What is the role of a pharmaceutical researcher?
A pharmaceutical researcher or pharmaceutical scientist contributes to expanding medical knowledge and drug development through clinical research. Their primary responsibility is to conduct and oversee various pharmaceutical research projects to ensure their successful execution and compliance with regulations. Pharmaceutical researchers are part of a team that includes other researchers, physicians, data analysts, and other stakeholders, working together to ensure the effective and ethical conduct of clinical trials and research studies.
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Automation Engineer
Location: Greater Toronto Area
Branche: Pharmaceuticals
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 2 years
Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair automated systems, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, robotics, and other control systems. Diagnose and resolve electrical, mechanical, and software-related issues to minimize downtime and maintain production efficiency. Perform regular calibration of sensors, instruments, and automated equipment to ensure accuracy and compliance with industry standards. Modify/optimize control programs to enhance process performance and production quality. Maintain accurate records of all maintenance activities, calibrations, and software changes. Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), FDA, and other regulatory requirements by adhering to established protocols and guidelines for pharmaceutical industry standards. Identify opportunities to improve automation processes, enhance system reliability, and reduce operational costs. Collaborate with engineering teams to implement upgrades and modifications to systems. Work closely with production, quality assurance, and engineering teams to support manufacturing objectives. Provide training and guidance to operators and junior technicians on the proper use of automated systems. Strong knowledge of PLC programming and industrial automation systems. Experience with control system architecture, including SCADA, HMI interfaces, and networks Proficient in troubleshooting and repairing mechanical, electrical, and software components Familiarity with sensors, actuators, motors, VFDs, and servo systems. Ability to interpret technical drawings, P&IDs, and electrical schematics. Strong analytical and diagnostic skills to identify and resolve system inefficiencies. Proactive mindset with the ability to prioritize and manage tasks in a high-pressure situations
Project Manger (Engineering)
Location: Greater Toronto Area
Branche: Pharmaceuticals
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 2 years
Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, resource plans, KPIs, and progress reporting. Support governance meetings by preparing materials, capturing action items, and ensuring follow-through Drive alignment across program teams and ensure adherence to the Manufacturing 4.0 roadmap Act as a liaison between cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, IT, and business process owners. Foster collaboration across various communities of practice, such as MES, Kinaxis, and M&S Plan-to-Manufacture teams. Facilitate stakeholder engagement through effective communication strategies and updates Oversee the deployment of digital tools, such as MES systems, Kinaxis, and iShift. Identify areas for continuous improvement and align solutions with operational excellence goals. Implement change management strategies for smooth adoption of new processes Lead training, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions to support cultural and operational shifts Ensure all project activities comply with regulatory requirements and company standards. Maintain documentation to support audits and inspections.
Compliance Specialist (Human Biological Samples)
Location: Mississauga
Branche: Pharmaceuticals
Expertise: Quality Management
Experience: 2 years
Collaborate with internal teams in locating documentation and reviewing consent related to HBS. Assist the Biobank lead and team in linking samples to consent forms. Duties may include handling of HBS during the reconciliation and curation process. Work with Biobank leads to ensure that learning from HBS related issues are identified and analysed to enable continuous process improvement. Review consent forms for use restriction & storage information. Electronically manage HBS retrievals, including receipt, tracking, review and approval of requests from internal requestors. Confirm requests against the informed consent, raise requests as the need arises. Ensure sample manifests are completed to document the HBS transport or receipt. Assist the Biobank lead in identifying & managing sample sharing between teams. Work with the Biobanks to optimise processes around Biobank requirements for compliance. Work with various Biobanks to ensure sample compliance. Participate & contribute to team meeting & discussions. Support team members in delivering the Departmental goals. Assist in knowledge curation to allow decision making on inventory which maybe in-house, or third parties. Assist with the resolution of issue and queries relating to HBS within the inventory. Maintain records for HBS stored until it meets final disposal and follow destruction process when initiated.
Quality Manager (Engineering)
Location: Greater Toronto Area
Branche: Pharmaceuticals
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 2 years
Provide quality oversight for manufacturing process equipment, CIP, SIP, Thermal, Utilities, HVAC qualification and computerized system validation activities pertaining to B100 licensure, start-up and lifecycle management. Review/approve validation deliverables (i.e. URS, specification documents, risk assessment, test strategies, protocols, executed raw data packages, reports, validation plans, SOPs, Equipment registration in SAP) in accordance with internal and regulatory policies. Review, assess and approve change controls, deviations and corrective plans, resulting from validation/qualification studies. As required, represent Quality Operations on project team and/or sub-teams and/or project working groups to provide direction on validation issues with respect to compliance. Responsible for maintaining validation awareness by screening and reporting on significant validation trends and changes through literature reviews, meetings, and peer discussions within the industry.
