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Pharmaceutical Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr Scientist

Melrose Park, IL

$89K - $122K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • 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 ...

Sr Scientist

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$89K - $122K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Scientist, Discovery Pharmaceutics

San Diego, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Pharmaceutical Product R&D Job Category: Scientific/Technology All Job Posting Locations: San Diego, California, United States of America About Innovative Medicine: Our expertise in Innovative ...

Senior Scientist

Bend, OR

$96K - $131K/yr

Serán seeks a Senior Scientist to join the Analytical Sciences group to play a key role in analytical characterization and method development for novel pharmaceutical drug products. This role ...

Senior Scientist

Bend, OR

$96K - $131K/yr

  • PTO

Seran seeks a Senior Scientist to join the Analytical Sciences group to play a key role in analytical characterization and method development for novel pharmaceutical drug products. This role ...

Senior Scientist

Bend, OR · On-site

$96K - $131K/yr

  • PTO

Serán seeks a Senior Scientist to join the Analytical Sciences group to play a key role in analytical characterization and method development for novel pharmaceutical drug products. This role ...

Scientist I/II - Bioconjugation

Rockville, MD · On-site

$86K - $131K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our products and platforms have attracted multiple partnerships with leading pharmaceutical and ... The Scientist I/II will be an integral member of the Targeted Therapeutics Group focused on ...

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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, Analytical Sciences and Technology

RXinsider LTD.

Norwood, MA • On-site

$109 - $175/hr

Other

PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

The Role

Moderna is seeking an Individual that will provide technical leadership and execution support for analytical method lifecycle management across commercial and late-stage development programs. This role will be responsible for method transfer, validation, troubleshooting, investigations, and continuous improvement activities supporting Quality Control laboratories, manufacturing operations, and external testing partners. The Candidate will serve as a key technical resource across the analytical network, collaborating with Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Manufacturing Sciences, and Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) to ensure robust analytical performance, compliance, and inspection readiness. The successful candidate will leverage scientific expertise to support product lifecycle management, drive technical solutions, and ensure reliable execution of analytical testing strategies.

Here's What You'll Do
  • Lead and support analytical method transfers, validations, verifications, and comparability assessments across internal and external laboratories.
  • Provide technical expertise for method performance monitoring and lifecycle management activities.
  • Evaluate analytical method suitability and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
Technical Support & Troubleshooting
  • Serve as a subject matter expert for analytical methods and testing processes.
  • Support troubleshooting of analytical issues impacting laboratory operations, manufacturing, and product disposition.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally to identify root causes and implement effective corrective actions.
Investigations & Data Review
  • Support laboratory investigations, out-of-specification (OOS), out-of-trend (OOT), and atypical result assessments.
  • Perform scientific data analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for process improvement.
  • Contribute to development and implementation of CAPAs to address analytical and operational issues.
Documentation & Compliance
  • Author, review, and approve technical documents including protocols, reports, methods, specifications, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Ensure documentation is accurate, compliant, and inspection-ready.
  • Support regulatory submissions, health authority inspections, and internal audits as required.
QC Network & External Partner Support
  • Collaborate with QC laboratories and external testing partners to ensure successful method implementation and execution.
  • Provide technical oversight and support for analytical activities conducted at CMOs and contract testing laboratories.
  • Support network harmonization efforts and best-practice sharing across sites.
Data Trending & Continuous Improvement
  • Analyze analytical performance metrics and trending data to drive informed decision-making.
  • Support development and implementation of process improvements that enhance efficiency, compliance, and robustness.
  • Contribute to digital and data-driven initiatives supporting analytical operations.
Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications)
  • Bachelor's degree in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or related scientific discipline with 5+ years of relevant industry experience; OR
  • Master's degree in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or related scientific discipline with 3+ years of relevant industry experience; OR
  • PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or related scientific discipline with 0-2 years of relevant industry experience.
  • Experience supporting analytical method transfer, qualification, validation, verification, or lifecycle management activities in a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical, biotechnology, biologics, or vaccine environment.
  • Experience authoring and reviewing technical documents, including protocols, reports, specifications, test methods, investigations, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Working knowledge of GMP regulations, data integrity principles, and pharmaceutical quality systems.
  • Experience supporting laboratory investigations, including out-of-specification (OOS), out-of-trend (OOT), deviation, or atypical result assessments.
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze scientific data, identify trends, and apply scientific judgment to solve technical problems.
  • Experience working effectively in cross-functional teams with Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, Regulatory Affairs, and/or external partners.
Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)
  • Strong understanding of analytical method validation, transfer, qualification, verification, and lifecycle management principles, including application of risk-based and phase-appropriate strategies.
  • Hands-on experience with chromatographic, spectroscopic, molecular, lipid-based, vaccine, biologics, or biochemical analytical techniques.
  • Knowledge of applicable regulatory and compendial expectations, including ICH, USP, FDA, EMA, and other global health authority requirements.
  • Experience leading or substantially contributing to investigations, CAPAs, deviation management, change controls, or analytical troubleshooting activities.
  • Experience working with external manufacturing organizations, contract testing laboratories, or other third-party testing partners.
  • Experience supporting analytical control strategies, method readiness, product lifecycle changes, or regulatory filing activities.
  • Ability to communicate complex technical topics clearly to cross-functional stakeholders, including Quality, Manufacturing, Regulatory, Technical Development, and senior leadership audiences.
  • Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in a matrixed, fast-paced, and evolving technical environment.
Competency
  • Scientific problem solving and critical thinking
  • Technical leadership and collaboration
  • Strong data analysis and interpretation skills
  • Effective communication and stakeholder management
  • Attention to detail and commitment to quality
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Pay & Benefits

