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Pharmacologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead the Diagnostic Pharmacology Service (DPS), which conducts pharmacokinetic studies across multiple species. * Develop and validate analytical assays to support intramural and extramural research.

Conceive and execute novel scientific research or development in Clinical Pharmacology that achieves projects and Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics (CPPM) goals. Generate new PK/PD proposals ...

Conceive and execute novel scientific research or development in Clinical Pharmacology that achieves projects and Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics (CPPM) goals. Generate new PK/PD proposals ...

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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 13, 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 87% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 13% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,248 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

Director, Clinical Pharmacology (Immunology)

AbbVie

North Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


AbbVie rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 101 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th 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

Communicates/presents key Clinical Pharmacology information/strategy to senior and executive management, regulatory agencies, and external peers. Supports strategic planning for drug development activities and projects to achieve departmental strategies, goals, and objectives. Utilizes scientific expertise to provide appropriate interpretation of data and relates implications of results to management. Serves as liaison to other departments/divisions for any study/project needs. Understands linkages across businesses and understands the impact of business decisions and solutions. May lead teams within Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics and accountable for effective performance of the teams.

Responsibilities

  • Leads Clinical Pharmacology/PK/PD activities and multiple major projects. Assists R&D senior management in the selection of action plans that best meets drug development business objectives.
  • Identifies issues and help with issue resolution. Conducts risk assessments and assists in development of contingency plans. Assures project remains in alignment with strategic objectives.
  • Provides overall timelines to assess portfolio opportunities. Negotiates with other functional areas on project outcomes and deliverables to meet conflicting demands (time, cost, quality/performance).
  • Provides scientific and strategic consultation to R&D, Regulatory, and all levels of management on critical decisions and development plans.
  • Responsible for evaluating technical, scientific aspects of all AbbVie projects along with CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY management. Reviews clinical protocols and scientific reports for regulatory filings and anticipates regulatory questions. Leads CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY regulatory documents writing, submission and response to Regulatory agency comments.
  • Independently conducts due diligence assessments, summarizes results and represents CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY on business development teams.
  • Identifies and develops process improvement initiatives and reviews recommendations with management for approval and sponsorship.
  • Contribute to development of departmental goals. Influences strategic PK/PD decisions for the department.
  • Performs functions and responsibilities with the highest regard for quality and timeliness. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of PK/PD data analysis, modeling and simulation methods and software.
  • May manage personnel including development, mentoring, and effective delegation.
Qualifications
  • PhD with typically 7+ years of experience or Pharm D with typically 9+ years of experience in a relevant field, MS or equivalent education with typically 15+ years of experience; BS or equivalent education and typically 17+ years of experience; (*relevant field includes experience with PK, PBPK, PK-PD, Pharmacometrics or systems pharmacology, Drug metabolism/Transporters)
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Knowledge and experience in multiple therapeutic and/or functional areas
  • Experience across range of development phases
  • Knowledge of AbbVie and Pharma drug development processes
  • Must have demonstrated leadership competencies in PK/PD, Biopharmaceutics, and Pharmacometric activities from planning, implementation through completion across multiple projects
  • Scientific project leadership or related experience
  • Project management skills such as scope management, progress tracking/driving as well as time management
  • Participates in initiatives and advancement of CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
  • Key Leadership Competencies:
    Knows the business and the cross-functional contributions needed to deliver results
    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
    Communicates openly and honestly with all colleagues
    Manages conflict and difficult conversations in a constructive transparent way
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