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Phd Drug Development Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gidget Foundation Australia

$180 - $240/hr

COMPUTATIONAL DRUG DEVELOPMENT SCIENTIST Lantern Pharma is seeking a highly accomplished Oncology drug designer and developmentscientist. The potential candidate will develop and lead innovative ...

Catalent, Inc.

Development Scientist II

Greenville, NC · On-site

The Development Scientist II is responsible for supporting these activities in the areas of ... Join the global drug development and delivery leader and help us bring over 7,000 life-saving and ...

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How much do phd drug development scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for phd drug development scientist in the United States is $38.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.37 and $46.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a PhD drug development scientist do?

A PhD Drug Development Scientist is responsible for researching, designing, and conducting experiments to develop new pharmaceutical drugs or improve existing ones. They typically work in laboratories within pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, or academic institutions. Their work involves understanding disease mechanisms, identifying drug targets, optimizing drug candidates, and ensuring safety and efficacy through preclinical and clinical trials. They also analyze data, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and comply with regulatory standards throughout the drug development process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD drug development scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a PhD Drug Development Scientist, you need deep expertise in pharmacology, biochemistry, and molecular biology, typically backed by a doctoral degree in a relevant scientific field. Familiarity with laboratory techniques, data analysis software, and regulatory documentation systems is crucial, as are certifications like Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or Good Clinical Practice (GCP). Strong analytical thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and effective collaboration and communication skills help you navigate complex research and multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure rigorous scientific discovery, regulatory compliance, and successful advancement of drug candidates from research through clinical development.

What are some common challenges faced by PhD drug development scientists during the transition from discovery to clinical trials?

PhD Drug Development Scientists often encounter challenges when moving a promising compound from the discovery phase to clinical trials, such as ensuring the drug's safety profile, scalability of synthesis, and regulatory compliance. Balancing scientific rigor with tight project timelines requires strong project management and cross-functional collaboration with regulatory, clinical, and manufacturing teams. Additionally, adapting to evolving regulatory requirements and troubleshooting unexpected preclinical results are common hurdles. Overcoming these challenges is crucial for advancing new therapies to patients and offers valuable experience for career growth.

What is the difference between Phd Drug Development Scientist vs Pharmacologist?

AspectPhd Drug Development ScientistPharmacologist
Required CredentialsPhD in Pharmacology, Chemistry, or related fieldPhD or MD in Pharmacology or related discipline
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firmsResearch institutions, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare settings
Industry UsageDeveloping new drugs, conducting preclinical studiesStudying drug effects, mechanisms, and interactions
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The Phd Drug Development Scientist focuses on designing and developing new drugs through research and preclinical testing, while the Pharmacologist studies how drugs work in the body, including their effects and interactions. Both roles require advanced degrees and are integral to the pharmaceutical industry, but they differ in their primary focus and daily responsibilities.

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Phd Drug Development Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Phd Drug Development Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,420 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

Computational Drug Development Scientist

Gidget Foundation Australia

Dallas, TX • On-site

$180 - $240/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

COMPUTATIONAL DRUG DEVELOPMENT SCIENTIST

Lantern Pharma is seeking a highly accomplished Oncology drug designer and developmentscientist. The potential candidate will develop and lead innovative approaches that support both Lantern's internal drug development programs and external-facing partnerships. You will drive strategic direction for AI-enabled oncology drug discovery and have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge teams advancing precision cancer medicine.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate orthogonal thinking in drug discovery and development, with proven ability to discover novel right that precisely target indications by utilizing key tumor specific pathways and using bioinformatics, machine learning and in-silico chemistry tools.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Lead the strategic expansion, selection, and application of datasets and AI/ML tools,integrating public and proprietary preclinical and clinical results to elucidate molecularmechanisms of action (MOA) and therapeutic potential
  • Direct cross-functional teams in analyzing complex genomic contexts of cancer biological pathways to optimize MOA-indication matching and therapeutic strategies
  • Define biomarker discovery strategies by integrating MOA, therapeutic potential, and cancer genomics to enhance molecular selectivity
  • Guide medicinal chemistry efforts by interpreting chemical and structural features to enable developmental modifications for NCEs with improved PK and efficacy profiles
  • Uncover novel therapeutic applications of existing molecules through AI-driven analysis of drug response pathway interactions
  • Synthesize insights from diverse preclinical data sources (internal and external) to inform optimal combination therapy strategies
  • Pioneer AI strategies for novel cancer drug targeting approaches, including ADCs, multispecific antibodies, and emerging modalities
  • Oversee development and maintenance of in silico molecule pipelines and infrastructure supporting AI/ML-driven bench projects
  • Collaborate with clinical and preclinical research teams to architect proof-of-concept study designs
  • Provide scientific leadership and mentorship to AI drug development teams
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • 7+ years of experience in AI-directed drug development environments with demonstratedimpact on drug candidate advancement
  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computational Chemistry, Cancer Biology, or related field
  • Deep expertise in matching ML-based in silico discovery of novel cancer drugs
  • Comprehensive knowledge of genomic and cancer pathway databases
  • Proven experience in drug candidate prioritization and portfolio decision-making in biopharmaceutical settings
  • Exceptional communication skills with ability to influence diverse stakeholders through written and oral presentations
  • Strong programming proficiency (Python, R, or similar) and development of multi agentic platforms
  • Demonstrated leadership in building, managing, and scaling distributed AI-focused scientific teams
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Experience with cloud computing platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) for large-scale biological data analysis
  • Track record of IND filings or clinical trial contributions
  • Industry partnerships or business development experience

Salary: Competitive stipend provided based on experience and hours of availability.

Lantern provides multiple growth opportunities and as an early team member, your work will have a direct impact on precision oncology that can transform drug development.

  • competitive health, dental & vision insurance
  • stock options in a public company
  • an opportunity to take leadership on new and meaningful projects
  • involvement with leading conferences & industry trade shows
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