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Top 15 Pharmaceutical Science Degree Jobs

By Ammar Ahmed

Published: December 17, 2023

As medical breakthroughs flourish, a variety of career paths have emerged. Each plays a vital role in discovering, developing, and delivering life-changing medications globally.

This article explores promising job prospects a pharmaceutical degree offers, paving the way for significant contributions to global healthcare.

Part of these career paths include the top 15 pharmaceutical science jobs that we’ll explore in this article:

• Pharmaceutical Scientist
• Clinical Research Associate
• Pharmacologist
• Regulatory Affairs Specialist
• Pharmaceutical Quality Control Analyst
• Formulation Scientist
• Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
• Clinical Data Manager
• Analytical Chemist
• Pharmacovigilance Scientist 
• Medical Science Liaison
• Biopharmaceutical Engineer
• Pharmaceutical Market Research Analyst  
• Drug Safety Officer
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technician

1. Pharmaceutical Scientist

As a distinguished profession at the forefront of medical innovation, Pharmaceutical Scientists play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare. These skilled professionals are dedicated to unraveling the complexities of drug development, from initial research to clinical trials and beyond. 

As a Pharmaceutical Scientist

Your work involves designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to create safe and effective medications that improve lives worldwide.

• Publication and Patent Incentives: Financial or recognition incentives for publishing research findings or filing patents.
• Membership Dues: Reimbursement or direct payment for memberships in professional associations like the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists.
• Flexibility: Pharmaceutical Scientists often have the flexibility to work remotely, allowing for a balanced work-life arrangement. This flexibility can enhance overall job satisfaction.
• Retirement Packages: Competitive 401(k) or pension plans that ensure long-term financial security.
• Bonus Structures: Performance-based bonuses or profit-sharing opportunities based on successful project completions or milestones achieved.

Working Conditions

Pharmaceutical Scientists often benefit from a dynamic work environment that allows for flexibility. With the option to work remotely, they can harness the power of technology to contribute to projects from various locations. Moreover, the pharmaceutical industry frequently offers opportunities for self-employment or freelancing, enabling professionals to showcase their expertise on diverse projects and gain a broader perspective on drug development.

Further Studies 

• Bachelor’s Degree: Beginning with a bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences is a robust starting point, equipping you with foundational knowledge in drug discovery, development, and pharmacology. This background lays the groundwork for many research roles in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Master’s Degree (Recommended): A master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences or a related field such as Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, or Biotechnology can further specialize your knowledge. This level of study often includes hands-on laboratory work, exposing students to cutting-edge techniques and research methodologies.
• Doctorate (Highly Beneficial): For those seeking senior research roles, academic positions, or intending to lead their research teams, a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences or a closely related discipline is essential. Doctoral research allows in-depth exploration of specific areas like drug delivery systems, molecular pharmacology, or biopharmaceutics, to name a few.
• Post-Doctoral Fellowship: Following a Ph.D., many Pharmaceutical Scientists opt for post-doctoral fellowships. This stage provides advanced research experience, often in specialized or emerging areas of pharmaceutical science. It also helps in building a solid network with leading experts in the field.
• Internships and Entry-Level Positions: Practical experience in the pharmaceutical industry or research labs will enhance your understanding of real-world challenges and solutions. Look for opportunities in pharmaceutical companies, biotech startups, or academic research labs to gain hands-on expertise.
• Publications and Research: As with many scientific roles, publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals can significantly boost your credibility and position you as an expert in the field. Collaborative projects and presenting at conferences can further your reach and reputation in the pharmaceutical community.

What Skills Make You a Strong Candidate

To excel in the role of a Pharmaceutical Scientist, possessing a blend of technical and interpersonal skills is crucial. A strong foundation in chemistry, biology, and pharmacology is essential in enabling effective data analysis and informed decision-making. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and problem-solving prowess empower Pharmaceutical Scientists to navigate complex challenges. Effective communication skills facilitate collaboration with cross-functional teams and the presentation of findings to stakeholders.

Salary and Job Outlook

• Average Salary ($136,777)
• Job Outlook (10%)

The average annual salary for Pharmaceutical Scientists in the United States is approximately $136,777 . While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not offer specific growth data exclusively for Pharmaceutical Scientists, it notes that employment for Medical Scientist , including Pharmaceutical Scientists, is projected to grow by about 10% from 2022 to 2032.

2. Clinical Research Associate (CRA)

CRAs play a crucial role in the development of new medical treatments and therapies by monitoring and overseeing clinical trials. These trials evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new drugs, medical devices, or interventions before they can be approved for public use. 

As a Clinical Research Associate 

Your role involves tasks such as conducting site visits, verifying data accuracy, ensuring patient safety, maintaining documentation, and collaborating with research teams and regulatory authorities. CRAs are responsible for ensuring that clinical trials follow strict protocols and guidelines, and they play a role in maintaining the integrity of the research process.

• Travel Opportunities: Regular travel to different clinical sites or regions, providing a chance to explore new places.
• Continuous Training Programs: Access to updated training materials and courses on clinical trial protocols, regulatory updates, and therapeutic areas.
• Career Advancement: Potential to move up into roles like Senior CRA, Clinical Trial Manager, or other managerial positions.
• Competitive Compensation Packages: Due to the specialized nature of the role, CRAs often enjoy competitive salaries with performance bonuses.
• Company Car or Travel Allowance: For traveling to various clinical sites or attending meetings.

Clinical Research Associates often enjoy flexible working conditions, with opportunities for remote work or freelance arrangements. If employed by an organization, they may benefit from comprehensive healthcare packages and other benefits. The job may require travel to clinical trial sites, which can offer exposure to different healthcare environments.

Further Studies 

To pursue a career as a Clinical Research Associate (CRA), you may consider the following:

• Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences provides a solid foundation in understanding drug development, pharmacokinetics, and related areas. This background is valuable for a CRA role, where you will be involved in monitoring clinical trials and ensuring they comply with protocols and regulatory requirements.
• Master’s Degree (Strongly Recommended): A master’s degree in Clinical Research, Biostatistics, or Public Health can be particularly beneficial. These programs delve deeper into the design and analysis of clinical trials, regulations governing drug approval, and the ethical considerations surrounding human trials. A specialization in Clinical Research is especially geared toward training students for roles like the CRA, emphasizing the practical skills needed in the field.
• Certification : Many employers value professional certification for CRAs. The Society of Clinical Research Associates (SoCRA) and the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) are two organizations that offer CRA certifications. Preparing for and obtaining certification can enhance your expertise and credibility in the field.
• Internships and Entry-Level Positions: As with many professions, hands-on experience is paramount. Seek internships or junior roles in clinical research organizations, pharmaceutical companies, or biotech firms. This hands-on experience will expose you to the real-world dynamics of clinical trials and the responsibilities of a CRA.

Your role in overseeing clinical trials and research relies on a deep understanding of medical and scientific principles. Attention to detail ensures accuracy and protocol adherence, while good communication is crucial for working with investigators, participants, and your team. Clinical research can be complex, so problem-solving and creativity are valuable skills. Knowledge of regulations and ethics is vital to ensure the honesty and safety of studies.

Being proficient with data tools makes managing trial information more efficient, and time management is key when handling multiple tasks and deadlines. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential for smooth trial execution. Additionally, a critical mindset helps analyze results and identify trends. Writing clear reports is important for communicating findings effectively.

Salary & Job Outlook

• Average Salary ($82,266)

The average annual salary for Clinical Research Associates (CRAs) in the United States is approximately $82,266 As for the job outlook, the field of clinical research is expected to see substantial growth. This profession is also classified under the cluster of Medical Scientist, hence it is expected to grow 10% over the next decade. The ongoing quest for medical advancements and the complexities of regulatory requirements ensure a steady demand for skilled CRAs in the pharmaceutical and biotechnological sectors.

3. Pharmacologist

Pharmacologists study the interactions between drugs and living organisms to understand how medications work, their effects, and potential side effects. They contribute to the design, testing, and optimization of new drugs, as well as the evaluation of their safety and efficacy.

As a Pharmacologist

The job of a Pharmacologist involves conducting research to analyze the effects of drugs on biological systems, studying mechanisms of action, and investigating potential treatment options. They may work in various sectors, including pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, academia, and regulatory agencies. 

• Career Diversification: Potential to branch into areas like toxicology, clinical pharmacology, or regulatory affairs, broadening career avenues.
• Membership Fee Coverage: Company-covered fees for memberships in professional associations like the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.
• Comprehensive Health Packages: Including medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with potential wellness programs.
• Retirement and Financial Planning: Access to financial consultants or retirement plan options for long-term security.
• Conference Sponsorship: Funding or sponsorship for attending international pharmacology conferences to present findings and network.

Pharmacologists often work in laboratory settings, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting results. Depending on their role and employer, they may have the option to work remotely or have flexible schedules. Research-oriented roles might involve fieldwork and collaborations with other experts. Overall, working conditions can vary widely based on the specific focus of pharmacological research.

• Bachelor’s Degree: Initiating your educational journey with a bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology, Biology, or a closely related field will provide the foundational understanding of drug action, drug discovery, and physiology, setting the stage for advanced studies.
• Master’s Degree (Recommended): A master’s degree in Pharmacology or a related discipline will offer a deeper dive into the mechanistic and therapeutic aspects of drug action. You’ll learn about drug receptors, signal transduction pathways, and the toxicological effects of drugs and chemicals.
• Doctorate (Highly Beneficial): For those aiming for research leadership roles, academic positions, or higher-level roles in industry, a Ph.D. in Pharmacology or a relevant sub-discipline is almost essential. 
• Certifications and Specialized Training: Depending on your career goals, you might consider additional certifications. For instance, if you’re leaning toward clinical pharmacology, becoming board certified in that sub-discipline can be advantageous.
• Internships and Entry-Level Positions: Practical experience is indispensable. Look for internships or entry-level roles in pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, or government agencies like the FDA. Such roles can offer you hands-on exposure to drug testing, development, and safety evaluations.

They need strong analytical skills to interpret complex data and experimental results accurately. Attention to detail is crucial to ensure precision in research findings. Additionally, Pharmacologists must possess critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to design effective experiments and research protocols. Effective communication skills are necessary to present their findings to colleagues, regulatory bodies, and the public. Lastly, collaboration and teamwork skills are essential for productive interactions with fellow researchers and professionals in the field.

• Average Salary ($154,715)
• Job Outlook (6%)

The average annual salary for Pharmacologists in the United States is approximately $154,715 . The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t provide specific growth data exclusively for Pharmacologists. However, considering the category of Medical Scientists, which encompasses roles akin to Pharmacologists, employment is projected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032. 

With the consistent evolution in drug discovery and a growing emphasis on personalized medicine, the demand for skilled Pharmacologists in research, academia, and the pharmaceutical industry is expected to remain strong.

4. Regulatory Affairs Specialist

A Regulatory Affairs Specialist is a critical professional within industries like pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare. They navigate the complex landscape of regulations and guidelines to ensure that products meet legal and safety standards, facilitating their approval, distribution, and compliance with regulatory authorities.

As a Regulatory Affairs Specialist 

The role of a Regulatory Affairs Specialist involves meticulously researching and interpreting regulations, preparing and submitting documentation for product approvals, and liaising with regulatory agencies. 

• Diverse Opportunities : The role extends across various industries and sectors, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, biotechnology, and consumer goods.
• Continuous Learning : Professionals in this field stay updated on evolving regulations and industry trends, fostering ongoing skill development.
• Job Security : The demand for Regulatory Affairs Specialists remains consistent due to the need for compliance in regulated industries.
• Career Progression : With experience, specialists can advance to managerial roles or specialize in specific areas such as international regulatory affairs.

