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Phd Drug Development Scientist Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.

Data Scientist

Washington, DC · On-site

$120 - $170/hr

MS or PhD in Statistics/Biostatistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Data Science, Physics ... Drug Development (pre-, early, late and/or observational) in related industries or academic ...

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Phd Drug Development Scientist information

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$39

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

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for phd drug development scientist in Silver Spring, MD is $39.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.33 and $47.69 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 Silver Spring, MD?

For Phd Drug Development Scientist jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Phd Drug Development Scientist jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Phd Drug Development Scientist jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

Phd Drug Development Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Phd Drug Development Scientist job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,136 per year, or $40 per hour.

Senior Scientist, Vaccine Drug Product Development

AstraZeneca

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 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

Senior Scientist, Vaccine Drug Product Development
Introduction to the Role
Join our Vaccines Drug Product Development team to shape the next generation of preventative therapies. We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist with experience in vaccine formulation development, adjuvant formulations, and co-formulated drug products. You will design and develop formulations and drug product processes spanning phase 1 through pivotal clinical development, with a focus on multi-antigen/adjuvant combinations and other vaccine modalities. You will drive development strategies, influence CMC decisions, manage external partners, and connect near-term deliverables to long-term patient impacts.
Key Responsibilities
You will work in a laboratory environment focused on vaccine drug product development, supporting programs from early formulation screening through clinical manufacturing readiness. Additionally, you will:
  • Vaccine Formulation Development: Design and execute formulation studies for vaccine drug products, including co-formulated multi-antigen/adjuvant combinations and other vaccine modalities. Evaluate antigen-adjuvant interactions, excipient compatibility, and stability to inform pipeline advancement decisions.
  • In Vitro Characterization: Perform experiments to evaluate formulation attributes such as antigen integrity, adsorption/desorption profiles, particle size, encapsulation efficiency, and colloidal stability. Generate data packages that support formulation down-selection and process development decisions.
  • Drug Product Process Design and Scale-Up: Design fit-for-purpose drug product processes (e.g., mixing, encapsulation, sterile filtration, lyophilization). Conduct scale-up and robustness studies to build process-product understanding across clinical phases. Contribute to technology transfer activities to manufacturing sites or CMOs/CDMOs.
  • Documentation and Regulatory Authoring: Author technical reports, protocols, and development summaries. Draft and contribute to CMC sections for INDs, and BLAs (i.e., process descriptions, formulation justifications, clinical compatibility). Maintain documentation in compliance with internal practices.
  • Cross-Functional Representation: Represent Drug Product on CMC sub-teams; collaborate with other functions to align formulation and process plans with program timelines.
  • Scientific Contribution and Lab Operations: Present findings at internal forums; contribute to external publications or conferences where appropriate. Stay current with emerging scientific literature and technology. Support coordination and maintenance of laboratory equipment.

Education & Experience Requirements
  • Education: BS, MS, or PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Immunology, Pharmaceutics or related fields of study.
  • Experience: BS: 7+ years; MS: 3+ years; PhD: 0+ years of experience in biopharmaceutical or vaccine development.

Required Skills & Experience
  • Formulation Development: Strong understanding of vaccine formulation principles, including adsorption kinetics, antigen-adjuvant interactions, buffer/excipient selection, and stability assessment (chemical, physical, colloidal). Ability to independently design and execute formulation studies with clear decision criteria.
  • In Vitro Characterization: Familiarity with biophysical characterization techniques such as DLS, HPLC/UPLC, LC-MS, UV/Fluorescence, ELISA/Binding assays, DSC/DMA, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, particle size and PDI, adsorption/desorption profiling, residual solvent/detergent analysis, Karl Fischer, osmolality, sterility/endotoxin, and appearance/particulate assessments.
  • Data Interpretation & Decision-Making: Ability to design experiments with clear decision criteria, critically interpret results, and connect experimental outcomes to inform next steps.
  • Process Engineering: Familiarity with unit operations relevant to vaccines (e.g., homogenization/emulsification, sterile filtration concepts, or LNP formation via microfluidics). Exposure to process scale-up considerations is a plus.
  • Scientific Communication: Ability to clearly document experimental work, summarize findings in written reports, and present data to multidisciplinary teams.
  • Collaboration: Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary scientific teams.

Desirable Skills & Experience
  • Process Engineering: Experience with unit operations relevant to vaccines (e.g., homogenization/emulsification, sterile filtration, LNP formation via microfluidics, lyophilization). Hands-on experience with process scale-up or tech transfer is preferred.
  • CMC and GMP Familiarity: Experience working within or interfacing with GMP manufacturing environments, reviewing batch records, or coordinating with CMOs/CDMOs.
  • Regulatory Authoring: Direct experience authoring or reviewing CMC sections for regulatory filings (IND, BLA).
  • External Scientific Engagement: Track record of conference presentations, publications, or patent contributions.

Ways of Working and Behaviors
  • Proactive and Motivated: Anticipates risks and opportunities; drives timely, high-quality execution with minimal supervision.
  • Collaborative and Engaged: Builds strong relationships across disciplines; communicates clearly; fosters transparency and shared accountability.
  • Patient Impact Focus: Passionate about translating technical work into better patient outcomes; prioritizes quality, and safety.
  • Scientific Rigor and Integrity: Upholds data integrity, methodical experimentation, and clear documentation; embraces feedback to improve outcomes.

Working Model
This is a lab-based position with an on-site requirement. However, there is flexibility for remote work based on individual needs and team priorities.
Location and Travel
  • Primary Site: Gaithersburg, MD (Biopharmaceuticals R&D)
  • Travel: Up to10% travel, primarily to CMOs/CDMOs, and internal manufacturing sites

Why AstraZeneca?
At AstraZeneca's Biopharmaceuticals R&D, you will join a community of scientists committed to advancing vaccine science with courage and clarity. Here, every challenge is an opportunity to learn and improve. You will have the opportunity to shape CMC strategies and deliver tangible impact for patients worldwide.
The annual base pay for this position ranges from $112,304 to $168,456. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives-an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans
Date Posted
14-Aug-2026
Closing Date
27-Aug-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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About AstraZeneca

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AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world's most serious diseases. But we're more than one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. A place built on courage, curiosity and collaboration - we make bold decisions driven by patient outcomes. Empowered to lead at every level, free to ask questions and take smart risks that write the next chapter for our pipeline and Oncology team. Make a meaningful impact that brings real benefits to society. By applying your knowledge of data, you will help to redefine our industry and ultimately save lives. Work with experts who share a common goal: to accelerate the potential of medicines and the science of tomorrow.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers and pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, GB

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