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Phd Drug Development Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary MBX is seeking a Formulation Development Scientist to join the Drug Product team and help advance our peptide therapeutic pipeline. Reporting to the Associate Director, Formulation ...

Execute routine studies to support internal release, development, and stability samples using a ... PhD, MS or Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a ...

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R&D Scientist

Newark, DE · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

PhD degree in material science, polymer science, synthetic chemistry, or related disciplines. * 1 ... Well-developed oral and written communication skills. Responsibilities: * Lead all aspects of ...

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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.

DOWNSTREAM PROCESS DEVELOPMENT SCIENTIST

MyGradJob

Billerica, MA

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Company Description

MilliporeSigma is the North American life science brand of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany - a leading science and technology company. It offers a broad range of innovative products and services to biotech and pharmaceutical drug therapies businesses. Through dedicated collaboration with the scientific and engineering communities, and as one of the top three R&D investors in the life science tools industry, the brand serves as a strategic partner to customers and helps advance the promise of life science.

Job Description
  • Design fit-for-purpose purification experiments according to the stage of development
  • Ensure scientific evaluation of impact of deviations to Downstream validation studies
  • Compile and analyze experimental data to generate process knowledge and decide on next steps
  • Write development and validation reports and ensure their timely delivery
  • Prepare and present project updates to global project team and to upper management
  • Ensure a continuous improvement within Downstream process development activities
  • Represent & promote E2E and Biodevelopment activities (presentations, congresses, events)
  • Technical lead on the overall projects (supervises Downstream processes development and implementation of new methods and services)
  • Technical leader for equipment, technologies for Downstream process development
  • Responsible for activities ranging from protein purification, filtration, biochemical and biophysical characterization of proteins: -
  • Execute routine protein purification with affinity, size exclusion, ion exchange, and hydrophobic interaction chromatography using AKTA systems (Unicorn software)
  • Perform analyses including but not limited to SDS-PAGE, SE-HPLC, LAL, host cell-DNA, host cell protein, as necessary
  • To develop, validate and transfer robust analytical methods required for successful drug development and manufacturing.
  • To support follow-up and troubleshooting on analytical methods.
  • Provide expertise and insight to guide development of appropriate purification methods
  • Develop novel purification processes as well as using standard methods to purify proteins from the mg to gram scale. Processes will be multiple steps and must provide necessary clearance of viruses, endotoxin, and host cell proteins and DNA.
  • Perform, develop and optimize robust, efficient, scalable strategies for improving process performance. Activities will include small-scale studies and pilot scale purification studies.
  • Apply DOE methods to purification activities
Qualifications
  • Engineering/Master degree (PhD preferred) in biotechnology with 5+ years in the biopharmaceutical industry
  • Solid and proven theoretical basis and hands-on experience in protein purification and analytical characterization
  • Hands-on experience with purification unit operations including filtration, chromatography, TFF, UF/DF, AKTA, UNICORN and HPLC systems.
  • Strong hands-on experience in troubleshooting and routine instrument maintenance.
  • Experienced in protein purification via affinity, hydrophobic interaction (HIC), ion exchange (IEX), size exclusion (SEC) and mixed-mode chromatography
  • Knowledge and skills in biochemical characterization of proteins including analytical and biophysical
  • Proven track record in Purification Process Development is necessary with emphasis on chromatographic separations and excellent understanding of and experience with chromatographic resin screening and process optimization.  Experience with scale-up and GMP manufacturing is desirable.
  • Solid and proven working knowledge of DOE. Ability to critically analyze data using statistical tools and to compile technical reports
  • Excellent presentation and communication skills
  • Results-oriented with ability to work and deliver under pressure
  • Excellent English (written, oral) 
Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.