Regulatory Affairs Specialists typically work in office settings, collaborating with cross-functional teams and regulatory authorities. Depending on the employer and project, remote work opportunities may be available. Attention to detail and a thorough understanding of regulations are essential to excel in this profession.

• Bachelor’s Degree: Starting with a bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, or a related life science field is crucial. This foundational education offers a comprehensive understanding of drug development, biologics, and the science behind them, preparing you for the regulatory complexities you’ll face later.
• Master’s Degree (Recommended): While not always necessary, many professionals in regulatory affairs opt for a master’s degree in Regulatory Affairs, Health Policy, Public Health, or a related discipline.These programs are tailored to provide knowledge about national and international regulatory guidelines, ethics, legal aspects, and the pathways for drug and medical device approvals.
• Certifications: Obtaining a certification in regulatory affairs can significantly boost your profile. Organizations like the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS) offer the Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) which is widely recognized in the industry. It demonstrates a certain level of expertise and commitment to the profession.
• Publications and Guidelines Familiarity: It’s crucial for Regulatory Affairs Specialists to be familiar with publications and guidelines from regulatory bodies like the FDA, EMA, WHO, and ICH. Regularly reviewing updates and new guidelines ensures you remain compliant and knowledgeable.

They must have strong analytical skills to interpret complex regulatory guidelines and ensure compliance. Attention to detail is crucial for maintaining precise documentation and adhering to regulations. Effective communication is essential for interacting with regulatory agencies and internal teams. Adaptability is required to stay current with evolving regulations and industry changes. Problem-solving skills are vital for navigating regulatory challenges and finding compliant solutions.

• Average Salary ($82,382)

The average annual salary for Regulatory Affairs Specialists in the United States is approximately $82,382 . While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t offer specific growth figures for Regulatory Affairs Specialists or similar professions , it can be inferred from related roles and industry trends that the demand for professionals who ensure compliance with health authorities will remain strong.

5. Biostatistician

A biostatistician is an ideal career trajectory for those with a background in Pharmaceutical Sciences who possess an aptitude for data and statistics. 

As a Biostatistician

You analyze and interpret vast amounts of data from pharmaceutical research and clinical trials. Your expertise helps design experiments, validate research methodologies, and ensure the reliability of study outcomes. You collaborate with scientists, researchers, and clinicians to understand data requirements and present your findings in an easily digestible format for decision-makers. 

Employers rely on you to extract meaningful insights from data, making it a cornerstone for developing effective and safe medications and treatment protocols. Your role bridges the gap between raw data and actionable insights, making it indispensable in the pharmaceutical landscape.

• Highly Competitive Salary: Given the specialized skill set, biostatisticians often command an attractive compensation package.
• Job Security: The demand for biostatisticians continues to rise with the growth in clinical trials and pharmaceutical research, ensuring steady job opportunities.
• Remote Work Flexibility: Many organizations offer options for biostatisticians to work remotely, given the nature of data analysis.
• Global Opportunities: Skills of a biostatistician are universally in demand, allowing for potential international work or collaborations.
• Clear Career Progression: Opportunities to advance to roles such as Senior Biostatistician, Director of Biostatistics, or even Chief Data Scientist are available.

Biostatisticians often work in office settings, utilizing computer software for data analysis. Collaborative in nature, they interact with various professionals, especially in research and pharmaceutical environments.

Deadlines can be strict, especially during clinical trial phases. They typically have standard work hours, but might occasionally work extended periods during critical projects. Accuracy and attention to detail are paramount, given the implications of their analyses on public health and drug approvals.

• Bachelor’s Degree: A degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Statistics, or Mathematics is typically the minimum requirement. This foundational knowledge aids in understanding research methodologies and data analysis.
• Master’s Degree (Highly Recommended): A Master’s in Biostatistics or Applied Statistics is often required for advanced roles. It offers specialized training in statistical methods, software applications, and the nuances of clinical data interpretation.
• Doctorate (Optional but Beneficial): A Ph.D. in Biostatistics can provide deeper expertise, particularly for those aspiring to leadership roles or academic research positions.
• Certifications and Training: Professional certifications in specific statistical software or methodologies can enhance one’s expertise and marketability.
• Internships and Entry-Level Positions: Gaining hands-on experience in pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, or related organizations is invaluable for aspiring biostatisticians, offering insights into the practical applications of statistical analysis.

A strong candidate for a Biostatistician position possesses in-depth proficiency in statistical analysis, allowing them to effectively interpret and analyze complex datasets. Their technical expertise is often underpinned by familiarity with statistical software like SAS, R, and Python. 

This technical acumen is complemented by excellent problem-solving abilities and keen attention to detail. Additionally, effective communication skills are paramount, as they need to convey intricate data findings to non-technical stakeholders, ensuring collaborative progress in research or pharmaceutical projects.

• Average Salary ($95,932)
• Job Outlook (30%)

he average annual salary for Biostatisticians in the United States is approximately $95,932. As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections, employment opportunities for Statisticians , which includes Biostatisticians, are expected to grow by around 30% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth underscores the crucial role that data-driven decisions play in healthcare and pharmaceutical innovations.

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6. Formulation Scientist

A Formulation Scientist is a specialized professional responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing formulations for various products, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and chemicals. This role requires a deep understanding of materials, chemistry, and processes to create effective and stable products.

As a Formulation Scientist 

The role of a Formulation Scientist involves formulating and testing products to achieve desired properties such as stability, efficacy, and safety. They conduct research to select suitable ingredients, develop manufacturing processes, and ensure products meet regulatory requirements. 

• Job Stability: The demand for Formulation Scientists is relatively stable, especially in industries like pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. This can provide a sense of job security.
• Patent Incentives: Encouragement and recognition for filing patents related to novel formulations or drug delivery systems.
• Career Advancement: Potential progression pathways to senior roles like Formulation Development Manager or Director of Formulation Science.
• Project Autonomy: Depending on the organization, the freedom to lead formulation projects and make influential decisions on product development.
• Health and Wellness Benefits: Comprehensive insurance packages, often inclusive of medical, dental, and vision care, along with potential wellness programs.

Formulation Scientists primarily work in laboratories, developing and testing formulations. The environment is often collaborative, requiring interaction with multidisciplinary teams. Depending on the employer, remote work opportunities might be limited, given the hands-on nature of experimental work.

• Bachelor’s Degree: A foundational degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or Biochemistry provides the basic knowledge required for understanding drug composition and interactions.
• Master’s Degree (Recommended): Specializing further with a master’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences or a related field deepens expertise in drug design, delivery systems, and formulation technology.
• PhD (Optional but Beneficial): For those aspiring to lead research teams or delve into more intricate drug design and development, a PhD in a relevant field can offer a significant advantage.
• Internships and Entry-Level Roles: Practical experience in pharmaceutical companies or research labs helps in honing formulation skills and understanding real-world challenges.
• Continuous Learning: As pharmaceutical technology evolves, attending workshops and seminars focused on new formulation techniques and technologies ensures up-to-date knowledge.

To succeed as a Formulation Scientist, a strong understanding of chemistry, pharmaceutical science, and materials is essential. This knowledge serves as the foundation for your role in creating and improving formulations for various products.

You also require a blend of scientific expertise and creative problem-solving skills to develop innovative and efficient solutions.

Developing the ability to analyze situations from different angles and craft unique formulations is a valuable skill. Your role demands practical familiarity with formulation techniques, equipment, and protocols. This practical knowledge is crucial for experimenting, testing, and refining formulations.

• Average Salary ($87,609)

The average annual salary for Formulation Scientists in the United States is approximately $87,609 . In terms of job outlook, the field of formulation science is anticipated to see steady growth due to continuous demands for innovative drug formulations and advancements in drug delivery systems. While specific growth figures for Formulation Scientists are not provided, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that employment for the broader category of Chemists and Materials Scientists is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032.

7. Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

A Pharmaceutical Sales Representative serves as a vital link between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals. This dynamic profession involves promoting and selling medications, medical devices, and healthcare products to physicians, hospitals, and clinics to ensure effective distribution and utilization.

As a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative 

The role of a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative includes building and maintaining relationships with healthcare professionals, presenting product information, organizing educational events, and conducting product demonstrations. Representatives serve as valuable sources of information, addressing inquiries, and providing medical professionals with the latest developments in pharmaceutical products.

• Financial Rewards : : Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives often receive competitive base salaries, along with performance-based incentives and bonuses. This can lead to a potentially lucrative income. 
• Training Programs: Comprehensive training on product portfolios, sales techniques, and emerging pharmaceutical trends.
• Flexible Scheduling: Autonomy in planning visits and meetings, allowing for a work-life balance tailored to individual preferences.
• Travel and Exposure: Opportunity to travel extensively, often with stays in high-quality accommodations.
• Expense Accounts: Reimbursement or allowance for business-related expenses, such as meals with clients or attending conferences.

Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives typically work in a combination of settings, including office work for administrative tasks and fieldwork for client visits. They interact extensively with healthcare professionals, maintaining a balance between office-based tasks and face-to-face interactions.

• Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree, preferably in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biology, or Business, is typically the minimum requirement for Pharmaceutical Sales Representative roles, ensuring representatives can effectively discuss complex medical products with healthcare professionals.
• Master’s Degree (Optional): A Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on healthcare or pharmaceutical management can elevate your career prospects, especially if you’re considering roles in sales management or executive positions in the future. Certifications: Earning a certification, like the Certified National Pharmaceutical Representative (CNPR) offered by the National Association of Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives, can boost your credibility in the industry. It showcases your commitment to the profession and provides foundational knowledge on regulations, medical terminology, and selling techniques.
• Internships and Entry-Level Roles: Gaining hands-on experience through internships or junior sales roles at pharmaceutical companies can be invaluable. It offers a chance to understand the dynamics of the role, build initial relationships with healthcare professionals, and get acquainted with the sales process.

To thrive as a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative, having strong communication and interpersonal skills is crucial. Your ability to connect with healthcare professionals, understand their needs, and explain the benefits of your products is at the core of your role.

You’ll encounter different situations and healthcare settings. Being able to analyze these situations and come up with effective strategies is key to success—problem-solving skills are crucial.

Developing the skill to build relationships, persuade, and negotiate is invaluable. Just as hands-on familiarity with laboratory techniques is important in other roles, your job demands practical knowledge of pharmaceutical products, their features, and how they compare to others in the market.

• Average Salary ($78,892)
• Job Outlook (1%)

The average annual salary for Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives in the United States is approximately $78,892 . The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), while not offering specific statistics for Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives, indicates that employment for the broader category of Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives is projected to grow 1% from 2022 – 2032, which is slower than the average for all occupations. 

However, given the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, the introduction of new drugs, and the perpetual need for effective medications, the demand for skilled Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives is likely to remain consistent.

• 15 Most Common Sales Representative Interview Questions and Answers
• How to Become a Sales Representative

8. Clinical Data Manager

A Clinical Data Manager plays a vital role in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries by ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of clinical trial data. This profession involves collecting, organizing, and analyzing clinical data to support research and contribute to the development of new medical treatments.

As a Clinical Data Manager 

Your responsibility includes designing and implementing data collection systems, ensuring data quality and compliance with regulatory standards, and collaborating with various stakeholders such as researchers, statisticians, and regulatory authorities. Data Managers also oversee data entry, cleaning, and validation processes to guarantee the reliability of clinical trial results.

• High Earning Potential: Clinical Data Managers often earn a very competitive salary, ranking among the top 25% of the highest-paid careers. This financial reward recognizes the importance of their role in ensuring accurate and reliable clinical data.
• Health and Wellness Benefits: Typically includes comprehensive health insurance packages and potential wellness programs.
• Secure Work Environment: Given the sensitive nature of clinical data, companies invest in robust cybersecurity infrastructure, ensuring a secure working atmosphere.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for courses and certifications in clinical data management, biostatistics, or other relevant fields.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Possibility for remote work or flexible hours, given the digitized nature of data management tasks.

