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Computational Chemistry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Own computational chemistry programs across therapeutic modalities, disease targets, and indications * Ensure effective collaboration with the Biology and Medicinal Chemistry teams by providing key ...

Own computational theoretical chemistry programs across therapeutic modalities, disease targets, and indications * Ensure effective collaboration with the Biology, and Medicinal Chemistry teams by ...

Own computational theoretical chemistry programs across therapeutic modalities, disease targets, and indications * Ensure effective collaboration with the Biology, and Medicinal Chemistry teams by ...

Own computational theoretical chemistry programs across therapeutic modalities, disease targets, and indications * Ensure effective collaboration with the Biology, and Medicinal Chemistry teams by ...

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Computational Chemistry information

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How much do computational chemistry jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for computational chemistry in the United States is $22.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Computational Chemistry vs Chemist?

AspectComputational ChemistryChemist
Required CredentialsTypically requires a PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fieldOften requires a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry or related discipline
Work EnvironmentPrimarily research labs, computer-based work, and simulationsLaboratories, industrial settings, or fieldwork
Industry UsageUsed in pharmaceuticals, materials science, and academia for modeling and simulationsInvolved in experimental research, product development, and quality control

Computational Chemists focus on computer-based modeling and simulations to understand chemical phenomena, while Chemists often perform hands-on experiments and laboratory work. Both roles are essential in advancing chemical research but differ mainly in their methods and work environments.

Do computational chemists make good money?

Computational chemists typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions often start around $60,000 to $80,000 annually, with experienced professionals earning over $100,000, especially in research or industry roles that require advanced skills in programming and modeling tools.

What are some common challenges faced by computational chemists when collaborating with experimental teams?

Computational chemists often work closely with experimental chemists to design and interpret experiments, but one common challenge is ensuring clear communication about the limitations and accuracy of computational models. Translating complex simulation data into actionable insights for experimental teams can require extra effort, especially when addressing differences in terminology or expectations about timelines and results. Successful collaboration typically involves regular meetings, shared documentation, and a willingness to iterate on both computational predictions and experimental approaches.

Do I need a PhD to be a computational chemist?

A PhD is typically required for advanced roles in computational chemistry, especially those involving independent research or leadership. However, entry-level positions may be available to candidates with a master's degree or relevant experience in programming, chemistry, or related fields. Strong skills in computational tools and programming languages can also be valuable for career advancement.

Is computational chemistry a good career?

Computational chemistry is a growing field that involves using computer simulations and modeling to study chemical systems, often requiring skills in programming and chemistry. It offers opportunities in academia, industry, and research institutions, with a demand for expertise in software tools and data analysis. Job prospects depend on education level, experience, and specialization areas within the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a computational chemist?

To thrive as a Computational Chemist, you need a solid background in chemistry, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by an advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in chemistry or a related field. Proficiency in quantum chemistry software (such as Gaussian or VASP), programming languages (like Python or Fortran), and experience with high-performance computing systems are essential. Strong problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and effective communication help you collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and convey complex findings. These skills and qualities are crucial for designing accurate simulations, interpreting data, and contributing valuable insights to research and development projects.

What is computational chemistry?

Computational chemistry is a branch of chemistry that uses computer simulation and mathematical models to study the structures, properties, and reactions of molecules. It allows scientists to predict the behavior of chemical systems by solving quantum mechanical and classical equations. This field plays a critical role in drug discovery, materials science, and understanding complex molecular interactions, often saving time and resources compared to experimental methods. Computational chemists use specialized software and high-performance computing to carry out their analyses and simulations.

What is computational chemistry?

Computational chemistry is a subdiscipline of chemistry, and it involves using computer simulation methods to analyze chemical compounds, molecules, and other problems in chemistry. Computational chemistry is necessary for solving complex problems in chemistry that do not have analytical solutions and require the use of powerful computing. Computational chemistry has many applications, and it is very common in pharmaceutical production and research where physicists, chemists, and other clinical researchers need to predict the properties of particular chemical reactions.

What can you do with a computational chemistry degree?

A computational chemistry degree prepares individuals for roles such as research scientist, drug developer, or materials scientist, where they use computer simulations and modeling to study chemical systems. Skills in programming, data analysis, and software tools like Gaussian or VMD are often essential for these positions.

What cities are hiring for Computational Chemistry jobs?

Cities with the most Computational Chemistry job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Computational Chemistry jobs?

The most popular types of Computational Chemistry jobs are:

What states have the most Computational Chemistry jobs?

