High-Paying Jobs for Medical Researchers: Skills & Career Paths
Shared by Prasith Govin · 10/13/2025
how can i put my skills as a medical researcher to use for high paying jobs?
### Leveraging Your Skills as a Medical Researcher for High-Paying Jobs
As a medical researcher, your skills are highly valuable and can be leveraged for high-paying roles across various sectors. Here are some pathways you might consider:
- **Clinical Research Management**: Roles such as Clinical Research Managers and Clinical Research Associates are in high demand. These positions involve overseeing clinical trials and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Salaries for these roles can range from $75,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on the specific position and level of responsibility [1].
- **Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Sectors**: These industries are experiencing significant growth, particularly in drug discovery and clinical trials. Positions like Principal Scientist in Drug Discovery or Clinical Research Project Manager can be lucrative, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 per year [2][3].
- **Specialized Research Areas**: Focusing on high-demand fields such as oncology, genetics, or neuroscience can significantly boost your earning potential. These areas are expanding rapidly and offer numerous opportunities for advancement [6][7].
- **Integration of AI and Data Science**: The healthcare industry is increasingly integrating AI and data science, creating new roles for researchers skilled in these technologies. Positions like AI Drug Discovery Lead or Digital Health Integration Specialist are emerging, offering competitive salaries and the chance to work on cutting-edge projects [2].
- **Advanced Education and Certifications**: Pursuing advanced degrees or certifications in areas like biostatistics or genomics can distinguish you in the field and lead to higher-paying roles. Additionally, engaging in industry partnerships and consulting can provide additional income streams [8][10].
To give you a clearer picture, here are some job openings related to these roles.
[[FEATURED_JOB_OPENINGS]]
### Industry Insights
- The pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors are booming, with a high demand for skilled medical researchers, particularly in drug discovery and clinical trials [2][3].
- Specializing in high-demand areas such as oncology, genetics, and neuroscience can significantly enhance your career prospects and salary potential [6][7].
- The integration of AI and data science into healthcare is creating new, high-paying roles for medical researchers [2].
### Summary
- Medical researchers can find high-paying roles in clinical research management, pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, and specialized research areas.
- Advanced education and skills in AI and data science can open doors to lucrative opportunities.
### Next Steps
- Consider pursuing advanced degrees or certifications to enhance your qualifications.
- Explore job opportunities in high-demand areas like oncology or AI integration in healthcare.
- Utilize JobLeap to find and apply for roles that match your skills and career goals.
[[SIMILAR_JOBS]]
how can i put my skills as a medical researcher to use for high paying jobs?
Leveraging Your Skills as a Medical Researcher for High-Paying Jobs
As a medical researcher, your skills are highly valuable and can be leveraged for high-paying roles across various sectors. Here are some pathways you might consider:
Clinical Research Management: Roles such as Clinical Research Managers and Clinical Research Associates are in high demand. These positions involve overseeing clinical trials and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Salaries for these roles can range from $75,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on the specific position and level of responsibility 1.
Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Sectors: These industries are experiencing significant growth, particularly in drug discovery and clinical trials. Positions like Principal Scientist in Drug Discovery or Clinical Research Project Manager can be lucrative, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 per year 23.
Specialized Research Areas: Focusing on high-demand fields such as oncology, genetics, or neuroscience can significantly boost your earning potential. These areas are expanding rapidly and offer numerous opportunities for advancement 67.
Integration of AI and Data Science: The healthcare industry is increasingly integrating AI and data science, creating new roles for researchers skilled in these technologies. Positions like AI Drug Discovery Lead or Digital Health Integration Specialist are emerging, offering competitive salaries and the chance to work on cutting-edge projects 2.
Advanced Education and Certifications: Pursuing advanced degrees or certifications in areas like biostatistics or genomics can distinguish you in the field and lead to higher-paying roles. Additionally, engaging in industry partnerships and consulting can provide additional income streams 810.
To give you a clearer picture, here are some job openings related to these roles.
Our client is a pioneering biopharmaceutical company seeking a highly accomplished Principal Scientist to lead critical research and development initiatives within their drug discovery division, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US . This role is at the forefront of innovation, requiring a visionary scientist to design and execute cutting-edge research strategies, mentor a team of researchers, and contribute significantly to the development of novel therapeutics. The ideal candidate possesses a deep expertise in a relevant scientific discipline, a proven track record of impactful research publications, and extensive experience in leading scientific projects from concept to preclinical stages.