Clinical Data Managers often work in office or laboratory settings, collaborating with researchers, biostatisticians, and regulatory teams. Remote work may be possible, especially for tasks that can be performed digitally. Attention to detail and adherence to protocols are essential in maintaining data accuracy and quality.

• Bachelor’s Degree: A degree in Biostatistics, Data Science, Life Sciences, or a related field serves as a foundation, emphasizing analytical skills and understanding of clinical processes.
• Master’s Degree (Recommended): A master’s in Clinical Data Management, Biostatistics, or Epidemiology can provide specialized knowledge in data collection methods, validation techniques, and regulatory compliance.
• Certifications: Certifications like the Society for Clinical Data Management’s (SCDM) Certified Clinical Data Manage r (CCDM) can validate expertise and offer a competitive edge.
• Internships and Entry-Level Roles: Experience in clinical research organizations or pharmaceutical companies allows for practical understanding of data collection, validation, and reporting procedures.
• Continuous Learning: Due to evolving regulations and technological advancements, staying updated through workshops, courses, or seminars on data management tools and best practices is crucial.

To excel as a Clinical Data Manager, having a solid grasp of data management principles and medical research is essential because the role revolves around organizing, analyzing, and ensuring the accuracy of clinical trial data.

Similar to other professions, your journey involves encountering unique challenges in your field. This demands critical thinking and problem-solving skills to navigate complex data sets and ensure data quality.

Developing the ability to analyze data from various perspectives and find meaningful insights is a valuable asset. Just as hands-on familiarity with laboratory techniques is important in certain roles, your position requires practical knowledge of data management tools, software, and protocols.

• Average Salary ($92,250)
• Job Outlook (28%)

The average annual salary for Clinical Data Managers in the United States is approximately $92,250 . While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t provide specific growth figures for Clinical Data Managers, it indicates that employment for the broader category of Medical and Health Services Managers , which encompasses roles related to health data management, is projected to grow 28% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

9. Analytical Chemist

An Analytical Chemist is a specialized professional who uses advanced techniques to analyze substances and materials, contributing to various fields such as pharmaceuticals, environmental science, food safety, and research. Their role is essential in ensuring accurate and reliable data for quality control, research, and regulatory compliance.

As an Analytical Chemist

The job of an Analytical Chemist involves conducting experiments, tests, and analyzes to determine the composition, structure, and properties of substances. They use sophisticated instruments and methodologies to quantify and identify compounds, detect contaminants, and validate product quality. 

• Diverse Opportunities : The profession spans various industries, offering roles in pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring, forensic science, and more.
• Continuous Learning : Staying updated on cutting-edge technologies and methodologies keeps Analytical Chemists engaged and intellectually challenged.
• Career Progression : With experience, Chemists can specialize in areas like method development, quality assurance, or research management.
• Versatile Skill Set : The analytical skills gained are transferable, allowing professionals to explore different sectors and specialties.

Analytical Chemists typically work in laboratory settings, utilizing specialized equipment and instruments. Depending on the nature of the work, some opportunities for remote analysis and digital collaboration may exist. Attention to detail, accuracy, and adherence to safety protocols are essential in maintaining reliable results.

• Bachelor’s Degree: Holding a bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences is a primary foundation, though degrees in Chemistry or Biochemistry are also relevant. Most employers consider this level of education as the minimum requirement for an Analytical Chemist role, ensuring candidates possess essential knowledge in chemical analysis and methodologies.
• Master’s Degree (Optional but Beneficial): Pursuing a master’s in Analytical Chemistry or a related field can deepen your expertise in specialized analytical techniques and modern instrumentation.
• PhD (For Advanced Research Roles): For those eyeing roles in cutting-edge research or leadership in major laboratories, a PhD in Analytical Chemistry or a related specialization can be advantageous.
• Internships and Entry-Level Roles: Hands-on experience in laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, or research institutions is invaluable, providing a practical understanding of analytical techniques and equipment.
• Certifications and Training: Certifications or short courses in specific analytical tools, like High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) or Mass Spectrometry , can augment skills and improve job prospects.

To thrive as an Analytical Chemist, a solid foundation in chemistry, laboratory techniques, and analytical instrumentation is essential because your role revolves around analyzing substances to determine their composition and properties.

Much like other professions, your path involves encountering unique challenges in your field. This requires problem-solving skills to design experiments, interpret results, and troubleshoot issues that may arise during analysis.

Your position demands practical expertise in using analytical instruments, conducting tests, and ensuring accurate measurements. So, you need proficiency in the use of laboratory techniques.

• Average Salary ($76,446)

The average annual salary for Analytical Chemists in the United States is approximately $76,446 . In terms of job outlook, the field of Analytical Chemistry is poised to experience steady growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that employment for the broader category of Chemists and Material Scientist, which includes Analytical Chemists, is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

• How to Become a Chemist
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10. Pharmacovigilance Scientist 

Pharmacovigilance Scientists play a critical role in post-market surveillance, evaluating adverse event reports, conducting signal detection, and assessing benefit-risk profiles of drugs. They collaborate with regulatory agencies, medical professionals, and pharmaceutical companies to facilitate informed decision-making, including labeling updates and risk minimization strategies.

As a Pharmacovigilance Scientist 

The role of a Pharmacovigilance Scientist  is integral to ensuring the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products. This profession involves systematically monitoring, assessing, and reporting adverse effects and risks associated with medications, contributing to public health and regulatory compliance.

• Performance Recognition: Monetary or accolade-based rewards for crucial safety findings or innovations in drug safety monitoring.
• Health and Wellness Packages: Comprehensive insurance benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Global Networking Opportunities: Collaborations with international regulatory bodies, pharmaceutical companies, and pharmacovigilance experts, expanding industry connections.
• Competitive Salary: The specialized nature of pharmacovigilance work often leads to competitive salaries and benefits.

Pharmacovigilance Scientists typically work in office settings, collaborating with regulatory teams, medical professionals, and researchers. Attention to detail, adherence to regulatory guidelines, and clear communication are essential in this role. While some remote work might be feasible for administrative tasks, the nature of the work often involves close collaboration within a team.

• Bachelor’s Degree: A degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences is fundamental, ensuring a foundational understanding of drug development and safety. This is typically the minimum educational requirement set by employers for a role in pharmacovigilance.
• Master’s Degree (Recommended): Specializing with a master’s in Pharmacology, Clinical Research, or a related field can provide deeper insights into drug safety, adverse reaction mechanisms, and regulatory requirements.
• Certifications: Certificates in pharmacovigilance or drug safety can enhance credibility and knowledge in this specialized field. Certificates such as the Certified Professional in Pharmacovigilance (CPPV), demonstrates expertise in that field. Various institutions and regulatory bodies offer such programs.
• Internships and Entry-Level Roles: Experience in pharmaceutical companies, regulatory agencies, or clinical research organizations provides hands-on understanding of drug safety monitoring, data collection, and regulatory compliance.

To excel as a Pharmacovigilance Scientist , having a deep understanding of pharmacology, medical science, and regulatory guidelines is crucial because your role revolves around monitoring and assessing the safety of pharmaceutical products throughout their lifecycle.

Much like other professions, your journey involves tackling unique challenges in your field. This requires a keen eye for detail and analytical skills to identify potential safety concerns and adverse events associated with medications.

Developing the ability to analyze data from different sources and draw meaningful conclusions is an invaluable asset. Just as hands-on familiarity with laboratory techniques is important in certain roles, your position demands practical knowledge of pharmacovigilance databases, signal detection methodologies, and reporting protocols.

• Average Salary ($117,681)

The average annual salary for Pharmacovigilance Scientists   in the United States is approximately $117,681 . Given the increasing complexity of drug portfolios and the global nature of drug development and marketing, the demand for Pharmacovigilance Scientists dedicated to ensuring patient safety is anticipated to remain strong.

While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t offer specific growth data solely for Pharmacovigilance Scientists, it cites that employment for the broader category of Medical Scientists, which can include roles related to drug safety, is projected to grow 10% from 2022 to 2032. 

11. Medical Science Liaison

The role of a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) is bridging the gap between medical research and healthcare practice. MSLs serve as scientific experts, facilitating communication between pharmaceutical companies, healthcare professionals, and researchers to ensure accurate and up-to-date medical information exchange.

As a Medical Science Liaison 

Your job is to provide healthcare professionals with comprehensive and unbiased information, addressing queries, and collaborating on educational initiatives. MSLs also play a vital role in clinical trial support, contributing to study design, data interpretation, and medical training.

• Competitive Compensation: Typically, MSL roles offer attractive salary packages commensurate with the expertise required.
• Job Stability: Due to the critical nature of the MSL role in bridging clinical development and medical communication, there’s a consistent demand for skilled MSLs in the industry.
• Company Benefits: Access to comprehensive healthcare benefits, retirement plans, and potentially stock options or bonuses.
• Flexible Work Environment: Autonomy in planning visits, often coupled with the possibility for remote work or flexible hours.
• Global Exposure: Interaction with international medical experts, researchers, and thought leaders in specific therapeutic areas.

Medical Science Liaisons typically work in office settings for administrative tasks and remotely for research and communication. The role often involves travel to meet with healthcare professionals, attend conferences, and participate in scientific discussions. A flexible schedule may be possible, depending on the employer and job responsibilities.

• Bachelor’s Degree: A degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences provides foundational knowledge of drug development, mechanisms, and therapeutic uses. This is the standard minimum educational requirement set by employers for entry into MSL roles.
• Advanced Degrees (Highly Recommended): Many MSLs hold advanced degrees such as PharmD, MD, or PhD. These degrees offer deeper insights into clinical medicine, pharmacology, and research, making holders more valuable to pharmaceutical and biotech employers.
• Internships and Entry-Level Roles: Experience within pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, or clinical settings can be invaluable. It helps in understanding the practical aspects of drug discovery, development, and commercialization.
• Certifications: While not mandatory, certifications specifically tailored for MSLs, like the Medical Science Liaison-Board Certification (MSL-BC), can provide a competitive edge in the job market.

To thrive as a Medical Science Liaison, having a solid grasp of medical knowledge, strong communication skills, and the ability to build relationships is essential because the  role revolves around bridging the gap between healthcare professionals and your pharmaceutical company.

Similar to other professions, your path involves facing distinct challenges in your field. This demands adaptability and the capacity to analyze medical information from various sources to provide accurate and relevant insights to healthcare professionals.

Developing the skill to effectively communicate complex medical information and tailor your message to different audiences is invaluable. Just as hands-on familiarity with laboratory techniques is important in some roles, your position requires practical expertise in medical research, disease areas, and the therapeutic products your company offers.

• Average Salary ($160,357)

The average annual salary for Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) in the United States is approximately $160,357. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t provide specific growth data for the MSL profession, it does mention that employment for the broader category of Medical Scientists is projected to grow 10% from 2022 to 2032.

The rise of personalized medicine, the complexity of novel therapeutic agents, and the need for deep scientific exchanges between the pharmaceutical industry and the medical community underscore the increasing importance of the MSL role.

12. Biopharmaceutical Engineer

The role of a Biopharmaceutical Engineer is at the forefront of merging engineering principles with the pharmaceutical industry. This dynamic profession involves the design, development, and optimization of biopharmaceutical processes, technologies, and products to advance healthcare and medicine.

As a Biopharmaceutical Engineers 

You work on various aspects of drug development, from designing and optimizing manufacturing processes to developing innovative drug delivery systems. You collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including scientists, researchers, and regulatory experts, to ensure the efficient production and quality control of biopharmaceutical products.

