The U.S. pharmaceutical industry has achieved worldwide prominence through research and development work on new drugs, and spends a relatively high proportion of its funds on R&D compared with other industries, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics. Each year, pharmaceutical researchers in the industry test tens of thousands of new substances.
Pharmaceutical manufacturing companies prefer to hire college graduates, particularly those who, like MCPHS graduates, have strong scientific backgrounds. Strong candidates have been educated in materials and technologies associated with pharmaceutical product development, manufacture and evaluation. A background in medicinal chemistry is also excellent preparation for a career in pharmaceutical research. Students who earn the MS at MCPHS have completed a year-long research project and a full semester industry internship. As a result they are well qualified to compete for research and positions in biotechnology firms.
Description
Pharmaceutical researchers:
- Participate in research to develop new medications
- Participate in research to create new dosage forms and specifications
- Study the process by which a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized and eliminated by the body
- Ensure that drug labeling and literature are accurate and meet the requirements of State and Federal laws
Licensing
- No special licensing is required
Personal qualifications
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- High ethical standards
Employment opportunities
- Strong demand is anticipated especially for life and physical scientists engaged in R&D, the backbone of the pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing industry, according to the U.S Department of Labor
- Employment for pharmaceutical researchers is expected to grow approximately 30% between 2004 and 20014, according to the US Department of Labor
Salary
Median annual wages: approximately $77,000 (U.S. Department of Labor)
Progression
Individuals with a strong scientific background and several years of industrial experience may advance to managerial positions or become independent consultants. A doctorate opens up additional career opportunities in academia and research.
Getting there: Your degree program at MCPHS
- MS, PhD Pharmaceutics (Boston): advanced degree programs prepare students to participate in research to formulate new medications
- MS, PhD Medicinal Chemistry (Boston): post baccalaureate degree programs prepare students to synthesize and analytically examine drug compounds, study how chemical substances behave at a molecular level
- MS, PhD Pharmacology (Boston): Advanced degree programs prepare students to perform research exploring how drugs interact with biological systems, research the pharmacological actions of synthetic and naturally occurring drugs, leading to improved drug design