Cardinal Health ranks among the top health service providers in the world. It supports hospitals, clinics, and retail pharmacies across the United States. The company delivers medical tools, drug supplies, and health system services. Each department helps carry out its mission to improve patient care.
One role that supports this mission is Scientist I CMC. This job helps ensure drug safety and process quality. It works within a team called Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls. This team checks that drugs follow proper standards. Every product must meet legal rules and quality checks. A Scientist I in this group helps confirm that each step follows the right process.
This guide explains what the Scientist I CMC role means. You will learn what the job involves. It also breaks down the skills you need and how much you can earn. The article shows how this role fits into other parts of Cardinal Health. This includes job links to Edison, the warehouse team, aviation support, and more.
If you want to apply or learn how this job works, keep reading. This article gives you clear answers in simple words.
What Does Scientist I CMC Mean at Cardinal Health
Scientist I CMC is an early-stage science role. It supports the Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls team. This group plays a key part in drug development. It checks that each product meets legal and quality rules before release.
This role does not involve lab experiments. It focuses on the written side of science. The job helps prepare technical documents that explain how a drug is made and controlled. These files go to agencies like the FDA and other global regulators.
You do not test samples or run chemical checks. Instead, you handle data, product details, and process steps. You make sure everything matches the standards set by law. Your job is to make the reports clear, correct, and easy to review.
Most of this work happens at a desk. Some positions are fully remote. Others may place you in a corporate office or a science center. One main location is Cardinal Health Edison in New Jersey. That site holds key teams and support roles tied to the CMC process.
This role may also involve cross-team communication. You may work with regulatory teams, quality control, and operations. You must stay focused, follow timelines, and keep strong records. Every report you prepare supports drug safety and public trust.
This job is a great fit for people who enjoy science but do not want lab work. It allows you to work with research without doing hands-on testing. You get to play a role in health care through structure, review, and accuracy.
What Does CMC Stand For in the Drug Industry
CMC stands for Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls. This group checks how a drug is made. It also makes sure each drug follows strict safety steps. Every drug must pass these checks before it reaches the public.
The job of CMC includes:
- Picking the right materials
- Setting the method to make the drug
- Checking the quality of each batch
- Writing reports for health agencies
This work ensures each drug stays safe, stable, and clean from start to finish. CMC experts help stop mistakes before they reach patients.
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Daily Responsibilities of Scientist I CMC
The Scientist I CMC handles key tasks that support drug safety. Each task helps create clear, complete reports for drug approval. These reports must follow strict health rules.
You write sections that explain how a drug is made. These parts cover materials, steps, storage, and testing. You must follow set templates and include all required details. The final report must meet FDA and global standards.
You check drug data for mistakes. This includes numbers, product names, and process steps. You correct any issues and confirm that each part is ready for review. You keep the data accurate and easy to read.
You track project timelines. You know when each section is due. You help your team stay on time. If a deadline shifts, you update the schedule and alert others.
You talk with other science and quality teams. You share updates and ask for missing parts. You may review drafts with team leads. You also use software tools to write and format the documents.
You help connect different teams. Your updates support work across research, compliance, and production. Each report moves through several hands before it goes to a health agency. You make sure it flows smoothly and without delay.
This job requires strong focus. You must stay organized and alert to detail. Each task plays a part in drug safety. Your work helps Cardinal Health keep patients safe and products approved.
🎓 Real Scientist Insight
“My day often starts with reviewing stability data and ends with a cross-functional meeting,” says Maria L., a CMC Scientist at a biopharma company. “I thought I’d be stuck behind formulas, but it’s more about communication, precision, and protecting public health.”
This shows how the role blends lab science with team work and regulatory care. Every product release impacts lives. That makes the job feel meaningful every day.
What Does a Regular Workday Look Like
The workday often starts around 8:00 or 9:00 a.m. You check emails and updates. You review your task list and open any drug files assigned to you.
Tasks through the day may include:
- Writing a draft section for a new drug
- Reviewing a report from another team
- Fixing notes based on feedback
- Tracking the progress of pending files
- Joining a short team call to align on progress
You use tools like Microsoft Word, Excel, and document systems. You may also update tracking sheets to stay on deadline.
Most days end with a final check-in. You make sure each file is saved, correct, and shared with the next team.
What Skills Do You Need
To work as a Scientist I CMC, you must meet some basic science and writing standards. Most roles ask for a degree in chemistry, biology, or a related science. A background in pharmaceutical studies may also help.
You must understand how drugs move from idea to approval. You do not need deep lab skills. You do need to follow steps and understand why each step matters. You should know basic terms in drug development and safety.
You must write with care. The job involves reports, summaries, and technical files. Your writing must be clean, simple, and error-free. A strong eye for detail helps you avoid small mistakes that could delay drug approval.
Time control is key. You must finish tasks on schedule. You may work on several reports at once. Good planning helps you stay calm and on track.
Teamwork is part of the job. You may speak with lab staff, writers, and managers. You must explain your needs and answer questions with care. Clear communication helps teams move forward.