Key Responsibilities: Design, implement, and manage complex scientific research projects focused on identifying and validating new drug targets and therapeutic modalities. Lead and mentor a team of scientists and research associates, fostering a collaborative and high-performance research environment. Develop and optimize novel experimental assays and methodologies to support drug discovery programs. Analyze and interpret complex experimental data, drawing robust conclusions and formulating actionable strategies. Author high-quality scientific publications and present research findings at international conferences. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology, to advance drug candidates. Contribute to the intellectual property strategy through invention disclosures and patent filings. Stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements, technologies, and competitive landscape in relevant therapeutic areas. Manage external collaborations with academic institutions and contract research organizations. Ensure compliance with all laboratory safety regulations and ethical research practices. Contribute to the strategic planning and pipeline development of the R&D division. Qualifications: Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a closely related life science discipline. Minimum of 8 years of post-doctoral research experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with a significant portion focused on drug discovery. Demonstrated leadership experience managing scientific teams and projects. Exceptional track record of peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals. Deep understanding of disease biology and target validation principles in relevant therapeutic areas (e.g., oncology, immunology, CNS). Extensive experience with various drug discovery techniques and platforms (e.g., high-throughput screening, molecular imaging, in vivo models). Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Superb written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific information effectively. Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize effectively. Strong networking and collaboration skills, with experience working in multidisciplinary teams. Familiarity with patent processes and intellectual property protection. Join a world-class research organization dedicated to making a difference in patient lives through groundbreaking scientific discovery.
The Position
As a Principal Quantitative Scientist, you are responsible for leading, conceptualizing, planning and executing advanced real-world data (RWD) projects to generate evidence in support of the CDS portfolio, clinical tests, diagnostic devices, and services developed and marketed by Roche Diagnostics, leading to better and more efficient patient care. You will contribute to broad product support initiatives and/or studies, lead and deliver on complex projects, and interact with external partners without supervision.
The data you will be working with are varied in type, including, but not limited to, clinical patient-level data, supplemented with data such as omics, imaging, digital health, etc. You will lead and collaborate with peers within the function and across the organization to develop and improve existing strategies, CDS and workflow solutions, improve product support strategies, identify evidence gaps and data sources, design and execute studies, implement analyses to support improvement of existing products, and lead discovery and early development of new features or apps to drive the NAVIFY portfolio as well as Diagnostics clinical tests, devices, and services. You will be able to quantify the value of these products from both a patient outcome and business value, as well as from a regulatory perspective. You will drive the creation of best practices and share learnings/experience with colleagues both internal and external to the function to shape the use of RWD and implement sustainable, science-based practices in Diagnostics.
The Opportunity:
In this position, you will also ensure that the design, execution, and presentation of evidence adhere to the highest scientific standards. To succeed, you will leverage your expertise and expand your knowledge of available healthcare data sources and applicable state-of-the-art methodologies. Hands-on experience with large-scale processing and visualization of RWD through various languages and tools (e.g. R, Python, (no-)SQL, Spark, etc.) is required. In addition, you will rely on your scientific expertise and your ability to interact and influence cross-functional experts such as clinical biostatisticians, data scientists, and product owners to discover novel insights demonstrating the impact of various treatment decisions and uncover key elements leading to the best outcomes for patients.
This role is hybrid in our Indianapolis Roche location (must be 3 days on-site a week).
Responsibilities include:
Provide RWD leadership for evidence generation using RWD, supporting In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) and CDS product portfolio at Roche Diagnostics. Drive the primary strategic and operational responsibility for the design, execution, and reporting of RWD studies using a variety of available research and commercial healthcare databases. Identify and establish collaborations with healthcare institutes expanding sources of available RWD sources. Work closely with product leads, clinical development, clinical operations, and medical affairs directors across Roche Diagnostics to create, confirm and validate disease & clinical hypotheses for RWD projects supporting commercial, market access, medical and regulatory needs. Promote the increased adoption and use of RWD to supplement clinical study design and execution, and identify opportunities where RWD could be the primary evidence generation mechanism to achieve regulatory and reimbursement objectives for IVD and CDS products being developed across Roche Diagnostics. Develop RWD study protocols and lead analysis projects supporting evidence needs of IVD and CDS product portfolio. Collaborate with internal and external partners (e.g., key opinion leaders, academic institutions, CROs) on the design and implementation of RWD studies. Lead RWD analysis projects from start to completion. Ensure high-quality results from studies are published as posters, abstracts, and manuscripts at a variety of external and internal events and congresses, increasing scientific profile and visibility of the organization. Explain the strengths and limitations of RWD, such as national/regional registries, EMRs, and other clinical data sources, in the context of designing RWD study designs. Mentor more junior colleagues and act as an influential subject matter expert to your team members and the