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Pharmacologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Communicates/presents key Clinical Pharmacology information/strategy to senior and executive management, regulatory agencies, and external peers. Supports strategic planning for drug development ...

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Communicates/presents key Clinical Pharmacology information/strategy to senior and executive management, regulatory agencies, and external peers. Supports strategic planning for drug development ...

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Pharmacologist information

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$11K

$127.2K

$166K

How much do pharmacologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for pharmacologist in the United States is $127,248.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,000.00 and $142,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can you do with pharmacologist?

A pharmacologist can work in research and development, testing new drugs and therapies, or in regulatory affairs ensuring compliance with safety standards. They may also work in clinical settings, pharmaceutical companies, or government agencies, often requiring knowledge of laboratory techniques, data analysis, and regulatory guidelines.

What does a pharmacologist do?

A pharmacologist studies how drugs and chemicals interact with biological systems. Their work involves researching the effects, mechanisms, uses, and safety of medications and other substances. Pharmacologists may work in laboratories, hospitals, or the pharmaceutical industry, developing new drugs or ensuring the safety and effectiveness of existing ones. They also analyze how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted by the body. Their findings help guide the development of new therapies and inform medical practice.

What jobs can I get as a pharmacologist?

A pharmacologist can work in research and development, testing new drugs and studying their effects, often in laboratories or pharmaceutical companies. They may also work in regulatory agencies, academia, or clinical settings, requiring knowledge of pharmacology, laboratory skills, and sometimes advanced degrees or certifications.

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

Pharmacologists often encounter challenges related to balancing efficacy and safety while developing new drugs. One major hurdle is predicting human responses based on preclinical data, which requires careful experimental design and interpretation. Additionally, pharmacologists must collaborate closely with chemists, toxicologists, and regulatory specialists to ensure compliance with industry standards and to address unexpected side effects or interactions. Managing tight project timelines and adapting to evolving scientific insights are also common aspects of the role.

What is a pharmacologist?

Pharmacologists research chemical reactions and perform clinical trials in the development of new medications. As a pharmacologist, you oversee the development of new compounds and research which elements or chemicals have the potential to treat or cure diseases. Once a new drug has been formulated, you study the possible side effects and complications it may have on patients and determine the effectiveness of the drug in fighting illness or disease.

Is a pharmacologist a good career?

A pharmacologist researches how drugs interact with biological systems and often works in laboratories, healthcare, or pharmaceutical companies. The career typically requires advanced degrees such as a Ph.D. or Pharm.D., strong analytical skills, and knowledge of chemistry and biology. It offers opportunities for research, development, and contribution to medical advancements, with job prospects generally favorable in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

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

To thrive as a Pharmacologist, you need a solid background in biology, chemistry, and pharmacology, typically supported by an advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in pharmacology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory techniques, data analysis software, and regulatory guidelines such as GLP and FDA standards is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and presenting research findings. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring accurate drug development, safety assessments, and meaningful scientific contributions.

What is the difference between Pharmacologist vs Pharmacist?

AspectPharmacologistPharmacist
Required CredentialsDoctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Pharmacology or related fieldDoctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) or equivalent
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, pharmaceutical companiesCommunity pharmacies, hospitals, clinics
Industry UsageResearch, drug development, academiaPatient care, medication dispensing, counseling

While both pharmacologists and pharmacists work with medications, pharmacologists focus on research and development of new drugs, often working in labs or academia. Pharmacists, on the other hand, are healthcare professionals who dispense medications and advise patients. Their credentials, work settings, and roles differ significantly, though both are essential in the pharmaceutical industry.

What cities are hiring for Pharmacologist jobs? Cities with the most Pharmacologist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Pharmacologist jobs? The most popular types of Pharmacologist jobs are:
What states have the most Pharmacologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Pharmacologist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Pharmacologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% Physical, 18% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,248 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

Associate Director, Clinical Pharmacology

AbbVie

Waltham, MA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


AbbVie rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 100 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Company Description

About AbbVie

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

Job Description

Conceives, executes and effectively manages and communicates multi-disciplinary Clinical Pharmacology development plans and strategies that achieve commercial goals and regulatory requirements for multiple functions. Generates new PK/PD study proposals and leads those efforts. Anticipates and critically evaluates Clinical Pharmacology, PK/PD or regulatory advances, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and responds with appropriate new strategies. Consistently demonstrates excellent record of accomplishment of Clinical Pharmacology and business objectives. Leads Clinical Pharmacology/PK/PD aspects of multiple projects. Responsible for critically evaluating technical and scientific aspects along with Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics management.

Responsibilities

  • Accountable for Phase 1-4 studies design, and clinical pharmacology strategy; acts as the representative for project(s).
  • Executes strategy, lead teams and various data analyses and interpretation by providing necessary context (including explaining MoA and disease specifics, available relevant internal and external data, analysis plans, interpretation and discussion of model results in the context of research question).
  • Author regulatory documents including protocols, study reports, population PK reports, exposure-response analyses reports, CTDs, label sections, relevant section of investigator brochures, white papers, and other similar documents.
  • Leads clinical pharmacology and biopharmaceutics meetings, serve as CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY representative at Clinical Strategy Team/Asset Development Team and present at various departmental and cross functional teams such as study teams, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY leadership team, Journal club.
  • Drives small teams with members from CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY functional groups to provide a unified clinical pharmacology position to clinical, CMC and regulatory teams.
  • Authors scientific publications and present at national and international conferences and interact with KOLs/external stakeholders.
  • Conducts due diligence assessments, summarizes results and represents CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY on business development teams.
  • Represents Clinical Pharmacology at regulatory meetings.
Qualifications

This position can be hired based on the below qualifications: 

Associate Director, Clinical Pharmacology 

  • PhD with typically 4+ years of experience or Pharm D with typically 6+ years of experience in a relevant field, Master’s Degree or equivalent education and typically 12+ years of experience, Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent education and typically 14+ years of experience;(*relevant field includes experience with PK, PBPK, PK-PD,Pharmacometrics or systems pharmacology, Drug metabolism/Transporters)
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to interact with functional representatives and KOLs externally and internally and lead team(s)
  • Strategic thinking and enterprise view
  • Proven scientific track record and technical skills to perform the role
  • Key Leadership Competencies:
    • Delivers business results while also positioning AbbVie for long-term success
    • Persistent and resilient finds the way to move good ideas forward
    • Acts respectfully yet courageously
    • Connects unrelated concepts, generates original or unique ideas
    • Influences colleagues to achieve cross-functional alignment
    • Gives full accountability when delegating and accepts full accountability when delegated to by others

Additional Information

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law: ​

  • The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future. ​

  • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.​

  • This job is eligible to participate in our long-term incentive programs. ​

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. 

US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html

US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:

https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html


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About AbbVie

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health, and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

North Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2013