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Pharmaceutical Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pharmaceutical Scientist I is responsible for performing routine analyses and documentation of raw materials, in-process samples, calibrations, or projects within the QC Chemistry Laboratory of a ...

We are hiring for an Entry-Level Pharmaceutical Scientist here in the Cincinnati, Ohio area! This is a long-term career opportunity and an ideal candidate will have a Bachelors Degree in Chemistry ...

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented Electro-Optical Imagery Scientist to join our team in Springfield, VA . This is a full-time onsite position. Responsibilities include but are ...

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Pharmaceutical Scientist information

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How much do pharmaceutical scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for pharmaceutical scientist in the United States is $42.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.29 and $53.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pharmaceutical Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pharmaceutical Scientist, you need a strong background in chemistry, biology, and pharmacology, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or advanced degree. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, analytical software, and regulatory standards such as Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) is essential. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are important soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the safe and efficient development of pharmaceuticals, adherence to regulations, and successful teamwork in research environments.

Do pharmaceutical scientists make a lot of money?

Pharmaceutical scientists typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, education, and location. According to industry data, the median annual wage is around $80,000 to $120,000, with higher earnings possible for those with advanced degrees or specialized skills in drug development and research. Salary potential increases with experience and advanced certifications.

What is the highest salary for a pharmaceutical scientist?

The highest salaries for pharmaceutical scientists can exceed $150,000 annually, especially for those with advanced degrees, extensive experience, or leadership roles in the industry. Salaries vary based on location, specialization, and the size of the employer, with senior scientists and managers earning the most.

What are some common challenges pharmaceutical scientists face when working on drug development projects?

Pharmaceutical scientists often encounter challenges such as balancing tight project deadlines with the rigorous demands of regulatory compliance and scientific accuracy. They must troubleshoot unexpected results during formulation or testing, adapt to evolving technologies, and collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams, including chemists, clinicians, and regulatory specialists. Flexibility and strong communication skills are essential, as priorities can shift rapidly based on new findings or changes in project scope.

What can you do as a pharmaceutical scientist?

A pharmaceutical scientist researches, develops, and tests new drugs and formulations to ensure safety and efficacy. They often work in laboratories, utilize techniques like chromatography and spectroscopy, and may be involved in clinical trials, regulatory compliance, and quality control. Strong knowledge of chemistry, biology, and regulatory standards is essential for this role.

What Is a Pharmaceutical Scientist?

A pharmaceutical scientist works in a laboratory to find, test, and analyze drugs. As a pharmaceutical scientist, you are responsible for improving older medications or testing the chemistry of new compounds for the health care industry. Your duties also involve presenting reports and findings to company executives and coordinating research efforts based on the company’s goals. Pharmaceutical scientists usually work as part of a large team of researchers at a medical center or drug company.

What jobs can I do with pharmaceutical science?

A pharmaceutical scientist can work in drug research and development, quality control, regulatory affairs, manufacturing, or clinical trials. These roles often require knowledge of chemistry, biology, and laboratory techniques, and may involve working in laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, or healthcare settings.

What is the difference between Pharmaceutical Scientist vs Pharmacist?

AspectPharmaceutical ScientistPharmacist
CredentialsBachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences or related fieldDoctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) or equivalent
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, R&D departmentsCommunity pharmacies, hospitals, clinics
Industry UsageDrug development, formulation, testing, regulatory affairsDispensing medications, patient counseling, medication management

Pharmaceutical Scientists focus on developing and testing new drugs in research settings, requiring advanced degrees in pharmaceutical sciences. Pharmacists primarily dispense medications and advise patients, holding a PharmD degree. While both roles are essential in the pharmaceutical industry, their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are pharmaceutical scientists?

Pharmaceutical scientists are professionals who research, develop, and test new medications to ensure their safety and effectiveness. They work in laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and regulatory agencies, often collaborating with chemists, biologists, and medical professionals. Their work includes discovering new drug compounds, optimizing drug formulations, and analyzing how drugs interact with the body. Pharmaceutical scientists play a crucial role in bringing new drugs to market and improving public health.
What cities are hiring for Pharmaceutical Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Pharmaceutical Scientist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Pharmaceutical Scientist jobs? The most popular types of Pharmaceutical Scientist jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Pharmaceutical Scientist jobs? The top employers for Pharmaceutical Scientist jobs are:
What states have the most Pharmaceutical Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Pharmaceutical Scientist jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Pharmaceutical Scientist jobs? For Pharmaceutical Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Pharmaceutical Scientist (R2-R4)

Pharmaceutical Scientist (R2-R4)

Eli Lilly and Company

Boston, MA • On-site

$101K - $122K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Eli Lilly and Company rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 74 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

At Lilly, the work is demanding because patients are waiting. We unite caring with discovery to help make life better for people around the world, knowing that every decision, every detail, and every day matters. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, our over 50,000 employees around the globe take on complex challenges to discover and deliver life-changing medicines, strengthen how health is understood and managed, and support the communities we serve. This is hard, urgent, selfless work-but it's work worth doing. If you're driven by purpose and ready to bring your best to work that truly matters for patients, we invite you to join us.
Eli Lilly and Company seeks a Pharmaceutical Scientist (R2-R4) to develop nucleic acid-based formulations for therapeutic candidates. Design, implement, and troubleshoot laboratory experiments for lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations from small scale to mid-scale. Perform daily characterization of LNPs, assessing stability using particle sizing, Ribogreen assay, and osmometry. Optimize current formulation methods and processes for delivery of nucleic acids. Screen optimal process to enable midscale production which supports large animal studies. Develop comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs) and generate test method documentation. Interpret and analyze data and maintain comprehensive records of multiple laboratory projects. Support downstream processing of nucleic acid-based formulations. #LI-DNI
Position requires a Master's degree in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Science, or a related scientific field, and 1 year of experience with researching nucleic acid formulation and characterization or 1 year of experience with polymeric nanoparticles formulation and characterization. Experience must include a minimum of: 1 year of experience with analytical techniques for characterizing nanoparticles, including Dynamic Light scattering, Zeta potential, and Ribogreen; 1 year of experience with preparation of nanoparticle-based formulations at scales sufficient to support in vitro and in vivo studies; 1 year of experience with wet lab biology techniques; and 1 year of experience with designing formulation methods, composition, and process parameters. Up to 10% domestic and international travel required. #LI-DNI
Job location: Boston, MA
To apply, please visit https://jobsearch.lilly.com/ and enter job requisition number R-107953 when prompted. Alternatively, please send your resume, cover letter, and a copy of the ad to: Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Drop Code 1093, Indianapolis, IN 46285.
Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form (https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.
Lilly is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia (AMECA), Black Employees at Lilly (BE@Lilly), Chinese Culture Network (CCN), EnAble, Evolve, Lilly Indian Network (LIN), Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), Pride (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN) and Women's Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL).
Actual compensation will depend on a candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is
$101,026.00 - $122,845.00 per year
Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly's compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.
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About Eli Lilly

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Eli Lilly, based in Indianapolis, IN, US, is one of the pioneers in the pharmaceutical industry with a rich history dating back to 1876. This global pharmaceutical company focuses on discovering, developing, manufacturing and selling pharmaceutical products in approximately 120 countries. The company's product categories include endocrinology, oncology, cardiovascular, neuroscience, and immunology. Having invested over $9 billion in research and development in the past decade, Eli Lilly is also committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs. As a recipient of several awards and recognitions, Eli Lilly is known for its focus on life-saving research and drug development. Their mission is to make medicines that help people live longer, healthier, and more active lives.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Indianapolis, IN, US

Year founded

1876