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Phd Drug Development Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Catalent, Inc.

Development Scientist II

Greenville, NC · On-site

  • Life

  • PTO

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 ...

Catalent, Inc.

Development Scientist II

Greenville, NC · On-site

  • Life

  • PTO

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 ...

Corning

Development Scientist

Corning, NY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Trusted products that accelerate drug discovery, development, and delivery to save lives * Damage ... PhD in Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a ...

Corning

Development Scientist

Corning, NY

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Trusted products that accelerate drug discovery, development, and delivery to save lives * Damage ... PhD in Materials Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Ceramics/Glass Science, or a ...

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Phd Drug Development Scientist information

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

As of Aug 17, 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, 14% Part Time, and 3% 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.

RESEARCH SCIENTIST - SCIENTIST - Drug Development

SWRI

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

  • Project leadership to meet scope, schedule, and budget constraints for drug development programs
  • Proposal preparation to include identifying project opportunities, planning the approach to win, building the team, developing the technical proposal, developing the cost proposal.
  • Assist project managers in project execution.
  • Interact with technical staff to convey work assignments, progress updates, problem identification, problem resolution, workplace safety, and compliance with quality and regulatory requirements.
  • Interact with clients to convey progress, execute scope of work, and identify/manage risks.

  • Communicate with peers, staff, supervisor, and clients as projects progress.
  • Brief, inform, and communicate with upper management on current projects and proposal strategies and dispositions in a timely manner.
  • Contribute to the internal meeting environment by making recommendations, offering ideas, supporting team members, and taking initiative to work on tasks.
  • Plan, review with staff, coordinate, and monitor tasks for start-up to completion, establish protocols and procedures, obtain necessary subcontractors/vendors, provide documentation, provide work instructions to technical staff, review resulting data, and prepare reports.

  • Requires a Bachelors, Masters, or PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Pharmaceutical Sciences or related degree field with relevant experience. Graduate degrees will be considered in lieu of work experience and should emphasize synthesis, pharmaceutical science, natural products chemistry, or have familiarity with pharmaceutical manufacturing or similar drug development project.
  • 1 years: Project management experience in drug development, pharmaceuticals manufacturing, or similar project efforts.
  • Proposal or grant preparation, preferably in drug development.
  • Report writing, data compilation, schedule generation/updating, presentation preparation.
  • Familiarity with MS Word, MS Excel, MS Project, MS Power Point, Adobe, and MS Outlook, a plus.
  • A valid/clear driver's license is required.

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