laboratory notebooks or reports. Researchers regularly collaborate with cross-functional teams including chemists, biologists, and regulatory specialists to advance drug discovery or development projects. You may also attend meetings to discuss progress, troubleshoot issues, and prioritize next steps. This dynamic environment requires adaptability and strong communication skills to ensure projects stay on track and comply with strict regulatory standards.

More about Pharmaceutical Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Pharmaceutical Research jobs? Cities with the most Pharmaceutical Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Pharmaceutical Research jobs? The most popular types of Pharmaceutical Research jobs are:
What states have the most Pharmaceutical Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Pharmaceutical Research jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Pharmaceutical Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Pharmaceutical Research jobs are:
Pharmaceutical Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pharmaceutical Research job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,640 per year, or $44.1 per hour.

Pharmaceutical Research Expert - PhD

Mercor

San Francisco, CA • On-site, Remote

$1K - $1K/wk

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

About the job

Mercor connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs. Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.

Position: Pharmaceutical Research Expert
Type: Contract
Compensation: $1,150–$1,450 per completed task
Location: Remote

Role Responsibilities

  • Build a realistic digital workspace centered on the Drive folders you use day-to-day. Include study protocols, investigator brochures, IND/NDA drafts, pharmacology reports, biomarker analyses, CMC technical reports, and email threads. Represent platforms like Medidata Rave, Oracle Clinical One, Schrödinger Suite, and Benchling.
  • Design multi-step tasks grounded in your real workflows. Require navigating multiple apps, files, and stakeholders to meaningfully challenge frontier AI agents.
  • Collaborate with other pharmaceutical-research experts to design the environment, shape task scope, and review scenarios for realism and rigor.
  • Work asynchronously with research teams to refine task designs and evaluation criteria for pharma-research agent benchmarks.
  • Contribute to frontier AI research and benchmarking. The work you produce directly informs how leading labs train and evaluate the next generation of AI systems.

Qualifications

Must-Have

  • PhD, MD, PharmD, or MS with deep experience; industry fellowship training a plus.
  • 3+ years of full-time experience at a Fortune 500 pharma/biotech or top academic research center.
  • Background in areas such as target ID/drug discovery, preclinical/translational research, clinical development, regulatory affairs, or real-world evidence.
  • Day-to-day use of Medidata Rave, Oracle Clinical One, Schrödinger Suite, and Benchling.
  • Strong analytical thinking and writing skills.

Compensation & Legal

  • Task Completion Pay: Competitive and based on task quality (~$1,150–$1,450 per completed task, subject to change as the project evolves).
  • Performance Bonus: Top performers receive a weekly bonus incentive on top of their per task rate.
  • Hourly Opportunity: Top performers may be invited to transition to an hourly compensation model based on sustained quality and throughput.

Application Process (Takes 20–30 mins to complete)

  • Upload resume
  • AI interview based on your resume
  • Submit form

Resources & Support

  • For details about the interview process and platform information, please check: https://talent.docs.mercor.com/welcome
  • For any help or support, reach out to: support@mercor.com

PS: Our team reviews applications daily. Please complete your AI interview and application steps to be considered for this opportunity.