• Competitive Salary Range: Compensation in the pharmaceutical industry is typically commensurate with qualifications and skills. Even entry-level positions offer attractive salaries, often accompanied by bonuses. Hard work and dedication can lead to substantial rewards.
• Research Opportunities: The pharmaceutical field provides a dynamic environment for learning and discovery. Numerous research projects are ongoing, particularly in the development sector. Being involved in the quest for new cures and medical innovations is profoundly rewarding. It offers a sense of purpose and accomplishment, especially for those passionate about advancing medical knowledge.
• Job and Career Satisfaction: Pharmaceutical careers are deeply fulfilling. Knowing that your work contributes to improving countless lives worldwide instills a profound sense of job satisfaction. Despite differing opinions on drug development, the fact remains that these advancements save lives. This sense of purpose and impact can be a driving force in one’s career.

Biopharmaceutical Engineers typically work in laboratories, research centers, or manufacturing facilities. The role may involve both office-based tasks and hands-on work with equipment and processes. Collaborative teamwork, adherence to safety protocols, and attention to detail are vital in maintaining high-quality production and research.

• Bachelor’s Degree: A foundational degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences is essential for understanding the drug development process and its nuances. This serves as the minimum educational requirement set by most employers. Degrees in Bioengineering or Biotechnology are also commonly accepted and provide relevant foundational knowledge.
• Master’s Degree (Recommended): A master’s degree in Biopharmaceutical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related field offers specialization in the techniques and methodologies unique to biopharmaceutical production and design.
• PhD (For Advanced Roles): For those looking to lead research and development projects or delve into academic research, a PhD in a related field can be highly advantageous.
• Internships and Entry-Level Roles: Practical experience in pharmaceutical companies or research labs is invaluable. These roles provide firsthand exposure to bioprocessing techniques, bioreactor design, and other relevant processes.
• Certifications and Training: Acquiring certifications in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), bioprocess design , or specialized biotechnological tools can enhance skills and open up more opportunities in the field.
• Continuous Learning: Due to the rapidly evolving nature of biopharmaceuticals and associated technologies, staying updated through workshops, courses, or seminars on the latest advancements is crucial.

To excel as a Biopharmaceutical Engineer, a robust foundation in biology, engineering principles, and pharmaceutical science is vital because your role centers around designing and developing biopharmaceutical products and processes.

You need problem-solving skills in order to innovate solutions for complex biopharmaceutical projects.

Developing the ability to approach problems from various perspectives and devise creative solutions is an invaluable asset. Just as hands-on familiarity with laboratory techniques is important in certain roles, your position demands practical expertise in bioprocessing techniques, equipment, and protocols.

• Average Salary ($87,056)
• Job Outlook (5%)

The average annual salary for Biopharmaceutical Engineers in the United States is approximately $87,056 . Regarding job outlook, the Biopharmaceutical Engineering sector is primed for significant growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suggests that employment for the broader category of Biomedical Engineers , which would include Biopharmaceutical Engineers, is projected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032.

13. Pharmaceutical Market Research Analyst 

The role of a Pharmaceutical Market Research Analyst  involves a crucial intersection between pharmaceuticals and business strategy. This profession revolves around gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data to provide valuable insights that inform marketing, sales, and strategic decisions within the pharmaceutical industry.

As a Pharmaceutical Market Research Analyst s

You are responsible for conducting comprehensive market analysis, tracking industry trends, and evaluating competitive landscapes. They assess customer behaviors, preferences, and needs to help pharmaceutical companies understand market dynamics and make informed decisions regarding product development, pricing, and marketing strategies.

• High Demand: The pharmaceutical industry relies heavily on market research to make informed decisions about drug development, marketing, and sales. This high demand for market research professionals can lead to job stability and growth opportunities.
• Competitive Compensation: Pharmaceutical Market Research Analyst s often receive competitive salaries due to the specialized nature of their work and the importance of data-driven decision-making in the industry.
• Diverse Career Opportunities: Market research skills are transferable across industries, so you can explore opportunities in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, biotechnology, or other sectors. The pharmaceutical industry is global, and your research may involve analyzing markets and trends on a global scale, allowing for diverse and international career opportunities.

Pharmaceutical Market Research Analyst s typically work in office settings, employing data analysis tools and software. The job may require collaboration with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, and research departments. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and clear communication are essential for accurate data interpretation and effective presentation of findings.

• Bachelor’s Degree: A degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences is a strong foundation, equipping individuals with knowledge of the drug development and commercialization processes. This is often the minimum requirement from employers. However, degrees in Business, Marketing, or Statistics can also be relevant.
• Master’s Degree (Recommended): A master’s in Business Administration (MBA), Market Research, or a related field can provide a deeper understanding of market analysis techniques, trends, and business strategy.
• Certifications: Professional certifications, such as the Professional Researcher Certification (PRC) from the Insights Association, can validate expertise and provide an edge in the job market.
• Internships and Entry-Level Roles: Experience in pharmaceutical companies, market research firms, or related industries provides a practical understanding of market dynamics, data collection methods, and analytical tools.
• Skills Development: Familiarity with data analytics software, such as SPSS or Tableau, is often essential. Courses or workshops focusing on these tools, as well as qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, can be beneficial.
• Continuous Learning: With the pharmaceutical market’s evolving nature, staying updated through seminars, workshops, or courses on emerging market trends, regulatory changes, and advanced research techniques is crucial.

To excel as a Pharmaceutical Market Research Analyst , a strong grasp of market research principles, data analysis, and pharmaceutical industry knowledge is crucial because your role revolves around gathering and interpreting data to provide insights into market trends and consumer preferences.

Much like other professions, your path involves navigating specific challenges in your field. This requires analytical skills and the ability to extract meaningful insights from complex data sets to inform business decisions.

Developing the skill to analyze data from various angles and draw actionable conclusions is invaluable. Just as hands-on familiarity with laboratory techniques is important in certain roles, your position demands practical expertise in market research methodologies, data collection tools, and statistical analysis.

• Average Salary ($81,077)
• Job Outlook (13%)

The average annual salary for Pharmaceutical Market Research Analyst in the United States is approximately $81,077 . In terms of job outlook, the field of market research, especially within the pharmaceutical sector, is anticipated to experience notable growth. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that employment for the broader category of Market Research Analysts is projected to grow 13% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth can be attributed to an increasingly competitive pharmaceutical market, where understanding patient needs, healthcare trends, and market dynamics is paramount.

Related Article

• How to Become a Market Research Analyst

14. Drug Safety Officer

The role of a Drug Safety Officer is integral to pharmaceutical companies and regulatory agencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of patients by monitoring and managing the adverse effects of medications. This profession plays a critical role in upholding patient safety and regulatory compliance.

As a Drug Safety Officers 

You are responsible for monitoring adverse event reports, conducting pharmacovigilance activities, and assessing the risks and benefits of pharmaceutical products. Drug Safety Officers collaborate with cross-functional teams, including medical professionals, regulatory authorities, and researchers, to ensure timely and accurate reporting of safety concerns.

• Competitive Compensation: Given the critical importance of drug safety, professionals in this role often command attractive salary packages.
• Job Stability: The ever-increasing focus on patient safety ensures consistent demand for skilled Drug Safety Officers across the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors.
• Healthcare Packages: Access to comprehensive health insurance benefits, often inclusive of dental, vision, and wellness programs.
• Retirement Benefits: Participation in company-sponsored retirement plans or pension schemes.
• Career Growth: Experienced Drug Safety Officers can advance to senior positions, such as Pharmacovigilance Manager or Director of Pharmacovigilance, with increased responsibilities and leadership opportunities.

Drug Safety Officers often work in office settings, utilizing pharmacovigilance databases and software. The role may involve collaboration with global teams and communication with healthcare professionals and regulatory authorities. Attention to detail, adherence to regulations, and effective communication are essential for accurate reporting and timely interventions.

• Bachelor’s Degree: A degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences provides a comprehensive understanding of drug development, pharmacology, and related safety considerations. This is the foundational education and typically the minimum requirement set by employers for this profession.
• Master’s Degree (Optional but Beneficial): A master’s degree in Pharmacovigilance, Clinical Research, or a related field can deepen one’s knowledge in drug safety monitoring, regulatory requirements, and post-marketing surveillance.
• Certifications: Acquiring certifications in pharmacovigilance or drug safety can enhance credibility and specific skill sets in this domain. Recognized bodies and institutions often offer such certifications to validate expertise in drug safety regulations and methodologies.
• Internships and Entry-Level Roles: Experience in pharmaceutical companies, regulatory bodies, or clinical research organizations is invaluable. This hands-on exposure helps in understanding the real-world challenges of monitoring adverse drug reactions, ensuring compliance, and reporting to relevant authorities.
• Continuous Learning: Regulations, guidelines, and drug safety parameters often evolve. Regular participation in workshops, seminars, and courses related to pharmacovigilance, regulatory changes, and drug safety assessment is essential.

To succeed as a Drug Safety Officer, having a solid understanding of pharmacovigilance principles, medical science, and regulatory guidelines is essential. This is because your role revolves around monitoring and ensuring the safety of pharmaceutical products throughout their lifecycle.

You need meticulous attention to detail and analytical skills to identify potential safety concerns and adverse events associated with medications.

Developing the ability to analyze and interpret data from various sources to make informed decisions is invaluable. Just as hands-on familiarity with laboratory techniques is important in certain roles, your position demands practical expertise in pharmacovigilance databases, adverse event reporting systems and regulatory requirements.

• Average Salary ($93,433)

The average annual salary for Drug Safety Officers in the United States is approximately $93,433 . In terms of job outlook, the field of drug safety and pharmacovigilance is predicted to experience steady growth. Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t offer specific growth data for Drug Safety Officers, it cites that employment for the broader category of Medical Scientists, which can encompass roles related to drug safety, is projected to grow 10% from 2022 to 2032. 

15. Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technician

The role of a Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technician is pivotal in the production of safe and effective medications. This profession involves hands-on work in the manufacturing process, ensuring quality control, compliance with regulations, and the smooth operation of pharmaceutical production facilities.

As a Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technician

You are responsible for setting up and operating production equipment, monitoring manufacturing processes, and conducting quality checks to ensure products meet stringent standards. They collaborate closely with manufacturing and quality control teams to ensure the efficient and accurate production of pharmaceuticals.

• Diverse Job Opportunities: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technicians have a range of employment options, including pharmaceutical companies, manufacturing organizations, and biotechnology firms. This diversity allows for varied career paths and work environments.
• Skill Development: This role offers hands-on experience, facilitating the practical understanding of pharmaceutical production processes and equipment. This practical knowledge is highly valuable and can be applied to a wide array of pharmaceutical manufacturing scenarios.
• Industry Specialization: Technicians often have the opportunity to specialize in specific areas within the pharmaceutical industry. These specializations might include sterile manufacturing, biopharmaceuticals, or solid dosage forms, allowing for the development of expertise in a particular niche.
• Career Progression: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technicians can advance in their careers. As they gain experience and proficiency, they can move into roles such as Senior Manufacturing Technician or shift supervision, providing clear pathways for career growth and development within the industry.

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technicians work in production facilities that adhere to strict cleanliness and safety standards. The role involves hands-on work with machinery, equipment, and materials. Shift work is common, and attention to detail, precision, and adherence to protocols are critical for ensuring product quality and safety.