businesses you support. Stay committed to offering innovation, finding opportunities to enhance ways of working (including processes, methods, technology, etc.), and sharing learnings pro-actively with peers. Use and continue to foster strong working relationships with global colleagues and customers, and build a strong network in order to jointly explore vendor relationships, data assets, analytical methodologies, and toolsets. Partner with external key opinion leaders, institutions, academics, etc. Who You Are (Required): You hold a PhD (preferred) OR Master’s Degree in a Quantitative science related field (e.g. Pharmacoepidemiology, Epidemiology, RWD Biostatistics, Pharmacoeconomics, Health Economics and Outcomes Research) 7+ years of direct related (industry, consulting, or other relevant) experience required. Solid expertise in epidemiology and causal inference methodologies is required. Strong programming experience with R, Python, and/or other quantitative software. Strong experience in using research and commercial RWD sources, national and regional disease data registries. Additional Skills: Proven hands-on experience in generating new hypotheses, extracting/managing big data sets, designing, implementing, and reporting of RWD studies, in the Diagnostics/Pharma industry. Understanding of regulatory guidelines for Diagnostics/Pharma. Expertise in national and international coverage policies and proven experience in the use of RWD to influence reimbursement and clinical guidelines. Excellent communication and collaboration skills (including interpersonal skills to contribute effectively in cross-functional team settings, ability to influence others without authority, ability to build strong collaborative relationships with scientific and non-scientific partners). Strong project management skills (including ability to manage scope and effectively delegate to other functions, staff, contractors, and external vendors). Strategic mindset and can-do attitude. Professional working proficiency in English is required. An expert in RWD study design and analysis. Equipped with hands-on experience in epidemiology and a passion to make a difference in healthcare. A data savvy, creative thinker and problem solver, eager to learn new techniques and expand your scientific expertise. A reliable team player and strong collaborator with influential skills and the ability to become established as a thought partner/leader. A resilient problem solver with a sense of ownership, effective prioritization skills, and attention to detail. A recognized team leader with experience in mentoring team members.
You are local to Indianapolis, IN
• Relocation benefits are not available for this position.
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of Indianapolis, IN is between $124,500 and $231,100. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.
Benefits
Who we are
A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100’000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life-changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact.
Let’s build a healthier future, together.
Roche is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.
If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.
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Crinetics is a pharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California, developing much-needed therapies for people with endocrine diseases and endocrine-related tumors. We were founded by a dedicated team of scientists with the simple belief that better therapies developed from rigorous innovation can lead to better lives. Our work continues to make a real difference in the lives of patients. We have a prolific discovery engine and a robust preclinical and clinical development pipeline. We are driven by science with a patient-centric and team-oriented culture. Crinetics is known for its inclusive workplace culture. We are also a dog-friendly workplace. This is an exciting time to join Crinetics as we shape our organization into the world’s premier fully-integrated endocrine company from discovery to patients. Join our team as we transform the lives of others.
Position Summary:
The Medical Director, Clinical Research will be accountable for the development and management of Crinetics' endocrinology portfolio working within a multi-disciplined development team. The incumbent will have hands-on responsibility building the clinical development plan (CDP), designing and executing clinical trials and running programs focused on assigned therapeutic areas and will exhibit a passion for Phases 1 through 3, including biomarkers, proof-of-concept, and full development. The incumbent will also be responsible for providing medical and scientific insight to the publications, supporting Medical Affairs activities, and representing Crinetics to a diverse range of academic, regulatory, and patient organizations.
Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:
These may include but are not limited to:
• Develop a Clinical Development plan (CDP) for the indication of interest, build consensus and get approval from the Executive Team. Update as necessary the CDP. Contribute to the Strategic plans and Target Product Profile (TPP). This will involve focused multidisciplinary internal and external consultation and strategic planning.
• Lead the design, planning and implementation of clinical trials consistent with this CDP and present for feedback/approval to internal executive committees.
• Author clinical protocols (and in its early stages clinical trial outlines [CTO] and synopses) amendments and related documents (e.g., Informed consent).
• Collaboratively assist in drawing up project development timelines in coordination with other functions represented on development team; provide timely updates to development team.
• Provide medical monitoring for clinical studies in collaboration with CRO medical monitors.
• Ensure that clinical trials are conducted according to GCP and all applicable regulatory requirements.
• Close cross-functional collaboration including with discovery and clinical pharmacology.
• Collaborate with Health Economics and Outcomes Research to select or elaborate Patient Reported Outcome research for the studies.
• Along with Clinical Operations, ensure agreed-upon study enrollment and overall timelines for key deliverables.
• Participate in ongoing and formal data analyses and review for CSR completion and planned/actual filing activities.
• Contribute to the development of clinical sections of regulatory documents such as Investigators' Brochures, briefing books, safety updates, IND/BLA submission documents, responses to Health Authorities questions.
• Lead trial-related advisory boards, investigator meetings, protocol training meetings.
