Define "research". There are many different kinds of research, requiring different degrees/skills/time and travel commitment/direct patient contact/strong computer skills/etc. ad infinitum.
The two things you named are rather different, and yes, a research degree (PhD) would be much better for either of them. I suggest you figure out what you want to do first. You may be able to get a job which involves that kind of research in academia with PharmD but in industry - highly unlikely. Time and effort it would take to train you vs. someone with experience in research and deep knowledge of either pharmacology or pharmaceutical sciences (which is a large area with many concentraitons possible) would be prohibitive.