Pharmaceutical Scientist Career Path (and Why Many Pursue an MPH).

Pharmaceutical scientists conduct vital research that leads to new medicines and therapeutic treatments, helping to improve the lives of patients around the world. Their work sits at the intersection of science, healthcare, and innovation — making it a deeply rewarding career path for those who want to drive meaningful change.

But for those already in the field, many pharmaceutical scientists reach a point where they want to expand their impact beyond the lab. An advanced degree such as a Master of Public Health (MPH) can provide the skills and perspective needed to move into leadership, influence policy, and connect scientific discovery with population health outcomes.

What Is a Pharmaceutical Scientist?

Pharmaceutical scientists are  health professionals who focus on pharmaceutical research to develop new drugs and treatment options for patients. Their work often involves identifying new compounds that have the potential to treat disease or improve symptoms, then evaluating those compounds through rigorous preclinical and clinical testing to ensure both safety and effectiveness. 

In addition to discovery, pharmaceutical scientists frequently collaborate with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to create efficient and reliable manufacturing processes that bring new treatments to market. Many also contribute to clinical research aimed at refining existing therapies and improving how drugs are delivered to patients. 

In many respects, their role overlaps with that of pharmaceutical researchers, as both focus on advancing drug development and improving patient outcomes through innovation.

What Do Pharmaceutical Scientists Do?

Pharmaceutical scientists take on a wide range of responsibilities that make each day dynamic and engaging. Their work often involves:

• Designing and formulating new drugs to improve clinical outcomes and reduce patient side effects
• Optimizing the use of natural and synthetic ingredients during drug development
• Creating and overseeing clinical trials to test new drugs and treatment approaches, as well as evaluate their safety and effectiveness
• Collecting and analyzing clinical trial data to confirm the effectiveness of new drug treatments
• Streamlining the drug development process and improving accessibility to treatments and approaches

This work requires technical expertise, collaboration with clinicians and regulatory agencies, and a strong understanding of public health principles.

What Is Pharmaceutical Research?

Pharmaceutical research is the process of developing new drugs through discovery, testing, and experimentation. It often combines advanced technology with chemical and biological compounds identified by pharmaceutical scientists. Because patient safety is paramount, pharmaceutical research and clinical trials are typically long-term and highly regulated.

Key types of pharmaceutical research include:

• Pharmacological research — studying how drugs interact with biological systems, including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
• Formulation and drug delivery research — creating effective delivery systems such as controlled-release medications or targeted therapies
• Clinical research — designing and conducting trials to evaluate drug safety, efficacy, and dosing
• Health outcomes research — assessing real-world effectiveness and cost-efficiency of treatments
• Pharmacovigilance — monitoring post-market drug safety and preventing adverse effects 

This research plays a central role in advancing public health, from accelerating vaccine development to improving equitable access to life-saving treatments.

Job Outlook

Demand for pharmaceutical scientists and other medical scientists is expected to rise. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment levels for medical scientists are expected to climb by about 11% between 2023 and 2033, with particular demand for pharmaceutical researchers specializing in cancer treatment, Alzheimer’s disease management, and chronic disease management.

Why Pharmaceutical Scientists Pursue an MPH

For pharmaceutical scientists already working in the field, advancing into leadership or policy often requires skills that extend beyond the lab. An MPH provides training in epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, and health ethics, equipping professionals with the tools to connect drug development with real-world population health outcomes.

With this broader perspective, pharmaceutical scientists can design clinical trials that reflect diverse populations, address the public health implications of drug access and affordability, and influence regulatory decisions that shape healthcare systems. Just as importantly, MPH training strengthens communication and leadership skills, allowing scientists to translate complex research into strategies that improve health on a population scale.

Career Paths and Leadership Roles with an MPH

Pharmaceutical scientists who pursue an MPH are well-positioned to expand their careers beyond the lab and into roles that influence healthcare at a systems level. With training in public health, policy, and leadership, they may go on to:

• Guide drug approval and safety standards at regulatory agencies
• Shape access to essential medicines through global health organizations
• Advise on drug pricing, distribution, and innovation at policy think tanks
• Lead research and development programs within pharmaceutical or biotech companies
• Serve as public health advisors or pharmaceutical policy analysts
• Consult for international health organizations or NGOs
• Contribute to academia or nonprofit research focused on population health outcomes

These opportunities allow scientists to combine their technical expertise with a broader understanding of health systems, ensuring that innovations in drug development translate into real-world impact on patients and communities.

Develop your Pharmaceutical Policy and Leadership Skills with and MPH at Boston University

At Boston University, our nationally recognized School of Public Health helps pharmaceutical scientists build on their expertise and move into leadership, policy, and advocacy. Both our online and on-campus programs offer a holistic curriculum that emphasizes health equity, epidemiology, and biostatistics — preparing graduates to connect science with solutions that improve population health.

Whether you want to lead clinical trials, guide policy decisions, or shape the future of global healthcare, our MPH program provides the foundation you need to take your career forward.

Apply now to the online MPH or on-campus MPH.