• Bachelor’s Degree: A foundation in Pharmaceutical Sciences offers a broad understanding of drug properties, compositions, and production methods. This is often the basic educational requirement set by employers, ensuring candidates are well-versed with the fundamentals of pharmaceutical production.
• Technical Training Programs (Highly Beneficial): Specialized training programs or courses focused on pharmaceutical manufacturing, equipment handling, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) can provide practical insights and hands-on skills crucial for this role.
• Certifications: Although not always required, obtaining certification can demonstrate your competence and commitment to the field. The International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) offers the Certified Pharmaceutical Industry Professional (CPIP) certification, which can be valuable for career advancement.
• Internships and Entry-Level Roles: Securing positions in pharmaceutical production facilities, whether as internships or entry-level roles, provides invaluable hands-on experience. This exposes candidates to equipment, safety protocols, and the nuances of the production process.

To excel as a Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technician, having a solid understanding of pharmaceutical production processes, technical skills, and attention to detail is crucial. This is because your role revolves around ensuring the accurate and efficient manufacturing of pharmaceutical products.

You need problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot issues that may arise during the manufacturing process.

Developing the skill to operate and maintain manufacturing equipment, follow protocols, and adhere to quality standards is invaluable. Just as hands-on familiarity with laboratory techniques is important in some roles, your position demands practical expertise in pharmaceutical manufacturing procedures, equipment operation, and quality control processes.

• Average Salary ($52,710)
• Job Outlook (3%)

The average annual salary for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technicians in the United States is approximately $52,710 . In terms of job outlook, the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector is anticipated to witness steady growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that employment for the broader category of Chemical Technicians , under which Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technicians might be classified, is projected to grow 3% from 2022 to 2032.

Making the Right Career Choice

We have delved into the diverse roles that form the backbone of this vital industry. Each profession requires a unique set of skills and expertise, contributing to the advancement of healthcare and the well-being of patients. 

And so, it is imperative to understand one’s strengths, weaknesses, interests, and long-term career aspirations. This self-awareness serves as the foundation upon which a fulfilling and successful career can be built.

Moreover, it is crucial to align individual career goals with the specific requirements and skills demanded by each profession. While some roles may require strong analytical skills, others may necessitate effective communication or problem-solving abilities. Recognizing these demands enables aspiring professionals to invest time and effort into honing the skills that will serve them best.

About the Author

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Vacancy for a highly motivated PhD Researcher: “Exploring novel approaches to gas chromatography for pharmaceutical analysis”

For a collaborative project between Janssen Pharmaceutica and the University of Leuven (KU Leuven), focusing on the investigation of novel approaches to gas chromatography for pharmaceutical analys...

PhD FELLOWSHIPS & POSITIONS in Life Sciences starting April 2025

Want to start a PhD?The University of Lausanne, Switzerland, offers:PHD FELLOWSHIPS & POSITIONSin Life SciencesStarting April 2025Talented and motivated candidates who have or will have obtained their Master degree (or equivalent) in a relevant fi...

Upcoming PhD positions at the IMPRS for Molecular Organ Biology in Autumn 2024

Thanks to all the academics who submitted their application!The application deadline has passed and the selection process started. More information for the new call-out will come up during this Autumn 2024. Stay tuned!PhD Studies in the Heart of E...

PhD project on Interactions of water with lipid-based drug delivery systems

Reference number P 2024/1233Malmö University is an innovative, urban, and internationally-oriented academic institution that, thanks to its committed and experienced staff, contributes to societal development. Here, teachers, researchers, and othe...

Doctoral scholarship holder “evaluate and unravel the neuroprotective features of perinatal cell-derived secretomes using hiPSC-derived brain organoids”

Let’s shape the future - University of AntwerpThe University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, c...

Doctoral scholarship holder “Evaluate and unravel the neuroprotective features of perinatal cell-derived secretomes in a mouse model of neuro-inflammation, -degeneration and -regeneration”

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, ...

Doctoral scholarship holder pharmaco-epidemiology

Assistant (27715)

    →   Apply until 01/10/2024 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels time)    →   Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences    →   Department FW03 - Bio-analysis    →   AAP temporary appointment - 100%    →   Number of openings: 1    →   Reference number: 202408/...

Assistant department Pharmaceutical analysis (27722)

    →   Apply until 24/09/2024 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels time)    →   Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences    →   Department FW02 - Pharmaceutical analysis    →   AAP temporary appointment - 100%    →   Number of openings: 1    →   Reference numb...

17 Doctoral Candidate Positions within the MSCA Doctoral Network

 MC4DD – Macrocycles for Drug DiscoverySubject to the successful signing of the EU Grant Agreement, a call for 17 DC (Doctoral Candidate) positions is open within the context of the Doctoral Network (DN) project MC4DD.The Doctoral Network MC4DD "M...

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• PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences

The PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PSC) program is a highly competitive doctoral degree program within the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy.

NIH Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD)

Learn about our program that supports biomedical graduate students from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

Training in a highly collaborative atmosphere, our graduates gain the knowledge and skills required for discovering novel biological pathways in human health and disease as well as for the development and delivery of medications for safe and effective therapy.

With state-of-the-art facilities, funding from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the Food and Drug Administration, and pharmaceutical industry, students receive mentorship that prepares them for outstanding careers in academia, the federal government, and the pharmaceutical industry.

This three-minute video presents an overview of the PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences program at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, showcasing how the program prepares students to become leaders in the fields of drug discovery and development.

Current faculty and students are making headlines at the School of Pharmacy and beyond.

• February 12, 2024 My UMSOP Story: Angie Nguyen, PhD '16, research director
• November 1, 2023 Grad Gathering Welcomes Alums of PSC, PHSR, and Regulatory Science Programs
• October 23, 2023 School Names Three New Academic Program Directors

I was drawn to the PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences program by its diverse areas of research and collaborative environment. Knowing that I could tackle my research interest from many angles – including biochemistry, chemistry, and molecular biology – greatly appealed to me. PSC faculty members are very knowledgeable and have a profound understanding of their research areas. All of the professors work together to answer any research questions that students have.

Ph.D. Program in Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences

The Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences Graduate Program is housed in the School of Pharmacy and associated with the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences.  The program is one of the Ph.D. degree-granting programs in Biomedical Sciences at the WVU Health Sciences Center (HSC). 

The Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences Graduate Program at West Virginia University is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students for a future in a variety of employment settings, ranging from academic research and industry to federal positions.  Our students have a unique and rich training environment, which gives them a basis in such pharmaceutical sciences disciplines as drug development and discovery, pharmaceutics, pharmacology, toxicology, therapeutic development and regulatory affairs.  Students can take additional graduate courses in drug delivery systems, drug metabolism, molecular modeling, bench to bedside and biotechnology.

The core areas of Ph.D. training in Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences are:

• pharmacology and therapeutic development,
• drug delivery, and,
• drug discovery and biotechnology. 

The students are mentored by experts with an international reputation and publish in prestigious journals.  They also have opportunities to present their research at national and international scientific meetings and to enroll in internships with pharmaceutical or biotech companies. 

Financial support: A tuition waiver, an annual stipend of $28,000 and health insurance is provided to full-time students Average time to graduation: 4 to 5 years.

Application and program information:  https://www.hsc.wvu.edu/resoff/graduate-education/phd-programs/biomedical-sciences/

For additional information regarding the program, please contact the program directors.

Graduate Director: Werner J. Geldenhuys, B.Pharm., Ph.D. Phone: 304-581-1683 Email: [email protected]

Co-Director: Ahmad Hanif, Ph.D. Phone: 304-293-0706 Email:   [email protected]

Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD Recruitment

This page was designed to introduce you to our School virtually and serve as a landing for information regarding our events. We hope you’ll get a feel for everything our School has to offer: from the community that will support you throughout your PhD training to the unmatched educational, professional, and research opportunities we provide. Applicants who receive an offer of admission will be invited to Chapel Hill for an in-person visit February 29- March 2 during which they will join us for the 2024 Research & Graduate Education Retreat featuring presentations from our current students and trainees.

Throughout this site, you’ll find lots of important information. Under each tab, you’ll discover links to documents, sections of our website, and videos created by members of our community. You’ll find schedules for the events under the “Agenda” tab. We are looking forward to you joining us for these activities!

Again, we’re grateful for your consideration of our program and are looking forward to meeting you, sharing our excitement for drug development and policy, and convincing you to join the Eshelman School of Pharmacy for your PhD training. If you have questions about any of the items on this site, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Will Taylor .

Welcome to the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy!

• Student Life
• Our Diversity
• Program Information
• Student Research Talks
• Research and Scholarship
• Global Opportunities
• Stipend and Benefits

Schedule of Events

Thursday, February 29 th    

Graduate Student Organization (GSO) Volunteers drive candidates from RDU Airport to the Carolina Inn, and student hosts meet them there to take them to Divisional Activities  

• Divisional Activities to be communicated by each division

Hosts escort candidates back to the Carolina Inn  

Friday, March 1 st  

7:50am: Hosts escort candidates to breakfast  

8:00am: Breakfast & Welcome (tbd) Beard Hall  

• Dean Michael Jarstfer (Assistant Dean and Director of Graduate Studies)  

9:00-11:00am: Divisional Tours with Hosts  

Hosts escort candidates back to the Carolina Inn and then to the Friday Center  

11:30am Travel by FCX to Friday Center  

12:00pm-1:00pm Lunch at the Friday Center  

1:45-5:00pm: UNC PharmSci Research Retreat (Friday Center)  

6:30-9pm (food starts at 7:15pm): Banquet (Carolina Inn)  

9pm: Postprandial Bar Research (Franklin Street)  

Hosts and GSO Volunteers escort candidates back to the Carolina Inn  

Saturday, March 2 nd   

Apartment Tours 8-11am  

Hosts do tours, GSO Volunteers drive back to airport  

Our Campuses

UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy offers a dual campus model with campuses in Chapel Hill and Asheville . One school, two campuses, same degree.

Most students live in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, or Durham, though some students choose to live in Cary, Raleigh, or other nearby cities. About 70% of students live in an apartment, and the rest live in townhouses, houses, or on-campus housing. Overall, there is about an even split between those that live with roommates or partners and those that live on their own.

As the vast majority of students (92%) rent their home, many students invest in renter’s insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances. The price will vary depending on the type of property and location, but students often find the yearly cost affordable. Renter’s insurance can cover events like theft, fires, floods, and accidents.

Transportation

Most of our students ride the bus to campus. Chapel Hill Transit offers free buses to campus from Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Park-and-Ride lots. Check out more information on the  UNC Transit  website to see where bus lines run in our area.

Some students ride a bike to campus. In fact, UNC has been recognized as a silver-level bicycle-friendly university. Learn more about registering your bike and the rewards for cyclists on the  UNC Bike  website.

Only about 4% of students park in an on-campus parking lot. There is a lottery system for student on-campus parking which will start accepting registrations in late June. Unless there is a special need, most of our students do not sign up for on-campus parking because it is expensive and we have a great bus system that you can ride for free. However, if you wanted to consider on-campus parking please make sure to read through the lottery system and parking zones on the  student parking website .

Weeknight Parking

UNC requires that anyone parking in an on-campus lot after 5pm on weeknights must either a) have a valid parking permit, or b)  register their car  for weeknight parking.

Organizational Diversity and Inclusion

The School’s vision is grounded in our aspiration to be a diverse and inclusive community of people to accelerate new thinking and ideas in education, research, and practice that have a positive impact on human health worldwide. We envision a school that reflects, in all its dimensions, the population it serves.

Our Mission

The Office of Organizational Diversity and Inclusion ‘s mission is to leverage diversity and inclusion in the School’s infrastructure to produce meaningful and sustainable change to create a school culture where all are appreciated for who they are and to develop principled leaders that are primed and positioned to solve real-world problems and care for the world. You can read our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan here .

