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Phd Drug Development Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Trusted products that accelerate drug discovery, development, and delivery to save lives * Damage ... PhD in Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, 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 9, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,420 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

Principal Research Scientist ONC -Clinical Development Scientist (Sponsor Dedicated/ Remote US)

Syneos Health

Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Syneos Health rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Principal Research Scientist ONC -Clinical Development Scientist (Sponsor Dedicated/ Remote US)
Syneos Health® is a leading fully-integrated life sciences services organization built to accelerate customer success. We partner with innovators at every point across the drug development and commercialization continuum, helping them navigate complexity, anticipate change and accelerate progress.
Our Clinical Solutions team members act with a drug development mindset, applying their years of experience and deep expertise to truly understand customer needs and represent those in the solutions we shape.
Whether you join us in a Functional Service Provider partnership or a Full-Service environment, you'll collaborate with passionate problem solvers, innovating as a team to help our customers achieve their goals. We are agile and driven to deliver - for one another, our customers, and, most importantly, for those in need.
Discover what your 25,000 future colleagues already know:
Why Syneos Health
• We are passionate about developing our people, through career development and progression; supportive and engaged line management; technical and therapeutic area training; peer recognition and total rewards program.
• We are committed to building an inclusive culture - where you can authentically be yourself. Central to this is our purpose - Driven to Deliver - which captures the passion of our colleagues to show up each day and shape solutions that have the ability to dramatically impact someone's life.
• We are continuously building the company we all want to work for and our customers want to work with. Why? Because we know that when we bring together smart colleagues from across the world, we can shape the future of healthcare, driving impact for customers and defining the pace of patient progress.
Job Responsibilities
JOB SUMMARY
The Principal research scientist is responsible for coordinating and carrying out the full spectrum of activities related to the development and validation of bioanalytical methods according to client requests and within the required timeframes.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Develops a solid understanding of clinical trial design and applies this knowledge to support the creation of study concept documents and clinical protocols.
  • Participates in protocol review meetings, contributing to discussions on scientific rationale and operational study design considerations.
  • Assists in the preparation of study protocols, protocol amendments, investigator meeting materials, study manuals, and other clinical trial documentation under appropriate guidance.
  • Contributes to the development of Case Report Forms (CRFs), Data Management Plans, and Statistical Analysis Plans with supervision.
  • Supports responses to investigator inquiries related to scientific, clinical, and procedural aspects of studies.
  • Assists in the preparation and review of data outputs, summary reports, study findings, manuscripts, and scientific presentations.
  • Provides support in the development and review of regulatory submission documents.
  • Identifies and helps address moderately complex study-related challenges, implementing solutions with guidance from experienced team members.
  • May coordinate project teams and provide direction on assigned activities when required.
  • May perform clinical monitoring responsibilities for individual studies or specific components of larger clinical programs.
  • Demonstrates the ability to quickly learn new therapeutic areas and synthesize relevant scientific literature to support study development activities.
  • Ensures compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, and company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
  • PharmD or PhD with 3+ years in clinical research or clinical pharmacology with scientific and/or drug development experience in the biopharma industry, healthcare, consulting, academia or a related environment.
  • MS with 6+ years' relevant scientific and/or drug development experience.
  • BS or RN with 8+ years' relevant scientific and/or drug development experience.
  • Relevant experience in Multiple Myeloma and/or CAR-T Therapy is preferred.
  • Experienced with Microsoft Office and other job-related programs.
  • Must demonstrate good computer skills especially in the utilization of Microsoft Word and Excel and analytical software (E.g. Analyst).
  • Demonstrates skills in scientific problem solving.
  • English level: Required bilingualism includes communicating verbally and in writing on topics that are often technical, and writing procedures or technical reports.

At Syneos Health, we believe in providing an environment and culture in which Our People can thrive, develop and advance. We reward and recognize our people by providing valuable benefits and a quality-of-life balance. The benefits for this position may include a company car or car allowance, Health benefits to include Medical, Dental and Vision, Company match 401k, eligibility to participate in Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Eligibility to earn commissions/bonus based on company and individual performance, and flexible paid time off (PTO) and sick time. Because certain states and municipalities have regulated paid sick time requirements, eligibility for paid sick time may vary depending on where you work. Syneos complies with all applicable federal, state, and municipal paid sick time requirements.
Salary Range:
$79,800.00 - $139,600.00
The base salary range represents the anticipated low and high of the Syneos Health range for this position. Actual salary will vary based on various factors such as the candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role.
Get to know Syneos Health
Over the past 5 years, we have worked with 94% of all Novel FDA Approved Drugs, 95% of EMA Authorized Products and over 200 Studies across 73,000 Sites and 675,000+ Trial patients.
No matter what your role is, you'll take the initiative and challenge the status quo with us in a highly competitive and ever-changing environment. Learn more about Syneos Health.
http://www.syneoshealth.com
Additional Information
Tasks, duties, and responsibilities as listed in this job description are not exhaustive. The Company, at its sole discretion and with no prior notice, may assign other tasks, duties, and job responsibilities. Equivalent experience, skills, and/or education will also be considered so qualifications of incumbents may differ from those listed in the Job Description. The Company, at its sole discretion, will determine what constitutes as equivalent to the qualifications described above. Further, nothing contained herein should be construed to create an employment contract. Occasionally, required skills/experiences for jobs are expressed in brief terms. Any language contained herein is intended to fully comply with all obligations imposed by the legislation of each country in which it operates, including the implementation of the EU Equality Directive, in relation to the recruitment and employment of its employees. The Company is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, including the provision of reasonable accommodations, when appropriate, to assist employees or applicants to perform the essential functions of the job.

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