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Pharmaceutical Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr Scientist

Melrose Park, IL

$92K - $95K/yr

  • Medical

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  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biological Sciences with 5+ years of relatedexperience or a master's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biological Sciences with 3 ...

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Pharmaceutical Scientist information

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How much do pharmaceutical scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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?

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.

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 jobs can I get with pharmaceutical scientist?

A pharmaceutical scientist can pursue roles such as drug researcher, formulation scientist, quality control analyst, regulatory affairs specialist, or clinical research associate. These positions often require knowledge of laboratory techniques, regulatory standards, and data analysis, and may involve working in laboratories, manufacturing facilities, or research organizations.

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.

Does a pharmaceutical scientist pay well?

Pharmaceutical scientists typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start around $70,000 annually, while experienced professionals can earn over $120,000, especially with advanced degrees and specialized skills in drug development and research environments.

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,899 per year, or $42.7 per hour.

Scientist 2 - Pharmaceutical Development

Genentech, Inc.

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

$92K - $172K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Genentech rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

A healthier future. It's what drives us to innovate. To continuously advance science and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need today and for generations to come. Creating a world where we all have more time with the people we love. That's what makes us Genentech, a member of the Roche Group!
As part of Pharma Technical Development (PTD) our organization is committed to deliver the Pharma ambitions by bringing game-changing therapies from clinical phase I into the market to serve every patient, every day. Our core business is to develop safe, innovative and effective drugs using cutting edge technologies for manufacturing process (Drug Substance and Drug Product), clinical supply, formulation, device, packaging, and analytical development.
As an integrated partner within the drug development ecosystem, Global Biologics Pharmaceutical Development is dedicated to effectively developing innovative and patient-centered parenteral drug products including Formulation and Process Development and Drug Delivery Systems.
The Opportunity
The Technical Development Scientist 2 ensures robust clinical and commercial parenteral drug product process designs for effective process validation and successful commercialization. This includes hands-on work at laboratory, pilot plant, and commercial scale of biopharmaceutical processing facility for process development, scale up, technology transfer and troubleshooting. Examples of pharmaceutical processing are DP liquid filling and finishing, prefilled syringe, drying technologies, bulk freezing and thawing, sterile filtration, mixing, primary container packaging development, etc. In this role, you are expected to work with formulation scientists, device engineers, and manufacturing staff to conduct drug product process development, perform technology transfers to internal and external CMO sites.
The Technical Development Scientist 2 works within the Global Drug Product Process Engineering group to support the globally harmonized strategy deployment and ensure right-first-time clinical and launch technology transfers. The Technical Development Scientist 2 contributes to assessment of new technologies, activities related to patent applications and manuscripts for external publication, and presentations at conferences or meetings.
Your key responsibilities:
  • Develop and support Drug Product pharmaceutical processes and technology including freeze/ thaw, mixing, filtration, filling, lyophilization, sterilization, etc.
  • Design appropriate small scale models to understand mechanisms and derisk at-scale processes.
  • Interact and collaborate with other functions including PTD, Quality, Regulatory, Commercial, and Manufacturing organizations in cross-functional projects.
  • Author, review, and approve internal technical, development, validation, and manufacturing documents, including protocols, reports, exceptions, regulatory filings, SOPs etc.
  • Execute development and qualification studies, technology transfers, and new technology investigations.
  • Interact with project teams and leadership to communicate results and drive projects.

Who you are
Our ideal candidate will meet the following criteria:
  • B.S. in chemical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, bioengineering or a related engineering discipline with 2+ years of relevant industry experience
  • Ability to translate expertise in chemical engineering, chemistry and biology into a first principles understanding of DP processes and the underlying chemistry.
  • Excellent analytical and problem solving abilities, hands-on experience with protein processing, lab techniques, and instrumentation.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to interact and influence in a multi- disciplinary group setting.
  • Knowledge of GMP documentation principles.
  • Knowledge of relevant standards, guidance for industry, and regulatory statutes.
  • Ability to contribute to several multi-faceted, cross-functional projects.

Preferred:
  • Relevant biopharmaceutical industry experience
  • Expertise in process development for large molecule parenteral Drug Product pharmaceuticals
  • Demonstrated experience implementing processes in a clinical or commercial manufacturing facility

Relocation benefits are not available for this job posting.
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of South San Francisco, CA is $92,600 - 172,000. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.
Benefits
Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.
If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.

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About Genentech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

A member of the Roche Group, Genentech has been at the forefront of the biotechnology industry for more than 40 years, using human genetic information to develop novel medicines for serious and life-threatening diseases. Genentech has multiple therapies on the market for cancer & other serious illnesses. Please take this opportunity to learn about Genentech where we believe that our employees are our most important asset & are dedicated to remaining a great place to work.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

South San Francisco, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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