At the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, we are preparing the next generation of scientists, clinicians, and practitioners to discover innovative solutions to the world’s most challenging health care issues. In this guide, you’ll learn about:

• Our  four academic divisions that provide PhD training and that correspond to a stage in the drug-development cycle
• Our highly  collaborative approach to research and scholarship
• Career information and opportunities for pharmaceutical scientists
• Step-by-step guide  to getting started on earning your PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences

CBMC Curriculum

CBMC 807: Molecular Foundations in Chemical Biology Prerequisites: Students are expected to have a solid understanding of introductory organic chemistry as taught at the undergraduate level.

This course provides a review of important concepts in organic chemistry as they apply to biological research. Topics include a review of intermolecular interactions as they apply to biological structures and function, a discussion of how small molecules interact with their targets, an overview of synthetic methods that relate particularly to drug molecules, and basic strategies of drug design.

CBMC 805: Molecular Modeling Prerequisites: None

This course provides a general introduction to the field of Molecular Modeling while providing relevant applications of theory to both academic and industrial research endeavors.

PHRS 801: Common Core in Pharmaceutical Sciences Prerequisites: None.

This course provides an interdisciplinary environment for students from each of the four Divisional PhD programs in UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. Students will learn about and develop skills in topics related to the responsible conduct of research, pharmaceutical development, professional development, and independent development.

PHRS 899: Seminars in Chemical Biology Students must register for PHRS 899 each semester of their graduate program. However, only 4 credits of PHRS 899 (2 credits for MS) may count toward the requirement for the PhD degree.  Seminars are conducted jointly with the Division of Chemical Biology and Bioorganic Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry. Attendance at all Division seminars is mandatory and two unexcused absences will result in a grade of F. As an additional component of the seminar requirements of the graduate curriculum, attendance by all students is required during a student’s Doctoral Defense. These Defense seminars are held outside of the normal seminar series.

Each student is required to present a seminar in PHRS 899 either in the student’s third year or in the beginning of his/her fourth year and will be considered in assigning the grade in PHRS 899. In this seminar, the student critically reviews the area pertinent to his/her thesis topic making sure that s/he discusses studies that include his/her group’s contributions and those of other laboratories and includes a description of the student’s ongoing studies that add to this body of research. Faculty members will evaluate the student seminar. Students receiving an overall failing evaluation on the presentation will receive an “incomplete” grade in PHRS 899 for that semester and must consult with the seminar coordinator before giving a make-up seminar at a later date.  Additionally, students receiving “incomplete” grades may be advised to seek further training in presentations. In those cases where the student’s research contains intellectual property (IP) and where disclosure risks the IP, a student can provide a comprehensive review of a different subject in medicinal chemistry. Permission to do so will require the approval of the thesis adviser and the seminar coordinator. Each seminar topic, title, summary, and research article must be approved by the student’s research adviser and seminar coordinator.  A student presenter should send the title of their seminar talk to the Graduate Program Coordinator upon request.

PHRS 991: Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Research Rotations) During the first two semesters, the student conducts three ~10-week research rotation projects, each under the supervision of a different faculty member. These rotation projects are considered as course work for PHRS 991. Students select rotations from any of the CBMC Faculty. With the approval of the DDGS, students may also perform rotation projects with faculty outside the labs of the CBMC Faculty, especially when the rotation will provide training in an area that is outside of the expertise of the CBMC Faculty.

To select an adviser for each research rotation, the student should interview members of the CBMC faculty about possible projects. Prior to each rotation, the student will turn in a RESEARCH ROTATION LAB SELECTION FORM (Appendix A) to the Graduate Program Coordinator. Over the course of the first year, each student is encouraged to schedule individual interviews with all members of the CBMC faculty. Although varied slightly from year to year, the rotations usually start in late August and end in late April in the next year.

Students admitted in the fall semesters can begin their rotations the summer before. In that scenario, the student must contact the Graduate Program Coordinator at least four weeks prior to the start of the rotation. The summer rotation will be considered as one of their three required rotations. A waiver for one research rotation may be granted if a student has previously completed substantial independent research. Students seeking such a waiver must petition the DDGS, and provide information (e.g. reports, manuscripts, grant proposals, and/or letters from research advisers) about their previous research. If a student has obtained a specific fellowship to work with a CBMC faculty member, then research rotations may be optional.

During lab rotations, students are expected to work in the laboratory at least 20 hours per week. Students are fully integrated into the laboratory during their rotation projects and are involved in lab meetings and journal clubs. At the beginning and end of each rotation, the rotation adviser and student review a written or oral statement of expectations for the student’s performance in the laboratory. These discussions provide the student with the advisers’ expectations and critical comments on areas of excellence and weakness. Guidelines for the research rotations are described in the PHRS 991 syllabus.

At the end of each rotation, students will submit a written report using the Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences – Student Evaluation Form (Appendix B) to the Graduate Program Coordinator. Students will also present the results of their rotation projects to their Student Advisory Committee (SAC). The SAC committee, in consultation with the rotation adviser, will provide a brief summary and evaluation and submit a grade to the Graduate Program Coordinator and the DDGS to be entered at the end of the semester. After the third rotation, students will present the work of their rotation in the CBMC End of Year Mini-Symposium.

  The DDGS serves as the temporary advisor for the first-year students who enroll in PHRS 991. The SAC committee provides additional mentoring and consists of three CBMC faculty. The SAC is formed at the beginning of the first semester based on a student’s request and the availability of faculty members.

CHEM 701  (Introduction to Laboratory Safety) Prerequisites: first-year graduate student status or permission of instructor

This course provides an overview of safety rules and regulations, guidance in safe laboratory practice, and creates a culture of laboratory safety.

CBMC 804A: Biochemical Foundations of Chemical Biology . Prerequisites: CHEM 466, BIOC 505, 601, or PHCO 643; or permission of instructors.

This course covers core biochemical and molecular biology techniques, concepts, and tools used to conduct research at the interface of chemistry and biology. Topics include enzymology, characterization of drug-target interactions, mechanism-based inhibitor design, assay design and development, targeting kinases and GPCRs, biopharmaceuticals, gene therapy, nucleic-acid binding agents, information-based drugs, chemical tools to study epigenetics, harnessing biosynthetic pathways for chemical diversity, and other recent advances and techniques in drug discovery.

CBMC 804B: Foundations of Chemical Biology Journal Club . Prerequisites: Enrollment in CBMC 804A.

This course is a series of presentations by students that run in concert with CBMC 804A.

Biology Core Course Each student has the option to choose one 3- or 4-credit hour course on campus that is focused on biological systems or techniques.  A good starting point to find such a course is the BBSP website. Some examples include PHCO701 (Introduction to Molecular Pharmacology), BIOC706 (Biochemistry of Human Disease), GNET631 ( Advanced Molecular Biology), CBIO643 (Cell Structure and Function) and CBIO893 (Advanced Cell Biology).

PHRS 802: Drug Development and Professional Skills Development Prerequisites: None.

This course provides an interdisciplinary environment for students from each of the four Divisional PhD programs in UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. Students will learn about the general process of drug development and develop associated professional skills.

Elective Course: Students have the option to take one elective course of their interest. There is no requirement on the number of credit hours of the course. Students typically choose a course that provides specific skills and knowledge their thesis work needs.

PHRS 994: Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Thesis Research) The students begin to register 3 credit hours PHRS 994 each semester once they have chosen the thesis adviser. Guidelines for the thesis research are described in the PHRS 994 syllabus.

DPMP Curriculum

This DPMP Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences track has an emphasis in pharmacoengineering, an emerging discipline that integrates engineering methods with pharmaceutical sciences. Pharmacoengineers apply the latest experimental approaches from life sciences, chemistry, and physics in conjunction with theoretical and quantitative methods from engineering, mathematics, and computer science to solve problems in medicine and drug therapies.

We believe in the importance of in-depth training of students both in pharmaceutical sciences and modern engineering, mathematics, and computer science, as well as in the conduct of original research leading to the doctoral dissertation. Thus, we have designed the curriculum to offer rigorous and comprehensive training in the key principles of pharmaceutical sciences and engineering yet maintain a high degree of flexibility for students to tailor the coursework to their specific interests suitable to their research projects.

The program is among the first of its kind in the country and is a joint effort between the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy’s Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics and the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering at UNC-Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University.

Students work at the interface of engineering and pharmaceutical sciences to develop safer and more effective medicine and medical technologies. It provides students not only with a strong knowledge base in both pharmaceutical sciences and engineering, but also a highly interdisciplinary research experience. Students have the flexibility to work with any of more than two dozen outstanding faculty members with expertise in a variety of fields within pharmacy and engineering.

Math/Applied Math Electives

Engineering Electives

Other courses can fulfill these electives upon petition by the student and approval by the director of graduate studies or the student’s Ph.D. advisory committee.

DPET Curriculum

For students admitted in even years (e.g. 2024):

• Core Courses for Students (Clinician and Non-Clinician Track)

For students admitted in odd years (e.g. 2025):

DPOP Curriculum

Pharmaceutical policy and economics concentration.

The Pharmaceutical Policy and Economics concentration prepares students to learn about pharmaceutical policy in the US and abroad and analyze the impact of such policy. Students learn how to select the optimal study design to answer a research question and, through research rotations and practica, gain skills in primary data collection and secondary data analysis. Students in this concentration can tailor their coursework to develop expertise in the methodologies and content of greatest interest to them.

REQUIRED COURSEWORK FOR PHARMACEUTICAL POLICY AND ECONOMICS CONCENTRATION

(* denotes that course is required for all DPOP PhD students)

STATISTICS COURSES

Students are required to take a minimum of 9 credit hours of statistical coursework. A number of departments offer statistical courses. Students are encouraged to review the following statistical series and select the series that is of greatest interest to them. Different departments teach using different statistical software programs, so students should consider this when selecting a statistical series.  

Recommended Statistics Sequence Courses:

• HPM 881 . Linear Regression Models (3 credits). Permission of instructor required (with exception of HPM PhD students). Prerequisite: BIOS 600 or equivalent background in probability theory/statistics for students lacking the prerequisite. Required preparation, matrix algebra, derivatives, logs/exponentials, and Stata. This course is an introduction to linear regression models. Topics include least squares regression, multicollinearity, heteroscedasticity, autocorrelation, and hypothesis testing.
• HPM 882 . Advanced Methodology for Health Policy and Management Research

  (3 credits). Prerequisite: HPM 881, or permission of the instructor. Research methodology as applied to understanding problems in health care delivery. Topics include simultaneous equation models, factor analysis, limited dependent variables, and an introduction to event history analysis.

• HPM 883 . Analysis of Categorical Data (3 credits) Prerequisite: HPM 881 and HPM 882 or equivalent. This course is an introduction to the analysis of categorical data using maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) and other non-linear techniques and specification tests. Topics covered include models in which the dependent variable is not continuous, including logit, probit, censored data, two-part, and count models.
• ECON 700 . Basic Quantitative Techniques (3 credits) Topics from linear algebra, calculus, linear and nonlinear programming, and the theory of difference and differential equations with applications to economics. (Summer)
• ECON 770 . Introduction to Econometric Theory (3 credits) Probability theory, expectation, conditional expectation, modes of convergence, limit and interchange theorems, and the asymptotics of maximum likelihood, generalized method of moments and efficient method of moments. (Fall)
• ECON 771 . Econometrics (3 credits) Standard first year course in econometric theory and methods. Topics include least squares and maximum likelihood, asymptotic theory, classic inference, GMM, seemingly unrelated regression, endogeneity bias, and multi-stage least squares. (Spring)
• ECON 870 . Advanced Econometrics (3 credits) ECON 870 constitutes a one-semester treatment of the fundamental theory of econometrics. Topics covered include asymptotic distribution theory, linear and nonlinear models, specification testing techniques, and simultaneous equations models. Prerequisites: ECON 770, 771, and MATH 547.