• Collaborate with Medical Affairs and Commercial members to develop effective working relationships with key investigators, key opinion leaders and patient advocates to optimize scientific quality/innovation of clinical study design, execution, reporting and publication.
• Provide medical/clinical expertise to publications planning and drafting.
• Provide oversight and project management of clinical programs including planning, execution, and completion of clinical trials according to all applicable regulations and guidance, ICH/GCP, and Crinetics SOPs.
• Attend conferences and remain current with relevant therapeutic area information.
• Serve as the external clinical "face" of Crinetics in interactions with development partners, and leading clinical discussions at advisory boards, as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience:
Required:
• MD degree with at least 10 years clinical research experience within industry or academia. Pediatric subspecialty board certification preferred or a proven track record of experience with global pediatric programs with endocrinology or internal medicine subspeciality. Other specialties may also be considered.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in as clinical lead and/or in supervisory role.
• Thorough knowledge of clinical medicine, clinical pharmacology, and associated disciplines (e.g., biostatistics, data management, medical writing).
• Deep understanding of strategic and operational aspects of clinical research and product development.
Preferred:
• Excellent working knowledge of FDA and EMA regulations and expectations, Good Clinical Practice, ICH guidelines, and clinical drug development, developed through success in gaining approvals.
• Experience in interacting with the FDA and/or EU/or other regulatory agencies.
• Intimate knowledge of and high-level expertise in the day-to-day medical monitoring of clinical trials required (e.g., responding to questions about patient eligibility; review of safety parameters; receiving and processing SAEs, including the composition of SAE narratives).
• Excellent leadership skills and ability to function effectively in a fast-paced, high accountability environment.
• Superior interpersonal skills focusing on collaboration and influencing capabilities supported by great presentation skills.
• Strategic thinker, team leader and individual contributor capable of working in a high growth, dynamic, science-driven environment.
• Able to conceive and execute innovative approaches to clinical development while taking into account the safety and the comfort of the patient.
• Can also take the role of a self-starter individual contributor, who enjoys rolling up their sleeves and digging into the details; rigorous attention to details and data, while not losing sight of the bigger picture and remaining flexible.
• Collaborative, effective leadership skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong interpersonal relationships, gaining trust and confidence from all levels within and external to the organization.
• Ability to inspire and earn respect of the leadership team, Board members, the regulatory authorities, the investment community, colleagues, and staff. Respectful of the ideas and experience of all members of the Crinetics team.
• Ethical, with highest standards of integrity recognizing that we are the creators of hope for our patients and the health care professionals who serve them as well as stewards of the investments of all our shareholders.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
Physical Activities: On a continuous basis, sit at desk for a long period of time; intermittently answer telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means. Some walking and lifting up to 25 lbs. may be required. The noise level in the work environment is typically low to moderate. The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and responsibilities.
Laboratory Activities (if applicable): Biology and chemical laboratory environment experience needed. Environmental health and safety requirements also apply.
Travel:
You may be required to travel for up to 20% of your time.
The Anticipated Base Salary Range: $220,000 - $275,000
In addition to your base pay, our total rewards program consists of a discretionary annual target bonus, stock options, ESPP, and 401k match. We also provide top-notch health insurance plans for employees (and their families) to include medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance, 20 days of PTO, 10 paid holidays, and a winter company shutdown.
The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience and education. Crinetics Pharmaceuticals is a multi-state employer, and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other states. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Crinetics is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants without regard to unlawful considerations of sex, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and/or expression), pregnancy, race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, religion or similar philosophical beliefs, disability, marital and civil union status, age, genetic information, veteran status or any personal attribute or characteristic that is protected by applicable local, state or federal laws
Salary Range
The salary range for this position is: $238,000 - $297,000.
In addition to your base pay, our total rewards program consists of a discretionary annual target bonus, stock options, ESPP, and 401k match. We also provide top-notch health insurance plans for employees (and their families) to include medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance, 20 days of PTO, 10 paid holidays, and a winter company shutdown.
...
Industry Insights
The pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors are booming, with a high demand for skilled medical researchers, particularly in drug discovery and clinical trials 23.
Specializing in high-demand areas such as oncology, genetics, and neuroscience can significantly enhance your career prospects and salary potential 67.
The integration of AI and data science into healthcare is creating new, high-paying roles for medical researchers 2.
Summary
Medical researchers can find high-paying roles in clinical research management, pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, and specialized research areas.
Advanced education and skills in AI and data science can open doors to lucrative opportunities.
Next Steps
Consider pursuing advanced degrees or certifications to enhance your qualifications.
Explore job opportunities in high-demand areas like oncology or AI integration in healthcare.
Utilize JobLeap to find and apply for roles that match your skills and career goals.