At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work.

That's why our benefits and well-being resources are designed to support you - at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

  • Competitive healthcare, plus voluntary benefit programs to support your unique needs
  • A holistic approach to well-being, with access to fitness, mindfulness, and mental health support
  • Family planning benefits, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support
  • Generous paid time off, including vacation, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year-end shutdown
  • Savings and investments to help you plan for the future
  • Location-specific perks and extras

The salary range for this role is $109,200.00 - $174,600.00. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An individual's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, performance, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, other incentive compensation, or equity award, subject to company plan eligibility criteria and individual performance.

About Moderna

Since our founding in 2010, we have aspired to build the leading mRNA technology platform, the infrastructure to reimagine how medicines are created and delivered, and a world-class team. We believe in giving our people a platform to change medicine and an opportunity to change the world.

By living our mission, values, and mindsets every day, our people are the driving force behind our scientific progress and our culture. Together, we are creating a culture of belonging and building an organization that cares deeply for our patients, our employees, the environment, and our communities.

We are proud to have been recognized as a Science Magazine Top Biopharma Employer, a Fast Company Best Workplace for Innovators, and a Great Place to Work in the U.S.

If you want to make a difference and join a team that is changing the future of medicine, we invite you to visit modernatx.com/careers to learn more about our current opportunities.

Our Working Model

As we build our company, we have always believed an in-person culture is critical to our success. Moderna champions the significant benefits of in-office collaboration by embracing a 70/30 work model. This 70% in-office structure helps to foster a culture rich in innovation, teamwork, and direct mentorship. Join us in shaping a world where every interaction is an opportunity to learn, contribute, and make a meaningful impact.

Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free work environment.

Equal Opportunities

Moderna is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry or citizenship, ethnicity, disability, military or protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, or any other personal characteristic protected under applicable law. Moderna is a place where everyone can grow. If you meet the Basic Qualifications for the role and you would be excited to contribute to our mission every day, please apply!

Moderna is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

Accommodations

We're focused on attracting, retaining, developing, and advancing our employees. By cultivating a workplace that values diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ideas, we create an environment where every employee can contribute their best.

Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should contact the Accommodations team at leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com.

Export Control Notice

Export Control Notice This position may involve access to technology or data that is subject to U.S. export control laws, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As such, employment is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to access export-controlled information in accordance with U.S. law. Due to the nature of the work and regulatory requirements, only individuals who qualify as U.S. persons (citizens, permanent residents, asylees, or refugees) are eligible for this position. For this role Moderna is unable to sponsor non-U.S. persons to apply for an export control license.

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