Alternative Statistics Sequence Courses:

Biostatistics

• BIOS 600 . Principles of Statistical Inference (3 credits). Required preparation, knowledge of basic descriptive statistics. Major topics include elementary probability theory, probability distributions, estimation, tests of hypotheses, chi-square procedures, regression, and correlation.
• BIOS 545 . Principles of Experimental Analysis (3 credits). Permission of the instructor for nonmajors. Required preparation, basic familiarity with statistical software (preferably SAS able to do multiple linear regression) and introductory biostatistics, such as BIOS 600. Continuation of BIOS 600. Analysis of experimental and observational data, including multiple regression and analysis of variance and covariance.
• BIOS 665 . Analysis of Categorical Data (3 credits). Prerequisites, BIOS 545, 550, and 662; or permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisites. Introduction to the analysis of categorized data: rates, ratios, and proportions; relative risk and odds ratio; Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel procedure; survivorship and life table methods; linear models for categorical data. Applications in demography, epidemiology, and medicine.

SOCIOLOGY (Uses Stata)

• SOCI 708 . Statistics for Sociologists (4 credits) Provides an introduction to probability theory, descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and the algebra of expectations. Emphasis is on elements useful to research sociologists, including bivariate regression and correlation.
• SOCI 709 . Linear Regression Models (4 credits) The course presents regression analysis and related techniques. The major topics are the assumptions of the regression model, dummy variables and interaction terms, outlier diagnostics, multicollinearity, specification error, heteroscedasticity and autocorrelation. The final section introduces path analysis, recursive models, and nonrecursive systems.
• SOCI 711 . Analysis of Categorical Data (3 credits) Perquisite, permission of the instructor. Introduction to techniques and programs for analyzing categorical variables and nonlinear models. Special attention is given to decomposition of complex contingency tables, discriminant function analysis, Markov chains, and nonmetric multidimensional scaling.
• SOCI 717 . Structural Equations with Latent Variables (3 credits) Prerequisite, SOCI 708 or permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisite. This course examines models sometimes referred to as LISREL models. Topics include path analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, measurement error, model identification, nonrecursive models, and multiple indicators.
• SOCI 718 . Longitudinal and Multilevel Data Analysis (3 credits) Prerequisite SOCI 709 or 711. This course provides an introduction to event history analysis or survival analysis, random effects and fixed effects models for longitudinal data, multilevel models for linear and discrete multilevel data, and growth curve models.

Education (Uses SPSS)

• EDUC 710 . Statistical Analysis of Educational Data I (4 credits). Studies descriptive and inferential statistics for educational research, including an introduction to fundamentals of research design and computer data analysis. (Fall & Summer)
• EDUC 784 . Statistical Analysis of Educational Data II (4 credits). Prerequisite, EDUC 710 or permission of the instructor. A linear model approach to the analysis of data collected in educational settings. Topics include multiple regression, analysis of variance, and analysis of covariance, using computer packages. (Spring & Summer)
• EDUC 884 . Statistical Analysis of Educational Data III (3 credits). An extension of the general linear model to analysis of educational data with multiple dependent variables, with computer applications. (Fall & Summer)
• EDUC 888 . Introduction to Structural Modeling (3 credits). Introduces structural equation modeling with both observed and latent variables. Applications include confirmatory factor analysis, multiple group analyses, longitudinal analyses and multitrait-multimethod models. (Spring)

Social Work

• SOWO 916 . Structural Equation Modeling (3 credits). In this course, students will learn fundamental concepts and skills to conduct structural equation modeling and will learn how to apply these techniques to social work research.
• SOWO 917 . Longitudinal and Multilevel Analysis (3 credits) This course introduces statistical frameworks, analytical tools, and social behavioral applications of three types of models: event history analysis, hierarchical linear modeling (HLM), and growth curve analysis.
• SOWO 918 . Applied Regression Analysis and Generalized Linear Models (3credits) Prerequisite, permission of the instructor. This course introduces statistical frameworks, analytical tools, and social behavioral applications of OLS regression model, weighted least-square regression, logistic regression models, and generalized linear models.

ELECTIVE COURSES

Strongly Recommended: Additional methods training that can count toward the 9-credit elective requirement. We highly recommend students in the pharmaceutical policy and economics concentration take advanced methods courses beyond the requirements listed above. Students should consult regularly with their advisor to select from many available options . A number of graduate level elective courses that are relevant are offered at UNC. We list several below but encourage students to review course offerings each semester to find courses that match their research and career interests.

Health Policy and Management

• HPM 715 . Health Economics for Policy and Management (3 credits). Provides training in the theory of health economics and applies this theory to important issues in health policy and management.
• HPM 757 . Health Reform: Political Dynamics and Policy Dilemmas (3 credits) . This course focuses on the political and policy dynamics of health care reform.
• HPM 758 . Underserved Populations and Health Reform   (3 credits) . Students will gain an understanding of how the changes in the health care market affect care for underserved populations and will develop strategies to ensure that the needs of these populations are met.
• HPM 759 . Health Policy Development and Advocacy for Health Leaders (2 credits).  Executive Doctoral Program in Health Leadership (DrPH). The course will familiarize students with the history of health reform in the US, explore issues in health policy, analyze the impact of health politics on policymaking.
• HPM 762 . Quality of Care (3 credits).  The quality of health care in the US has garnered significant attention. This course will examine: (1) the current state of the quality of care in the US; (2) approaches to assess quality of care, and (3) strategies that have been implemented or proposed to improve the quality of care.
• HPM 772. Techniques for the Economic Evaluation of Health Care (3 credits). This course provides an investigation of the theory, methods, and application of economic evaluation to health care. Topics include methods used to structure an economic evaluation, measure and summarize health outcomes and estimate their value to patients or to the public, and identify resources used and estimate their costs. Prerequisite, EPID 600 .
• HPM 785  Advanced Decision Modeling (3). This course covers advanced decision modeling methods in health care, including probabilistic sensitivity and value of information analysis, economic evaluation using clinical trial data, and discrete event simulation and agent-based/system dynamics modeling techniques. The course teaches analytical techniques and interpretation as well as and state-of-the-art best practices. Prequisite: HPM 772.
• HPM 815 . Graduate Health Economics Seminar (1 credit). Permission of the instructor. Discussion of recent papers in health economics. Students must have solid knowledge of graduate microeconomics theory and econometrics.

Public Policy

• PLCY 716 . Politics and Public Policy Theory (3 credits). Students build a theoretical foundation about the politics of policymaking. We examine the governmental institutions and actors that make policy decisions, incentive structures, and influences that shape these decisions as well as the macro-environment within which policy demands arise and policy decisions are made.
• PLCY 788 . Advanced Economic Analysis for Public Policy I (3 credits). This course introduces microeconomic theory using multivariate calculus and constrained optimization. Topics covered include consumer theory, producer theory, market equilibrium, taxes, and market power. Applied public policy examples are incorporated.
• PLCY 789 . Advanced Economic Analysis for Public Policy II (3 credits). This course provides further applications of economic theory to public policy including risk and uncertainty, information economics, general equilibrium and welfare policy, externalities, public goods and taxation, and game theory. Prerequisite, PLCY 788.
• ECON 698. Philosophy, Politics, and Economics: Capstone Course (3 credits) Permission of the department. This capstone course advances PHIL 384, focusing on such theoretical and philosophical issues as the analysis of rights or distributive justice and the institutional implications of moral forms.
• ECON 810. Game Theory I (3 credits) Noncooperative games in strategic and extensive form, with perfect and imperfect information. Other topics from: information economics, mechanism design, auctions, repeated games, bargaining, bounded rationality, learning, evolutionary games, cooperative games.
• ECON 840. Advanced Finance: Expenditure (3 credits) Analysis of market failure and reasons for public spending, cost-benefit analysis and program budgeting, public decision making, redistribution and fiscal equity, intergovernmental transfers.
• ECON 850. Health Economics (3 credits). Measurement and modeling of the demand for medical care, the demand for and supply of health insurance, and the incorporation of health, medical care, and health insurance in determining both short and long run labor supply. Prerequisites: ECON 710 (Advanced Microeconomic Theory) and 771 (Econometrics); permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisites.
• ECON 851. Health Economics for Developing Countries (3 credits). Major topics are: how health and development are related, the demand for health services, cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis, and methods for financing health care in developing, resource-constrained nations. Prerequisites: ECON 710 (Advanced Microeconomic Theory) and 771 (Econometrics); permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisites.
• ECON 873. Microeconometrics (3 credits). Limited dependent variable models such as binary outcome models, multinomial outcome models, and censored and truncated outcome models. Count data models. Duration models. Panel data analysis. Prerequisite: ECON 870.
• ECON 880. Labor Economics I (3 credits). Analysis of short- and long-run aspects of supply and demand of labor, including empirical analysis of labor force behavior of males, females, blacks, and whites. Microeconomic effects of marriage, fertility, mobility on labor supply, and macroeconomic effects of unemployment on inflation. Prerequisite: ECON 710; permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisite.
• ECON 881. Labor Economics II (3 credits). This course covers a range of topics in labor economics, with a unifying theme of understanding how economics informs policies for alleviating inequality. Topics include social interactions, education, early childhood intervention, and discrimination.

Pharmaco-Epidemiology Concentration

The pharmaco-epidemiology concentration prepares students to interpret and apply state-of-the-art epidemiologic approaches to study utilization and comparative effectiveness/safety of healthcare interventions using a variety of complex data sources (e.g., administrative healthcare claims, electronic health records, and registries). Students in this concentration can tailor their coursework to develop expertise in the methodologies of greatest interest to them, focused on quantitative methods, including predictive analytics and causal inference.

Through completion of the required course work listed below, students who complete the PhD in DPOP with a concentration in pharmaco-epidemiology will also fulfill the requirements for a Minor in Epidemiology from the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. Prior to enrollment in your first semester of classes, you will coordinate with your advisor to formally declare your intention to minor, which you can opt out of at a later time if desired.

REQUIRED COURSEWORK FOR PHARMACO-EPIDEMIOLOGY CONCENTRATION

BIOSTATISTICS COURSES

Students in the pharmaco-epidemiology concentration are required to take a minimum of 6 credit hours in biostatistics classes. In addition to the formal biostatistics requirement detailed below, students should consult with their advisor to develop a specific plan for advanced methods training.

In your 1 st semester, there are two recommended options (choose one only):

• BIOS 600 . Principles of Statistical Inference (3 credits). Major topics include elementary probability theory, probability distributions, estimation, hypothesis testing, chi-square procedures, regression, and correlation.
• BIOS 662 . Intermediate Statistical Methods (4 credits). Principles of study design, descriptive statistics, and sampling from finite and infinite populations, with particular attention to inferences about location and scale for one, two, or k sample situations. Both distribution-free and parametric approaches are considered. Gaussian, binomial, and Poisson models, one-way and two-way contingency tables, as well as related measures of association, are treated.

In your 2nd semester, there is one recommended biostatistics course:

• BIOS 545 . Principles of Statistical Inference (3 credits). Continuation of BIOS 600; the analysis of experimental and observational data, including multiple regression, and analysis of variance and covariance.

Starting in your 3rd semester, you should work with your advisor to select additional methods courses that best align with your interest and training needs. The section below on elective courses can serve as a useful starting point for some of those decisions.

