RESEARCH SCIENTIST 3, PHARMACY

Code: 03164G State Non-Competitive Range: P25 (FY 2027) Work week NL: FLSA exemptOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)

Salary: $79,843.57 - $117,227.97/year FY 2027 schedule (last updated 2026-07-27)

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under the limited supervision of a Research Scientist 1, Pharmacy or other supervisory official in a State department, institution, or agency, implements and carries out pharmaceutical research projects designed by higher-level scientific staff; works on pharmacy and/or pharmacovigilance programs and performs tests and analyses primarily in a laboratory setting, and may include field and/or office work; does other related duties as required. *In the Cannabis Regulatory Commission candidates will be responsible for the research, testing, analyses, investigation and reporting of Cannabis and Hemp products.

Examples of work

Operates and maintains scientific instruments utilized for pharmaceutical based analyses. Investigates, reviews, modifies, develops, and tests new analytical procedures and methodologies utilized in pharmaceutical based analyses. Assists with pharmaceutical compliance and performance audits, inspections, and investigation. Assists with researching best practices and provides advice to supervisors and/or management for the development of pharmacy policies, procedures, and drug protocols. Prepares and submits simple proposals and recommendations and/or assists in complex proposals and recommendations for scientific research studies in compliance with pharmaceutical research methodology and statistical techniques. Assists in investigations of reported complaints and suspected violations of statutes and agency board rules to uncover cases of irregular practices, adulteration and/or misbranding of prescription drugs. Assists with the preparation of reports of actions and resolutions related to issues of non-compliance and adverse reactions. May be assigned to act as liaison between the Agency and other state agencies, groups, boards, consumers on pharmacy and medical science matters. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information system used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Pharmacy or other appropriate pharmaceutical science discipline.

Experience

Two (2) years of experience in pharmaceutical analyses or research.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of the principles, methods, practices, techniques, and materials of pharmacy. Knowledge of federal and state laws and rules pertaining to the use of pharmaceuticals. Knowledge of the required records kept, and operational procedures followed in community and institutional pharmacies and other categories of licensees. Knowledge of investigational techniques, methods, and procedures. Knowledge of principles and practices of modern research methods including research design, data collection, data evaluation techniques, methodology of technical analyses, and interpretation of results and findings. Knowledge of statistical techniques, modern laboratory automation systems, methodology and procedures pertaining to pharmaceutical research, and methods of ensuring conformance therewith. Knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry, including the most current analytical instrumentation utilized in Pharmaceutical testing. Knowledge of appropriate federal regulations and procedural methods requirements. Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret pharmaceutical data. Ability to operate and maintain scientific instruments utilized for pharmaceutical analyses. Ability to explain and interpret pharmaceutical regulations clearly either verbally or in writing. Ability to provide consultative service to pharmacists, other allied health professionals, and lay persons. Ability to develop guidelines for compliance and evaluate obtained results. Ability to implement and carry out pharmaceutical research activities. Ability to exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions concerning research problems. Ability to maintain cooperative working relationships with personnel assigned to other units within the department and division and with others concerned with the work of the research unit. Ability to prepare clear, scientifically sound, accurate, and informative articles and take active part in meetings and conferences. Ability to prepare detailed correspondence. Ability to maintain essential records, reports, and files. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. A Doctorate in a pharmaceutical discipline may be substituted for two (2) years of experience indicated above.