States with the most job openings for Computational Chemistry jobs include:

Infographic showing various Computational Chemistry job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,292 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Director/Senior Director, Computational Chemistry

Flagship Pioneering, Inc.

Cambridge, MA

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

COMPANY DESCRIPTION
Flagship Labs 111 Inc. (FL111) is a privately held, early-stage biotechnology company pioneering a novel platform harnessing innovations in chemistry, computation, and data science to create new therapeutic modalities beyond traditional small molecules. FL111 is backed by Flagship Pioneering, bringing the courage, vision, and resources to guide FL111 from platform validation to patient impact. We are seeking collaborative, creative and relentless problem solvers that share our passion for impact to join us!

THE ROLE

FL111 is seeking a Director/Senior Director, Computational Chemistry to spearhead the design and optimization of heterobifunctional small molecules. This leader will work closely with medicinal chemists, structural biologists, and project teams to develop and apply computational tools to guide molecular design decisions across the design-build-test-learn cycle. The successful candidate will drive molecular ideation, property optimization, and compound prioritization across the portfolio. This is a strategic, high-impact leadership role where the Director/Senior Director will shape computational strategy, drive scientific excellence, and help build and mentor a world-class computational chemistry function.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Molecular Design & Optimization: Define the strategic vision for and drive the design of heterobifunctional small molecules, including ligand selection, attachment vectors, and linker architectures, integrating cross-functional input to balance target engagement, molecular properties, and synthetic efficiency across programs.
  • Cheminformatics & Library Exploration: Lead and direct cheminformatics strategy to identify and prioritize chemical series; oversee development of internal computational workflows and data infrastructure to support program needs
  • ADME & Developability Assessment: Direct evaluation of key molecular properties (e.g., solubility, permeability, lipophilicity, clearance risk) and lead compound prioritization frameworks that systematically integrate developability considerations across the portfolio.
  • Structure-Based & Computational Modeling: Champion and advance structure-based and AI/ML-assisted modeling capabilities (e.g., docking, conformational analysis, FEP) to inform ligand selection, attachment strategy, and linker design; drive adoption of emerging computational methods across the organization.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as a strategic scientific partner and computational chemistry leader across chemistry, biology, and in vivo pharmacology teams within the company; align on portfolio priorities, and represent the computational chemistry function in leadership discussions and external scientific forums.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

  • PhD in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, or a related discipline, with 10+ years of relevant industry experience, including demonstrated scientific leadership and people management experience.
  • Deep expertise in computational medicinal chemistry and structure-based drug design in the binary and ternary settings, with a track record of driving impactful decisions across multiple drug discovery programs.
  • Demonstrated ability to drive and evaluate real, synthetically actionable molecular designs and to mentor and develop scientists to do the same.
  • Experience using cheminformatics tools for compound design, analysis and prioritization.
  • Proven scientific leadership and communication skills: demonstrated ability to build, lead, and inspire interdisciplinary teams and influence senior stakeholders.
  • Prior experience working on heterobifunctional small molecules (e.g., PROTACs) is preferred
  • Familiarity with ADME optimization challenges for large, flexible molecules is strongly preferred.
  • Prior experience in an early-stage or startup biotech environment is preferred.

Location: Cambridge, MA 

About Flagship Pioneering

Flagship Pioneering is a bioplatform innovation company that invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health or sustainability. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated and fostered more than 100 scientific ventures, resulting in more than $90 billion in aggregate value. Many of the companies Flagship has founded have addressed humanity's most urgent challenges: vaccinating billions of people against COVID-19, curing intractable diseases, improving human health, preempting illness, and feeding the world by improving the resiliency and sustainability of agriculture.  Flagship has been recognized twice on FORTUNE's "Change the World" list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies, and has been twice named to Fast Company's annual list of the World's Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about Flagship at www.flagshippioneering.com.

Flagship Pioneering is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

At Flagship, we recognize there is no perfect candidate. If you have some of the experience listed above but not all, please apply anyway. Experience comes in many forms, skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way. We are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and look forward to learning more about your unique background.

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Flagship Pioneering and its affiliated Flagship Lab companies (collectively, "FSP") do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to FSP or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Flagship Pioneering's internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of FSP, and FSP will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.

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The salary range for this role is $176,000 - $294,300. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. FL111 currently offers healthcare coverage, annual incentive program, retirement benefits and a broad range of other benefits. Compensation and benefits information is based on FL111's good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.