Home / Federal careers / GS-0405
Pharmacology
Performs professional pharmacological work including drug research, testing, and evaluation of pharmaceutical effects.
What GS-0405 pays
2025 base rates, before locality. Most federal employees add a locality adjustment on top.
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
| GS-15 | $125,133 | $129,304 | $133,475 | $137,646 | $141,817 | $145,988 | $150,159 | $154,330 | $158,501 | $162,672 |
Base pay only. Locality pay adds 15 to 40 percent or more depending on where the job sits. Source: OPM 2025 General Schedule.
Qualification requirements
OPM's standard for GS-0405, as written.
Degree: major in an appropriate biological, medical, veterinary, or physical science, or in pharmacy that included at least 30 semester hours in chemistry and physiology and 12 semester hours in pharmacology.
Evaluation of Education: The positions in this series are multidisciplinary positions, since the work involves the application of a scientific knowledge of biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, and such related sciences as microbiology, biophysics, genetics, mathematics, and statistics.
Courses in chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, general physiology, and animal, human, microbial, or cellular physiology may be used to meet the 30-semester-hour requirement in chemistry and physiology. Under some circumstances, i.e., where the course work provided additional insight into the biophysical, biochemical, and physiological relationships involved, courses in such subjects as cytology, embryology, cellular or microbial genetics, and biophysics may be used to meet this requirement.
Courses in pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, pharmacotherapeutic, molecular pharmacology, and other similar subjects may be used to meet the 12-semester-hour requirement in pharmacology. Courses dealing intensively with pharmacologically-oriented subjects may also be used to meet this requirement.
What this means if you served
- Write the duties, not the billet. OPM credits military experience on the work performed, and does not use rank or pay to judge specialized experience.
- Put the training and certifications you earned in service on the page. They count here.
- Claim your veterans preference on the application. It is not applied for you.
- No positive education requirement here, so qualifying experience can stand in for the education.
How to qualify for GS-0405
1Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
2Find Your Grade Level
Grade follows the scope and complexity of the work you can document against the announcement, not the rank you held. OPM does not use military rank or pay when it evaluates specialized experience. Roughly: GS-5 entry, GS-7/9 junior, GS-11/12 journey, GS-13 and up senior.
3Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
4Build Your Federal Resume
Two pages. USAJOBS has enforced that limit since 27 September 2025 and will not accept a longer resume from a Title 5 agency posting, so the space has to answer every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact details, and the accomplishments with numbers on them.
5Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Typical duties
- Conduct pharmacological research
- Evaluate drug effects and interactions
- Design and conduct drug studies
- Analyze pharmacological data
- Prepare research reports
- Review pharmaceutical literature
Key competencies
Pharmacology Knowledge
Understanding of drug actions and mechanisms.
Research Skills
Ability to design pharmacological studies.
Laboratory Techniques
Proficiency in pharmacological methods.
Regulatory Knowledge
Understanding of FDA requirements.
Analytical Skills
Ability to interpret pharmacological data.
Scientific Writing
Skill in preparing research documentation.
Words the announcement will use
Use the ones your record actually supports. A rater is matching your experience against the specialized experience statement, and a keyword with nothing behind it does not survive that.
Questions about GS-0405
What is a federal Pharmacologist?
GS-0405 Pharmacologists conduct professional research on drug actions, effects, and interactions. They design and conduct drug studies, analyze pharmacological data, evaluate pharmaceutical effects, and support FDA regulatory reviews. They work at FDA, NIH, VA, and other agencies conducting pharmaceutical research.
How much does a federal Pharmacologist make?
GS-0405 positions range from GS-5 ($34,454) for entry-level to GS-15 ($125,133-$162,672) for senior research scientists. Most positions are GS-11 to GS-13 ($63,163-$117,034). Research leads and branch chiefs reach GS-14/15. Add locality pay, especially in DC/Bethesda area.
What are the requirements for GS-0405 positions?
A degree in pharmacology, pharmacy, chemistry, or related biological science is typically required. Advanced degrees (MS, PhD) are necessary for higher grades. Experience designing pharmacological studies, laboratory techniques, and knowledge of FDA regulatory requirements are essential qualifications.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0405?
Partially. Military pharmacy technician or medical research experience provides relevant background, but professional pharmacology positions require formal education in the field. Veterans with science degrees who served in medical research units or pharmaceutical operations are well-positioned.
What is the career progression for Pharmacologists?
Entry at GS-5/7 for bachelor's holders, GS-9/11 for master's, GS-11/12 for PhDs. Senior scientists reach GS-13/14, and research directors reach GS-15. FDA, NIH, and VA offer robust career ladders. Publication record and research expertise drive advancement.
How do I apply for GS-0405 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Pharmacologist' or 'Research Pharmacologist.' Primary employers are FDA, NIH, VA, and DoD medical research facilities. Highlight your research experience, laboratory skills, and publications. Veterans with medical research backgrounds have advantages in VA positions.
Ready to apply for GS-0405?
A rater matches your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement, inside two pages. BMR writes that shape from your own experience: competency headers, real scope, hours per week, and the supervisor detail the rater checks.