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Phd Drug Development Scientist Jobs in Reston, VA

Catalent, Inc.

Sr. R&D Scientist

Manassas, VA · On-site

$91K - $125K/yr

Position Summary We have an opportunity for a Senior R&D Scientist to join our team and provide ... Join the global drug development and delivery leader and help us bring over 7,000 life-saving and ...

BullFrogAI

Principal Data Scientist

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$175K - $215K/yr

... the drug development lifecycle: * bfPREP™ -- biology-aware data harmonization that unlocks the ... Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in a quantitative field -- biology, computer science, engineering, or ...

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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 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for phd drug development scientist in Reston, VA is $40.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.52 and $48.03 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.

What are popular job titles related to Phd Drug Development Scientist jobs in Reston, VA?

For Phd Drug Development Scientist jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Phd Drug Development Scientist jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Phd Drug Development Scientist jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Phd Drug Development Scientist jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Phd Drug Development Scientist job openings:

Phd Drug Development Scientist jobs near you

Clinical Research & Development Associate Principal Scientist

AstraZeneca

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

AstraZeneca rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 86 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

What You Will Do
Expert in the field of drug research and development, contributing deep specialist knowledge of inflammatory myopathies, JIA and /or Sjogren's Disease. Operate with significant independence, integrate advanced scientific, operational, and commercial expertise to guide the full lifecycle of clinical research and development projects. Ensure alignment of scientific and business objectives across multiple functions for drug candidates, actively lead multidisciplinary teams, steer project strategy and execution, and champion process innovation and compliance to deliver high-impact results.
Accountabilities
• Provide specialist scientific and technical expertise for clinical research and development, acting as a subject matter expert both internally and externally.
• Plan, coordinate, and direct input from cross-functional teams-spanning research, development, regulatory, marketing, and manufacturing-to advance a portfolio of drug projects through all phases of the development process.
• Design, implement, and optimize clinical development strategies and protocols, ensuring scientific integrity as well as commercial and regulatory viability.
• Execute recruitment strategies and lead the operational planning for clinical studies, including timeline, budget forecasting, feasibility, and resource allocation.
• Plan the preparation and timely delivery of clinical documents, submissions, and regulatory materials (such as CSRs, CTDs, INDs, and annual reports), ensuring appropriate input from all stakeholders.
• Manage activities associated with audits to ensure compliance with GCP, ICH, AZ standards, and local/international regulations.
• Guide and support initiatives to improve the efficiency and quality of the clinical development process, leveraging new technologies and best practices.
• Oversee risk and contingency planning for clinical projects, proactively managing issues impacting quality, budget, and timelines and escalating appropriately.
• May mentor and manage clinical research professionals and study teams, providing performance management and supporting career growth.
• Ensure comprehensive and ongoing training for investigators and monitors to uphold study delivery standards.
• Continuously monitor, interpret, and share relevant scientific, commercial, and regulatory developments, integrating insights into ongoing projects.
• Contribute significantly to decision-making regarding the scientific and commercial viability of drug candidates, including go/no-go and resource investment decisions.
• Has personal responsibility for creating a culture of courageous leadership, creativity and collaboration
Qualifications and Skills
  • Essential: Bachelor's degree in a scientific field, or equivalent qualification.; Considerable experience in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in drug development; Experience managing and interpreting the results of clinical trials. Knowledge of autoimmune disease biology, clinical manifestations and treatments, knowledge of relevant scientific literature and clinical trials.

  • Desirable: Master's, PharmD, PhD or equivalent qualification in a relevant scientific field (advanced degree preferred); Significant experience in the pharmaceutical industry; Proven leadership in cross-functional teams and complex clinical projects from design through to regulatory submission; In-depth knowledge of GCP, ICH, drug development processes, and regulatory requirements; Strong strategic, analytical, and project management skills, including budget/resource management and risk planning; Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management capabilities.

Key Relationship to Reach Solutions
  • Internal: Clinical project and development teams; study delivery personnel; manufacturing; regulatory; marketing/business development; therapy/brand leaders; data management; pharmacology; regional/monitoring teams.

  • External: Regulatory bodies; external service providers; clinical sites; marketing company personnel.

Date Posted
09-Aug-2026
Closing Date
03-Sep-2026
Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.

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