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Pharmaceutical Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$135K - $180K/yr

The Sr. Pharmaceutical Scientist will primarily be responsible for leading key innovation projects in excipient development for oral drug delivery with a focus on softshell capsule applications. This ...

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How much do pharmaceutical scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 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:
Infographic showing various Pharmaceutical Scientist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,899 per year, or $42.7 per hour.

$135K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 hours ago

Posted today


Job description

Roquette is a family-owned global leader in plant-based ingredients and a leading provider of pharmaceutical excipients.

Want to help us make a difference?
Using plant-based resources, we collaborate with our customers and partners to imagine and offer ingredients to better feed people and treat patients.
Each of our ingredients responds to unique and essential needs, and they enable healthier lifestyles.

The Role:

We are looking for our next Sr. Pharmaceutical Scientist within our Oral Solid Dosage Applications R&D Team. The Sr. Pharmaceutical Scientist will primarily be responsible for leading key innovation projects in excipient development for oral drug delivery with a focus on softshell capsule applications. This role will also work closely with marketing and technical service teams to not only provide deep technical expertise to the customer, but to find critical areas for development and internalize these as new projects. Additionally, applications support for internal, customer and manufacturing projects is expected.

This position is located Midland, Michigan

Compensation:

The current salary range for this role is estimated to be $135,000-180,000. In addition, this position is also eligible to earn performance-based incentive compensation. The specific compensation offered to a candidate will be influenced by a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

What You'll Do:

  • Provide technical and project leadership for innovation projects within the Health and Pharma Solutions business unit portfolio
  • Design and execute required studies in lab, both independently and through delegation to laboratory staff
  • Collaborate with multiple functions including quality, regulatory, marketing and technical service to drive new product development
  • Provide clear and consistent stakeholder management regarding project strategy and progress
  • Act as technical decision maker on multiple projects with decisions rooted in science and market knowledge
  • Keep up to date on market trends and unmet needs via literature, conferences, and customer engagement
  • Identify new areas for development based on market and customer needs
  • Maintain connection with manufacturing, process R&D and other technical teams to leverage global expertise on projects
  • Provide applications support to manufacturing teams as needed

What You'll Need:

Education:

  • A PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Polymer Sciences, Chemistry or related field is required

Experience:

  • Minimum of 5 years experience in the chemical, pharmaceutical or excipient industry is highly preferred
  • Experience in core oral solid dosage form applications including tableting, capsules, coatings, and preferably enabling technologies such as spray drying and hot melt extrusion
  • Experience in softshell capsule manufacturing is preferred
  • Experience with natural polymers in pharmaceutical applications is highly preferred
  • Project management and project leadership experience is required
  • Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications is required
  • Proficiency in statistical analysis software such as JMP, Minitab or similar
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong multicultural collaboration abilities

Work Environment

  • This role spends approximately 65% of the time in an office environment and 35% of the time in a laboratory environment.
  • Flexibility to occasionally work at home on an as needed basis is possible

Physical Demands

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to speak and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand in lab, walk, climb stairs, use hands and fingers to handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. Occasional lifting of moderate weight (e.g. 20 lbs) may be required.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

  • This is a full-time Monday - Friday position, with no expected weekends
  • This position is on site in Midland, Michigan

Business Travel:

  • Travel may be required when working on global or multi-site projects both within the USA and internationally.
  • Travel to conferences and customers is expected
  • Travel will be on an as needed basis

AAP/EEO Statement

Roquette is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. "AAP, EEO, Drug-Free Workplace"

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

If you identify yourself in this position, please apply byuploading your resume and let's start the journey together!

Roquette is proud to be a global company where you can find personal and professional growth through multiple diverse experiences.

Roquette strives to create a dynamic workforce while remaining firmly committed to equal opportunity by complying with EEO laws.

As we continue to grow, Roquette understands that to be successful we must always be inclusive in our approach.

To find out more about our products, values and sustainable development ambitions visit us at www.roquette.com and at www.sustainability.roquette.com