Sales Operations Coordinator
Location: Toronto
Branche: Pharmaceuticals
Expertise: Marketing & Sales
Experience: 2 years
Responsibilities Collaborate with the sales, marketing and forecasting teams to manage the operations related to the sales incentive programs (calculation, analysis, adjustments, reports, payouts) Collaborate with the sales leads to keep the Sales Reps Performance Ranking up to date Validate reports like Sales Validation Report, Eligibility Validation Report which enhances the robustness and accuracy of the process Extract and validate the reps lists for the processing of the incentive payouts based on their performance Collaborate with The Sales Insight Manager, Data Scientist, Sales and Marketing leads to determine how to best optimize the HCPs target lists Coordinate the end-to-end process and all efforts related to the updating of customer targeting lists (list extract, refresh, validation, upload) across all BUs each semester Identify areas of improvement in the processes, individual performance, and team dynamics through process analysis. Support the logistics related to Sales Force redesign and optimization (alignment of reps to district
Industrial Engineer
Location: Charlottetown
Branche: Life Sciences
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 3 years
Responsibilities Assist in the planning, execution, and monitoring of capital and infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with project goals, timelines, and budgets. Lead process and equipment validation ensuring regulatory compliance and consistent high-quality products. Monitor production data and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to highlight trends and opportunities for improvements. Ensure that all manufacturing processes and equipment meet the required standards and specifications through rigorous testing and validation. Follow IQ, OQ, PQ methodologies when applicable. Develop and manage qualification documentation for new equipment, processes, and systems, ensuring accuracy and completeness. Track the status of qualification activities and provide regular updates to stakeholders on progress and issues. Conduct assessments of packaging materials and processes to ensure they meet quality, safety, and compliance standards. Provide recommendations for packaging improvements and partner with suppliers and internal teams to implement changes. Identify and implement strategies and methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma) for continuous improvements, efficiency gains, and waste reduction including tracing performance of implemented changes.
Data Analyst
Location: Toronto
Branche: Pharmaceuticals
Expertise: Marketing & Sales
Experience: 2 years
Responsibilities Analyze sales, market, and performance data to identify trends and actionable insights. Create clear and impactful data visualizations and reports to support strategic decision-making. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, and leadership, to inform business strategies. Contribute to sales and marketing analytics projects, gaining exposure to senior leadership and business-critical initiatives.
Bilingual Medical Information Specialist
Location: Greater Toronto Area
Branche: Pharmaceuticals
Expertise: Communications & Distribution
Experience: 2 years
Support MICC within assigned therapeutic Ensure quality of the information provided to our customers by supporting and monitoring MICC external supplier who is providing just in time evidence- based information and scientific expertise on the company's products. Provide guidance to MICC external supplier in a timely fashion on day-to-day requests within assigned therapeutic areas. This includes scientific response documents for verbal and written frequently asked questions, as well as response to ad hoc enquiries. Handle escalated Provide support to MICC external supplier for primary intake of adverse events and product complaints, in collaboration with Pharmacovigilance and Quality Assurance teams. Perform quality control of MICC external Provide regular feedback/training to MICC external supplier to optimize Medical Information services. Develop and maintain Canadian product scientific response documents: Contribute to the development, review and update of scientific response documents such as FAQs/Q&As, letters and technical sheets for use in verbal and written responses. Contribute to literature Maintain strong relations with Canadian and Global Medical Information teams to optimize sharing of product information. Ensure Medical Information materials are compliant with Canadian and Global Medical Information good scientific practices. Contribute to product launch readiness within the assigned therapeutic Contribute to optimization of Global Medical Information Assess value of scientific response documents for access through Medical Information self-serve web portal. Collaborate with internal Participate in the development of specific technical/medical responses or analysis to specific situations such as product discontinuation, media attention, crisis situations and responses to Health Canada or other organizations within the assigned therapeutic areas. Analyze and share customer insights with commercial and field teams to meet customer needs. Deliver training on Medical Information services and processes for commercial, field teams and patient support program suppliers.