Strongly Recommended: Additional methods training that can count toward the 9-credit elective requirement. We highly recommend students in the pharmaco-epidemiology concentration take advanced methods courses beyond the requirements listed above. Students should consult regularly with their advisor to select from many available options . Recommended additional methods courses include (but are not limited to):

• DPOP/EPID 766 . Epidemiologic Research Using Healthcare Databases (3 credits). This course focuses on how healthcare utilization data are generated and how to use databases to identify study populations and conduct epidemiologic studies of utilization patterns and comparative effectiveness/safety of prescription drugs and healthcare services. A major component of this course is an independent (or small group) project using IBM Watson Marketscan claims data.
• EPID 718 . Analytic Methods in Observational Epidemiology (3 credits). This course covers general epi concepts and applications, including logistic regression, binomial regression, model building strategy, additive and multiplicative interaction, and graphical exploration of data.
• EPID 722 . Epidemiologic Analysis of Time-to-Event Data (4 credits). This course covers epidemiologic analysis of time-to-event data and emphasizes weighing threats to the accuracy of inferences.

Other recommended electives for students in the pharmaco-epidemiology concentration. A number of graduate level elective courses that are relevant to the pharmaco-epidemiology concentration are offered at UNC. We list several below but encourage students to review course offerings each semester to find courses that are of greatest interest to them. A long list is provided below, but it is not exhaustive; you can work with your advisor to help select optimal courses for your trajectory.

• EPID 719. Readings in Epidemiologic Methods. (1 credit)
• EPID 731. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (1)
• EPID 733. Clinical Trials in Epidemiology (3)
• EPID 735. Cardiovascular Epidemiology (3)
• EPID 742. Biomarkers in Population-Based Research (2)
• EPID 743. Genetic Epidemiology: Methods and Applications (3)
• EPID 750. Fundamentals of Public Health Surveillance (3)
• EPID 751. Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases (3)
• EPID 753. Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases at the Level of the Community (3)
• EPID 754. Advanced Methods in Infectious Disease Epidemiology (3)
• EPID 755. Introduction to Infectious Disease Epidemiology (3)
• EPID 756. Control of Infectious Diseases in Developing Countries (3)
• EPID 757. Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS in Developing Countries (3)
• EPID 760. Vaccine Epidemiology (3-4)
• EPID 764. Hospital Epidemiology (1-2)
• EPID 770. Cancer Epidemiology and Pathogenesis (3)
• EPID 771. Cancer Epidemiology: Survivorship and Outcomes (3)
• EPID 772. Cancer Prevention and Control Seminar (3)
• EPID 775. Advanced Cancer Epidemiology: Classic and Contemporary Controversies in Cancer Causation (2)
• EPID 785. Environmental Epidemiology (3)
• EPID 786. Community-Driven Epidemiology and Environmental Justice (2)
• EPID 787. Advanced Environmental Epidemiology (3)
• EPID 790. Intervention Epidemiology (2)
• EPID 795. Introduction to Public Health Informatics (1)
• EPID 813. Nutritional Epidemiology (3)
• EPID 814. Obesity Epidemiology (3)
• EPID 826. Introduction to Social Epidemiology (3)
• EPID 827. Social Epidemiology: Design and Interpretation (2)
• EPID 851. Reproductive and Perinatal Epidemiology (3)
• EPID 853. Advanced Topics in Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology (2)

Although it may not be used toward the elective requirement, DPOP students in the pharmaco-epidemiology concentration are strongly encouraged to attend EPID 893, the Pharmacoepidemiology Seminar . Offered every semester, this is a weekly seminar to explore current problems in pharmacoepidemiology and share research in a friendly but formal environment. Students may enroll in this 1-credit seminar as many times as they wish, but enrollment is not required in order to attend the seminar.

Social and Behavioral Concentration

The Social Behavioral concentration prepares students to apply social behavioral theory in the design and evaluation of health interventions as well as in the study of multilevel factors that affect health behaviors and outcomes. Students learn how to ask impactful questions, select optimal study designs and research methods to answer those questions, and disseminate their research findings to diverse audiences. Through research rotations and practica, students gain skills in primary data collection and secondary data analysis. Students in this concentration can tailor their coursework to develop expertise in the methodologies of greatest interest to them, including quantitative and qualitative methods.

REQUIRED COURSEWORK FOR SOCIAL BEHAVORIAL CONCENTRATION

Students are required to take a minimum of 9 credit hours of statistical coursework. A number of departments offer statistical courses. Students are encouraged to review the following statistical series and select the series that is of greatest interest to them. Different departments teach using different statistical software programs, so students should consider this when selecting a statistical series.

• SOCI 717 . Structural Equations with Latent Variables (3 credits) Prerequisite,  SOCI 708 or permission of the instructor for students lacking the prerequisite. This course examines models sometimes referred to as LISREL models. Topics include path analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, measurement error, model identification, nonrecursive models, and multiple indicators.
• SOCI 718 . Longitudinal and Multilevel Data Analysis (3 credits) Prerequisite  SOCI 709 or  711 . This course provides an introduction to event history analysis or survival analysis, random effects and fixed effects models for longitudinal data, multilevel models for linear and discrete multilevel data, and growth curve models.
• EDUC 710 . Statistical Analysis of Educational Data I (4 credits). Studies descriptive and inferential statistics for educational research, including an introduction to fundamentals of research design and computer data analysis.
• EDUC 784 . Statistical Analysis of Educational Data II (4 credits). Prerequisite, EDUC 710 or permission of the instructor. A linear model approach to the analysis of data collected in educational settings. Topics include multiple regression, analysis of variance, and analysis of covariance, using computer packages.
• EDUC 884 . Statistical Analysis of Educational Data III (3 credits). An extension of the general linear model to analysis of educational data with multiple dependent variables, with computer applications.
• EDUC 888 . Introduction to Structural Modeling (3 credits). Introduces structural equation modeling with both observed and latent variables. Applications include confirmatory factor analysis, multiple group analyses, longitudinal analyses and multitrait-multimethod models.

SOCIAL WORK

• SOWO 917 . Longitudinal and Multilevel Analysis (3 credits). This course introduces statistical frameworks, analytical tools, and social behavioral applications of three types of models: event history analysis, hierarchical linear modeling (HLM), and growth curve analysis.
• SOWO 918 . Applied Regression Analysis and Generalized Linear Models (3 credits) Prerequisite, permission of the instructor. This course introduces statistical frameworks, analytical tools, and social behavioral applications of OLS regression model, weighted least-square regression, logistic regression models, and generalized linear models.

HEALTH POLICY

• HPM 881 . Linear Regression Models (3 credits). Permission of instructor required (with exception of HPM PhD students). Prerequisite: BIOS 600 or equivalent background in probability theory/statistics for students lacking the prerequisite. Required preparation, matrix algebra, derivatives, logs/exponentials, and Stata. This course is an introduction to linear regression models. Topics include least squares regression, multicollinearity, heteroscedasticity, autocorrelation, and hypothesis testing. Students wishing to enroll in the HPM 881-883 sequence are strongly encouraged to enroll in HPM 880 (Mathematical and Statistical Tutorial) in the preceding fall semester .
• H PM 882 . Advanced Methodology for Health Policy and Management Research (3 credits ). Prerequisite: HPM 881, or permission of the instructor. Research methodology as applied to understanding problems in health care delivery. Topics include simultaneous equation models, factor analysis, limited dependent variables, and an introduction to event history analysis.

BIOSTATISTICS

Strongly Recommended: Additional methods training that can count toward the 9-credit elective requirement. We highly recommend students in the social behavioral concentration take advanced methods courses beyond the requirements listed above. Students should consult regularly with their advisor to select from many available options . A number of graduate level elective courses that are relevant to the social behavioral concentration are offered at UNC. We list several below but encourage students to review course offerings each semester to find courses that are of greatest interest to them.

Health Behavior

• HBEH 753 . Qualitative Research Methods (3 credits)
• HBEH 754 . Advanced Qualitative Research Methods in Health Behavior and Health Research (3 credits)
• HBEH 756 . Social and Peer Support in Health: An Ecological and Global Perspective (3 credits)
• HBEH 795 . E-Health (3 credits)
• SOWO 921 . Qualitative Research Methods. (3 credits)
• SOWO 922 . Advanced Topics in Causal Inference: Propensity Score and Related Models.

  (3 credits)

SOWO 923 . Systemic Reviews and Introduction to Meta-Analysis. (3 credits)

• NURS 962 . Conducting Systematic Reviews and Writing Specific Aims. (4 credits)
• NURS 976 . Issues in Sampling and Design. (3 credits)
• NURS 977 . Qualitative Approaches to Knowledge Development. (3 credits)
• NURS 979 . Qualitative Analysis. (3 credits)
• SOCI 761 . Questionnaire Design. (3 credits)
• SOCI 762 . Case Studies in Surveys. (3 credits)
• SOCI 863 . Sociology of Health, Illness, and Healing. (3 credits)

EPIDEMIOLOGY

• EPID 825 . SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH: THEORY, METHOD, AND INTERVENTION

(3 credits)

• HPM 758 . Underserved Populations and Health Reform (3 credits)
• HPM 830 . Translational Health Disparities: Research, Practice & Policy (3 credits)

CareerWell Graduate Certificate in Leadership, Innovation and Management

Emphasizes innovation and commercialization as well as workplace leadership and management principles.

Eshelman Institute for Innovation

A catalyst converting the power of raw ideas to high impact solutions that transform education, research, and health care in North Carolina and around the world.

Graduate Student Center

A central space where graduate and professional students from all disciplines and departments on campus can come together to create a stronger community among all graduate and professional students and provide a well-rounded Carolina experience.

Graduate Training Program in Translational Medicine

Augments the usual student-research PI team with a clinical co-mentor who helps guide the student’s research and immerses the student in clinical experiences, vocabulary, and the overall culture of clinical research through experiential learning and didactic education.

Office of Student Affairs

Provides student-centered services and experiences and fosters student growth through coaching, mentoring, career development, professional development, co-curricular engagement, and experiential education programs and activities.

Training Initiatives in Biomedical and Biological Sciences (TIBBS)

Helps students prepare for the next steps after graduation, develop non-bench skills, learn about careers, experience a career they are considering, get one-on-one career coaching, expand your teaching expertise, explore translational medicine, socialize with other graduate students.

Faculty Interviews  

Interviews with Division Faculty are designed for you to share your background and preparation for scientific research and to learn more about our own faculty research interests and projects. These interviews are one of the primary ways we assess candidates and a great way for candidates to see the varieties of projects they can work on, techniques they can learn, and the impact they can have as PhD students here.  

Fellowships our Students Have Received:

• AFPE Pre-Doctoral
• AHRQ R36 Dissertation Grant
• ASHP Foundation Pharmacy Resident Practice-Based Research Grant
• Ford Foundation

PharmAlliance

Graduate students engage students, faculty, and other scientists from UCL and Monash through PharmAlliance. PharmAlliance is a strategic partnership between three global leaders: UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Monash University Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and UCL School of Pharmacy at University College London. Graduate students have several opportunities to participate in PharmAlliance including the annual PharmAlliance E-Symposium and competing for grants to travel to UCL or Monash to conduct research.

Students are supported to attend GPEN, the Globalization of Pharmaceutics Education Network. GPEN, Inc. was created for the sole purpose of fostering and facilitating international scientific exchange in the pharmaceutical sciences.

Language on Student Financial Support

Graduate students in the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy are supported by fellowships and research assistantships that provide an annual stipend of $35,000 plus tuition, fees, and health insurance. The School strongly encourages students to compete for external awards and fellowships. Receipt of such awards brings prestige and economic benefits to the student, to their dissertation advisor, to our Program, and to the School. In addition to any direct financial benefits awardees receive from their external awards, students are also eligible for an awarded bonus provided by the School: if the stipend of the external award exceeds the School’s standard student stipend, the awardee may keep the higher amount. Students who obtain external funding for their support are eligible to receive a supplemental bonus for each year of the award of 15% of the external award (up to $3,000) from the Office of Research & Graduate Education.

If you have any questions, please contact Will Taylor .

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