Some experience with GMP rules adds value. GMP stands for Good Manufacturing Practice. If you have worked in any system that follows health or safety rules, it helps. If not, the company may train you.
This job fits people who enjoy clear tasks, clean writing, and solid science.
Scientist I CMC Cardinal Health Salary
Pay for this role depends on where you live and what you bring. Most workers earn between $65,000 and $85,000 per year in the United States.
Jobs in cities with a high cost of living, like Edison or San Diego, may offer more. Remote roles may include extra pay or bonuses. Cardinal Health also offers strong benefits. These may include health coverage, paid leave, and a 401(k) retirement plan.
This salary is strong for a role that does not involve lab work. It rewards your skill in writing, planning, and science support. You also gain a path to grow your income. As you move into higher roles, your pay can increase.
This job gives you solid value. You help improve health care and support drug safety. You earn well without advanced lab duties.
Where Else Can You Work in This Role
Scientist I CMC is not limited to one company. Many large health firms hire for the same role. These jobs often carry similar tasks and growth paths.
Some examples include:
- Pfizer
- Johnson & Johnson
- Baxter
- Thermo Fisher
- Merck
- GSK
Most firms that make or test drugs need CMC teams. If you start at Cardinal Health, you can move into similar roles across the industry. This role gives you a skill set that works in many places.
Entry-Level Jobs at Cardinal Health
Cardinal Health offers many jobs for people starting their careers. These roles help you enter the health field with real skills. You can work in science, support, or supply chain teams.
Some of the common entry-level jobs include:
- Scientist I CMC
- Quality control assistant
- Data entry support
- Warehouse technician
- Operations team staff
- Aviation logistics support
Each job gives you training. You learn how Cardinal Health supports health care. Many of these roles lead to higher positions in the company. If you want a stable science job with a clear path, Scientist I CMC is a strong choice.
This job values clarity, tone, and structure in written reports. Scientists must write so others can act. That means shaping each word to avoid error or risk. If you want to understand how language drives thought, see this complete guide to linguistic meaning.
Cardinal Health Edison Location
One of the main company sites sits in Edison, New Jersey. This location helps with drug testing, shipping, and quality control. It serves both science and supply chain functions.
Jobs in Edison may include:
- Scientist I CMC
- Report prep assistant
- Compliance team member
- Warehouse staff
- Logistics planner
This site connects research and delivery in one space. Teams work closely to keep the flow of medical goods safe and smooth. If you live near Edison, this site gives you many ways to start a health-related career.
Can You Work from Home in This Role
Some jobs in this field allow remote work. Others may need you to stay near a lab or office. It depends on the team, tools, and work setup.
Remote work is common for:
- Document writing
- Data review
- Report formatting
In-office work may be needed for:
- Team meetings
- Data hand-offs
- System training
Cardinal Health has remote roles and office-based roles. Edison, NJ is one main location for in-person jobs. Make sure to check each job listing to see what it allows.
Cardinal Health Warehouse Edison
The Edison warehouse moves medical supplies to clinics and hospitals across the country. It plays a key part in the company’s delivery system. It supports both drug shipments and medical equipment.
Entry-level jobs at the warehouse include:
- Shipping tech
- Forklift driver
- Inventory clerk
- Packaging worker
- Quality checker
You do not need a science degree to work in the warehouse. Many roles provide on-the-job training. This is a good place to start if you want to support the health system in a hands-on way.
Cardinal Health and Baxter
Cardinal Health works with many health companies. One key partner is Baxter. Baxter makes tools like drug pumps and kidney care machines. Cardinal Health helps deliver these tools to care centers.
Some CMC staff may help create reports or records linked to these tools. Others may work with supply teams. This partnership helps both companies serve doctors and patients more effectively.
What Is JLL Cardinal Health
JLL stands for Jones Lang LaSalle. It is a company that manages labs and buildings. Cardinal Health works with JLL at many sites. JLL helps run clean workspaces, labs, and support systems.
JLL helps with:
- Equipment setup
- Safety checks
- Lab upkeep
- Emergency support
If you work at a Cardinal Health site managed by JLL, you may work with their teams to fix space or tech issues. Their support helps keep lab and office areas safe and ready to use.
What Is Cardinal Health DME
DME means Durable Medical Equipment. These are long-term care items that help patients at home or in clinics. Examples include:
- Hospital beds
- Wheelchairs
- Oxygen machines
- Drug infusion pumps
Cardinal Health supplies and supports DME products. Most CMC team members do not ship these tools. But they may help prepare safety files, testing records, or reports if the DME product involves drugs or quality review.
This work helps doctors give patients tools that are safe and approved. It also ensures Cardinal Health stays in line with health laws.
Cardinal Health Aviation Support
Cardinal Health also uses planes to support its supply chain. Some medical items need fast delivery. These flights help move drugs and tools where they are needed most.
