RESEARCH SCIENTIST 2, PHARMACY
Pharmacy
Career Family: RESEARCH SCIENTIST
There is no civil service exam for Research Scientist 2, Pharmacy. As a non-competitive state title, it is filled on the strength of meeting the listed qualifications.
The minimum is a master's degree and 3 years of relevant experience. The FY 2027 range lands between $91,628 and $134,900, and state payroll currently lists about 194 people in the title, led by Health and Senior Services.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
See every real route in, and where to apply. 7 agencies employ it. We don't track live vacancies.
See all 7 employers and how to apply →Who employs this title
Research Scientist 2, Pharmacy appears on the State payroll at 8 departments, most of them at Department of Health.
State departments
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Pay ladder: Research Scientist series
- Research Scientist 3 — $79,844 – $117,228
- Research Scientist 2 — $91,628 – $134,900
- Research Scientist 1 — $100,498 – $148,187
Its top salary lands around the 80th percentile of all NJ civil service titles that publish a range.
Rungs are ordered by FY 2027 pay. NJ level numbers are not always sequential, so ordering follows salary rather than the title number.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 194 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $113,615. The agencies employing the most are:
- Health and Senior Services (109)
- Environmental Protection (54)
- Children and Families (11)
- Board of the Public Utilities (6)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
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 general supervision of a Research Scientist 1, Pharmacy or other supervisory official in a State department, institution, or agency, takes the lead in designing, coordinating and implementing complex pharmacy or pharmacovigilance programs and research projects; performs complex pharmaceutical based tests and analyses primarily in a laboratory setting, and may include related field and/or office work; heads complex projects and makes recommendations to the supervisor; does other related duties as required. *In the Cannabis Regulatory Commission this candidate 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. Develops appropriate pharmaceutical based scientific research protocols and designs, collects and analyzes data and samples obtained, and prepares reports. Takes the lead in preparing and submitting complex proposals and recommendations for scientific research in compliance with pharmaceutical research methodology and statistical techniques. Oversees the control and maintenance of supplies and equipment to ensure availability for ongoing proposed pharmaceutical research projects. Verifies the results of tests, examinations, and analyses made by technical staff. Ensures pharmaceutical compliance and performs audits, inspections, and investigation. Researches best practices and provides advice to supervisors and/or management for the development of pharmacy policies, procedures, and drug protocols. Assists with providing information to pharmacists and employees of community and institutional pharmacies, drug outlets and drug manufacturers or distributors to determine medical dispensing patterns and provides guidance on strains and interactions. Investigates assigned reported complaints and suspected violations of statutes and agency board rules to uncover cases of irregular practices, adulteration and/or misbranding of prescription drugs; may obtain evidence of suspected items and forwards for analysis, if necessary. Prepares reports of actions and resolutions related to issues of non-compliance and adverse reactions. Assists with pharmacy compliance, enforcement, and educational programs; helps to identify pharmacy and drug-related trends. Maintains liaison between the Agency and other state agencies, groups, boards, consumers on pharmacy and medical science matters. Assists with writing administrative rules, provider manuals, and state plan materials that is correct and consistent with state and federal regulations, laws and policies; and participates in special studies and special projects related to areas of responsibility. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office and related units.
Education
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Pharmacy or other appropriate pharmaceutical science discipline.
Experience
Three (3) years of experience in pharmaceutical analyses or research.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a valid driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essentials 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 effectively communicate operational deficiencies and recommend appropriate courses of corrective action. 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 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.