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Phd Drug Development Scientist Jobs in Reston, VA

Otsuka

Director, Global Clinical Development

Rockville, MD · On-site +1

$209K - $313K/yr

Develops focused expertise to serve as a clinical/medical scientific consultant to health economic ... An advanced understanding of drug development principles and clinical trial implementation ...

Smithers Group

Scientist

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

... drug development from discovery through approval and post market surveillance. PDS works with ... Our expert scientists perform large molecule bioanalysis, assay development, validation, and sample ...

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Phd Drug Development Scientist information

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$21

$40

$64

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

As of Sep 4, 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 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.

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

Computational Biologist, Cellularization

Scorpion Therapeutics

Silver Spring, MD • On-site

$140 - $210/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Who You Are
  • Develop mathematical models of cellular processes in the lung (e.g., cell division, migration, adhesion) modulated by mechanical and chemical environments; analyze experimental data from 3D-printed scaffold cellularization.
  • Establish iterative experimental design cycles based on hypotheses generated by mathematical models to develop new cellularization approaches.
  • Implement model qualification procedures to evaluate uncertainty/variability impacts on model outputs and experimental design.
  • Collaborate with computational biologists and engineers to integrate cell-based models into large multiscale models (organ to molecular level).
  • Partner with internal/external labs to define experimental needs and coordinate experimental data generation for model training/validation.
  • Communicate results via interactive visualizations, presentations, and peer-reviewed journal publications.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements
  • Master’s in biomedical engineering, computational biology, applied mathematics, or related field + 6+ years industry experience developing computational models; OR PhD + 2+ years industry experience (postdoctoral experience at a pharma/biotech acceptable).
  • Expertise in cell-level modeling frameworks (e.g., agent-based models, cellular Potts).
  • Numerical methods for modeling/simulation (ODE/PDE solving, optimization, Monte Carlo).
  • Fluency in scientific programming languages (Python, R, Julia, etc.).
  • Experience with cell-based modeling/simulation software (Morpheus, CompuCell3D).
  • Knowledge of molecular/cellular biology and drug development.
  • Ability to communicate effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.
Preferred Qualifications
  • PhD.
  • Familiarity with quantitative systems pharmacology.
  • Statistical and machine learning skills.
  • Knowledge of pulmonary physiology.
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