The aviation team handles:
- Emergency medical shipments
- Drug flights to remote areas
- Crisis support during health events
These flights save time when ground transport cannot reach a location fast enough. The team helps hospitals and clinics stay stocked in urgent situations.
Scientist I CMC does not take part in the flights. Still, your documents may support the products on board. The work you do helps ensure each item is cleared, safe, and ready to move.
Career Growth from Scientist I CMC
This job opens the door to long-term growth. Many people start here and move into bigger roles. With strong work, you can advance in science, compliance, or team leadership.
Some future roles include:
- Scientist II
- Senior CMC scientist
- Quality control lead
- Compliance specialist
- Regulatory affairs analyst
Cardinal Health supports growth through training and mentorship. You may switch departments or move into leadership. Your early work builds the skills you need to grow in the company.
What Are the Benefits and Challenges
Pros of the Role
- Strong base pay for entry-level
- Clear and stable daily routine
- Low stress from physical tasks
- Flexible options for remote work
- Chance to grow into high-paying roles
- Real impact on public health
Cons of the Role
- Desk work for most of the day
- Strict report deadlines
- Less face-to-face time with patients
- Can feel repetitive without variety
- Attention to detail must stay sharp every day
This role fits people who like structure. If you enjoy rules, reports, and helping behind the scenes, you may love this job.
Example: Meet Daniel, a Scientist I CMC
Daniel started at Cardinal Health right after college. He studied biology and wanted a job in health. He did not want to work in a lab.
He applied to be a Scientist I CMC. He liked the mix of science and writing. He now works from home and helps write reports that go to the FDA. His work helps keep drug files on track.
Daniel says, “I wanted a science job with low stress. I found it here. My work feels real, but my hours stay steady. I get to focus and grow each week.”
How to Apply for the Role
You can apply online through the official Cardinal Health careers page. Use the search bar and enter “Scientist I CMC.” You can also search with related terms like “entry-level scientist” or “CMC specialist.” Use the filters to pick your location, preferred job type, or remote-only options.
Look at each job post closely. Some roles may need travel or in-person office work. Others may be fully remote. Each listing will explain the duties and team setup. Make sure the job fits your background and career goals before you apply.
To stand out as a strong candidate, follow these tips:
- List your science degree clearly at the top of your resume
- Add any experience with FDA, CMC, or GMP rules
- Share examples of group projects, reports, or documents you helped prepare
- Highlight roles where you used quality control or attention to detail
- Use simple, clean formatting on your resume with no extra graphics or complex design
- Keep your information short, accurate, and easy to read
Prepare for interviews ahead of time. You may get questions about drug documents, safety checks, or submission steps. Be ready to explain how you manage time, review data, or handle feedback. Show that you care about rules, timelines, and team success.
This job needs someone who takes details seriously. It also needs a team player who can ask clear questions, give good answers, and stay on task. If you show that, you will leave a strong impression.
The hiring team wants someone who fits both the role and the mission. Show that you are ready to help others, follow rules, and grow with the company. A calm, clear, and prepared voice can make all the difference.
Final Thoughts
Scientist I CMC is not just a desk job. It plays a direct role in patient safety. Every report you write helps show that a drug meets health rules. These documents help agencies like the FDA decide if a product can go to market. You help protect lives through clear, accurate work.
This role supports more than one team. You may work with operations, quality control, or logistics. You may help with files used in the warehouse or reports linked to medical equipment. Some reports may support products shipped through Cardinal Health aviation. Each task supports the larger health system.
This job gives you a strong start in science. You work with experts. You learn real-world rules. You gain skills that apply to many fields. It also offers room to grow. You can move into leadership, compliance, or advanced science roles over time.
You do not need lab work to make an impact. You need focus, care, and a desire to support better health. This role lets you help without being on the front line. But your work still matters.
If you want a stable job with real purpose, this is a smart path. You gain pay, training, and a place to grow. You also help others. That makes this more than work. It makes it a career worth choosing.
Scientists in this role may also support research or reporting that touches on complex conditions. Learn how chronic illnesses like Inomyalgia impact daily life and treatment research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree is required to become Scientist I CMC?
A science-related degree such as biology, chemistry, or pharmaceutical science is usually required. Some roles may also accept biochemistry or life sciences.
Does this job involve lab testing?
This role does not require lab testing. It focuses on writing, reviewing, and organizing documents for drug safety and quality.
Can this role be remote?
Some positions offer remote work. Others require on-site presence at offices like Edison, NJ. Check the job post for location details.
What is the average salary for Scientist I CMC?
Salaries often fall between $65,000 and $85,000 per year. Pay may vary based on location, experience, and company needs.
Is FDA knowledge important in this role?
Knowing FDA rules helps in this job. Workers often write or review documents sent to health regulators like the FDA.
How can I move up from Scientist I CMC?
With time and training, you can move into roles like Scientist II, Senior CMC Scientist, or Regulatory Affairs Specialist.
Disclaimer: This article shares general job-related information for educational use only. It does not offer legal, medical, or hiring advice and does not reflect the views of Cardinal Health.
