Also called: CNS Drug Discovery Scientist
Studies how drugs affect the brain and develops new treatments for brain disorders.
Tests how a new depression drug changes brain chemicals in lab models, and helps figure out the right dose for the first human trials.
Estimate; industry pays more than universities.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 10 years after high school. PhD in biology or a related field, often plus a postdoc.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Neuroscience, Pharmacology.
Growing faster than average. Tracks BLS life scientists (medical scientists and biochemists grow faster than average).
Medium risk for 10 years. AI screens drug candidates for brain targets; lab and animal studies and planning first human doses stay human.
Classes: AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Psychology.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-1042.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.