Drug discovery involves researching, developing, and introducing new pharmaceutical products. Jobs in this field include researchers, laboratory assistants, quality control specialists, clinical trial managers, and sales and marketing professionals. Scientists conduct rigorous research and experiments to ensure the safety and effectiveness of new drugs, which can take several years before being approved for clinical trials. Educational requirements vary, but most scientists have Ph.D. degrees and extensive postdoctoral training.
Drug discovery is the process by which experts research, develop and introduce new pharmaceutical products. There are many different drug discovery jobs available to professionals with the proper education and training. Most careers are undertaken by researchers specializing in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics or pharmacology. Positions are also available for laboratory assistants, quality control specialists and clinical trial managers. In addition, administrative and marketing professionals play critical roles in ensuring that effective new products reach clinicians and patients in a timely manner.
Scientists who want to apply their studies to the advancement of medicine often decide to pursue drug discovery work. Most workers are employed by pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology companies, although some scientists work in private or university laboratories. They conduct detailed research on specific illnesses and the current medications used to treat them. With the help of laboratory assistants, they experiment with different organic and inorganic chemicals and observe their effects on disease and tissue samples.
The job of a drug discovery scientist is rigorous, and it is common for a single research and development project to take several years before a drug is considered ready for clinical trials. Scientists conduct several rounds of experiments to ensure that the desired effect of a drug is achieved. They also try to predict possible side effects or adverse reactions that may arise in patients.
A drug that shows promise in its early stages usually undergoes a series of tests on animals, human trial participants, or both. Experienced scientists and trial managers perform essential drug discovery work as they help finalize recommended dose amounts and delivery methods. They carefully design controlled studies involving large sample groups of participants. Study managers remove any possible bias from studies by making sure that neither participants nor researchers are aware of who received the drug and who received the placebo during the course of a study. After a study is completed, researchers organize the results and compile them into formal reports.
Medications usually have to undergo several clinical trials to ensure that all possible variables and influences can be controlled and that side effects are minimal among the vast majority of participants. Business experts in drug discovery work bring a new drug to market once approved by the appropriate government agency. Sales and marketing specialists create pamphlets for physicians and potential patients and often speak directly with physicians to describe the new product.
Educational requirements for doing drug discovery work vary. Almost all scientists have Ph.D. graduates of their specialties and receive extensive postdoctoral training before working independently. Laboratory assistants and clinical trial professionals are generally required to hold at least bachelor’s degrees. It is important that even salespeople have extensive training in science and pharmacology so that they can effectively explain detailed findings about a drug and answer physicians’ questions.
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