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Phd Drug Development Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Development Scientist I Position Summary: * Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm EST * This ... Join the global drug development and delivery leader and help us bring over 7,000 life-saving and ...

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 ...

Development Scientist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

As part of the Development team, the Development Scientist will collaborate closely with ... PhD in Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences, or a related field * Candidates with an MS degree ...

Development Scientist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

As part of the Development team, the Development Scientist will collaborate closely with ... PhD in Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences, or a related field * Candidates with an MS degree ...

R&D Scientist Overview: We are seeking a Senior R&D Scientist to join our startup team and help ... PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related field * Strong knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid ...

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Phd Drug Development Scientist information

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$20

$38

$61

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

As of Jun 11, 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 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 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 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.

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.
More about Phd Drug Development Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Phd Drug Development Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Phd Drug Development Scientist job openings:
What states have the most Phd Drug Development Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Phd Drug Development Scientist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Phd Drug Development Scientist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,420 per year, or $38.7 per hour.
Development Scientist II

Full-time

Life, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Catalent rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 71 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Development Scientist II

The Development Scientist II serves as a primary point of contact with the client regarding pharmaceutical development and clinical manufacturing project related activities. The Development Scientist II is responsible for supporting these activities in the areas of supervision, process development, clinical trial batch manufacturing, packing and documentation.

Position Summary

This position is 100% on-site at the Greenville site.

Catalent's Greenville, N.C. facility specializes in end-to-end turn-key solutions for oral solid dosage forms, including integrated formulation development, analytical services, commercial manufacturing, and packaging. This state-of-the-art facility has had over $100M of investments in recent years and features fit-for-scale capacity with potent handling capabilities, ideal for orphan or targeted drug development.

The Development Scientist II is responsible for all formulation and process development of several ongoing projects including project management and customer contact.

The Role

  • Responsible for GMP compliance in formulation and process development.

  • Responsible for assisting with planning and operating within a budget for the pharmaceutical area.

  • Work directly with customers and potential customers to agree on development approaches and scope of work.

  • Independently assist manufacturing group with batch manufacture and packaging/labeling, including set-up and cleaning.

  • Lead efforts in solving formulation and process problems.

  • Directly support with writing batch records, SOPs, IQ/OQ/PQ documents, development/technical reports, and CMC sections for regulatory submissions as directed.

  • Ensure that all work is accurate, precise, properly documented and, when appropriate, performed within GMP guidelines.

  • All other duties as assigned.

The Candidate

  • Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biology or related field with eight or more years of experience in pharmaceutical development with focus on solids formulation required or;

  • Master's degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutics, Industry Pharmacy, or related field with six or more years of experience in pharmaceutical development required or;

  • Ph.D. in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutics, Industry Pharmacy or related field with four or more years of experience in pharmaceutical development required or;

  • Some exposure to hazardous chemicals and other active chemical ingredients.

  • Position requires the capacity to handle and manipulate objects using hands and arms.

  • Requires ability to occasionally lift items in excess of 50 pounds.

  • This position requires that a respirator be worn for your safety, and as such, employment is contingent upon being able to complete a medical evaluation with satisfactory results. The medical evaluation is conducted via an external vendor assigned by Catalent.

Why You Should Work At Catalent

  • Spearhead exciting and innovative projects

  • Fast-paced, dynamic environment

  • High visibility to members at all levels of the organization

  • 152 hours of PTO + 8 paid holidays

Catalent offers rewarding opportunities to further your career! Join the global drug development and delivery leader and help us bring over 7,000 life-saving and life-enhancing products to patients around the world. Catalent is an exciting and growing international company where employees work directly with pharma, biopharma and consumer health companies of all sizes to advance new medicines from early development to clinical trials and to the market. Catalent produces more than 70 billion doses per year, and each one will be used by someone who is counting on us. Join us in making a difference.

personal initiative. dynamic pace. meaningful work.

Visit Catalent Careers to explore career opportunities.

Catalent is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veterans.

If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email, and confirming your request for an accommodation and include the job number, title and location to DisabilityAccommodations@catalent.com. This option is reserved for individuals who require accommodation due to a disability. Information received will be processed by a U.S. Catalent employee and then routed to a local recruiter who will provide assistance to ensure appropriate consideration in the application or hiring process.

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Catalent Pharma Solutions (Catalent) is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Catalent employee by a third party agency and/or search firm without a valid written & signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Catalent. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.

Important Security Notice to U.S. Job Seekers:

Catalent NEVER asks candidates to provide any type of payment, bank details, photocopies of identification, social security number or other highly sensitive personal information during the offer process, and we NEVER do so via email or social media. If you receive any such request, DO NOT respond- it is a fraudulent request. Please forward such requests to spam@catalent.com for us to investigate with local authorities.

California Job Seekers can find our California Job Applicant Notice HERE.


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About Catalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Catalent is an exciting and growing international company where employees work directly with pharma, biopharma and consumer health companies of all sizes to advance new medicines from early development to clinical trials and to the market. Catalent produces more than 70 billion doses per year, and each one will be used by someone who is counting on us. Join us in making a difference.Catalent is committed to the health and safety of its employees, visitors and the customers and patients we serve.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Somerset, NJ, US

Year founded

2007

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