Project Validation Specialist
Location: Charlottetown
Branche: Food Production
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 2 years
Project Management: Lead and manage internal and external projects from initiation to completion. Define project scope, goals, deliverables, and timelines. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project objectives are met on time. Monitor and report on project progress, risks, and issues, proposing solutions where necessary. Coordinate with stakeholders, including clients, vendors, and internal personnel. Validation/ Qualification Documentation: Develop and write qualification packages, including IQ, OQ, PQ, and CSV documents. Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, GMP, etc.). Plan and execute qualification protocols and testing for equipment, systems, and processes. Prepare reports and documentation to verify that equipment and systems meet specified standards and operate within intended parameters. Ensure qualification packages are completed accurately, and maintain proper records for audits and inspections. Team Collaboration: Work closely with Engineering, Quality Assurance team, and other departments to gather necessary data for qualifications. Provide guidance and mentorship to team members involved in qualification activities. Maintain communication with project teams to ensure smooth execution of both qualification activities and project timelines. Continuous Improvement: Identify areas for improvement in qualification processes and project management methods. Ensure ongoing compliance with industry standards and best practices. Stay updated on industry trends and changes in regulatory requirements affecting qualification activities.
Data Manager
Location: Toronto
Branche: Pharmaceuticals
Expertise: Research & Development
Experience: 2 years
Responsibilities Analyze Patient Support Program (PSP) data for outcomes research, including feasibility assessments, audits, and quality evaluations. Collaborate with the PSP team to guide program design, data capture, and system improvements with a medical evidence generation focus. Partner with cross-functional teams to navigate governance, SOPs, and end-to-end data management processes. Identify evidence needs and opportunities to leverage PSP data for research and insights.
What do pharmaceutical researchers do?
In this role, pharmaceutical researchers perform several essential tasks to facilitate successful pharmaceutical science. They collaborate with medical professionals, principal investigators, and other team members to define research objectives and design appropriate research protocols. Additionally, they work closely with regulatory authorities to obtain necessary approvals and ensure compliance with all relevant laws and guidelines governing pharmaceutical research.
They are responsible for recruiting and enrolling study participants, making sure that the appropriate target population is included. Maintaining accurate and organized records, managing data collection and analysis, and addressing any data-related issues that may arise during the study are also part of their responsibilities.
Moreover, pharmaceutical scientists need to lead the monitoring and auditing of research sites to ensure data quality, accuracy, and adherence to good clinical practice (GCP) standards. Implementing safety measures and conducting risk assessments are vital to ensuring patient safety throughout the research process.
Staying updated with the latest advancements in pharmaceutical research methodologies, technologies, and regulatory requirements is essential. By integrating cutting-edge practices, they can optimize innovation and success of research projects in the pharmaceutical field.
What are the required skills for a pharmaceutical researcher?
pharmaceutical researchers need a variety of skills. Strong leadership and project management abilities are essential for effectively coordinating and motivating teams throughout the research process. Excellent communication skills are also necessary for facilitating collaboration between team members, investigators, and other sector stakeholders. They should be able to communicate complex scientific information clearly and concisely.
In addition, in-depth knowledge of pharmaceutical research regulations, including GCP, and familiarity with the drug development process are vital for ensuring compliance and successful execution of studies. Analytical and problem-solving skills are also crucial for handling challenges and making informed decisions during the research process.
Where do pharmaceutical researchers work?
Pharmaceutical researchers can find job opportunities in various settings, including pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations (CROs), academic institutions, hospitals, and government agencies. They may also work in specialized research facilities or medical device companies conducting clinical trials for new drugs and treatments.
Common pharmaceutical researcher responsibilities
Conduct and oversee pharmaceutical research projects, coordinating interdisciplinary teams;
Develop and implement research protocols, ensuring compliance with regulations and ethical guidelines;
Work closely with investigators and stakeholders to define research objectives and expectations;
Oversee participant recruitment and enrollment, ensuring the inclusion of the appropriate target population;
Maintain accurate and organized records of research progress, data collection, and analysis;
Perform data quality checks and address data-related issues as they arise;
Ensure patient safety by implementing safety measures and conducting risk assessments;
Monitor and audit research sites to ensure adherence to GCP standards;
Stay informed about the latest advancements in pharmaceutical research methodologies and regulatory requirements;
Communicate effectively with team members, investigators, and stakeholders to facilitate collaboration and project success;
Provide guidance and support to researchers and study coordinators throughout the research process.
Qualifications for pharmaceutical researchers
To become a pharmaceutical researcher, candidates should possess at least a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as pharmaceutical sciences, life sciences, biomedical sciences, or healthcare management. Advanced degrees or certifications in pharmaceutical research or a related discipline are advantageous.
Other essential qualifications include:
- 2-4+ years of experience in pharmaceutical research or related healthcare projects;
- In-depth knowledge of pharmaceutical research regulations, including GCP;
- Strong project management and leadership skills;
- Excellent verbal and written communication abilities;
- Analytical and problem-solving skills;
- Familiarity with the drug development process and research methodologies;
- Ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams;
- A commitment to ensuring patient safety and contributing to advancements in healthcare through pharmaceutical research.
