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Director Chemistry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MSD

Executive Director, Regulatory Affairs

Rahway, NJ · On-site

$152.30K - $201K/yr

Chemistry, Manufacturing and Control organization (GRACS CMC), will also manage significant projects as an extension of the overall GRACS CMC Leadership Team. This lead plays a critical role in ...

Albanymed

Clinical Chemistry Director

Albany, NY

$130.84K - $209.35K/yr

Clinical Chemistry Work Shift: Day (United States of America) Salary Range: $130,842.00 - $209,347.00 The Clinical Chemistry Director possesses the character, competence, training and ability to ...

Real Chemistry

Director, Real World Data

Real Chemistry is looking for a Director, Real World Data to join our growing team! At Real ... Chemistry we're powering cross-functional teams with real-world data and advanced analytics to ...

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$116.5K

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How much do director chemistry jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for director chemistry in the United States is $116,457.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,000.00 and $162,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Chemistry, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Chemistry, you need an advanced degree (PhD or MSc) in chemistry or a related field, with significant experience in research, laboratory management, and regulatory compliance. Expertise in analytical instrumentation, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and familiarity with industry standards such as GLP or GMP is often required. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication are essential soft skills for managing teams and driving innovation. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure scientific excellence, regulatory adherence, and successful project delivery in a complex and dynamic environment.

What are some common challenges faced by a Director of Chemistry in managing multidisciplinary research teams?

A Director of Chemistry often coordinates projects involving chemists, biologists, engineers, and other specialists. One common challenge is ensuring effective communication and collaboration across these diverse teams, as each discipline may have different approaches and terminologies. Balancing administrative responsibilities with staying current on scientific advancements can also be demanding. Additionally, the Director must prioritize projects, allocate resources efficiently, and foster a culture of innovation while meeting organizational goals and regulatory requirements.

What does a Director of Chemistry do?

A Director of Chemistry is a senior leader responsible for overseeing the operations and strategic direction of a chemistry department or division, often within a pharmaceutical, biotech, or research organization. Their duties include managing teams of chemists, setting research priorities, allocating resources, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and collaborating with other departments. They play a key role in driving innovation, guiding project development, and ensuring the quality and integrity of scientific work. The Director of Chemistry also mentors staff, manages budgets, and represents the department in executive meetings.

What is the difference between Director Chemistry vs Senior Chemist?

AspectDirector ChemistrySenior Chemist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees (PhD preferred), extensive experience, leadership skillsTypically a Master's or PhD, specialized technical expertise
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, team management, cross-department collaborationLaboratory research, experimental design, technical analysis
Employer & Industry UsageResearch & development departments, pharmaceutical, chemical manufacturingResearch labs, product development, quality control

The main difference between Director Chemistry and Senior Chemist lies in their scope of responsibilities and experience. Directors focus on strategic leadership and managing teams, while Senior Chemists are more involved in hands-on research and technical tasks. Both roles require strong chemistry expertise, but the Director role emphasizes leadership and oversight.

More about Director Chemistry jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Chemistry jobs? Cities with the most Director Chemistry job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Director Chemistry jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Director Chemistry jobs are:
Director Chemistry jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Chemistry job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Full Time, 60% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, 21% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,457 per year, or $56 per hour.
Director, Chemistry

Director, Chemistry

ADARx Pharmaceuticals Inc.

San Diego, CA • On-site

$145K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

The Director, Chemistry will provide scientific and strategic leadership for the design, optimization, and advancement of next-generation oligonucleotide therapeutics, with a focus on conjugation chemistry and targeted delivery technologies. This individual will lead efforts across discovery platforms, driving innovation in chemical optimization, ligand-mediated delivery, and bioconjugation strategies to improve potency, biodistribution, tissue specificity, exposure, and safety profiles.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in nucleic acid chemistry and therapeutic delivery, along with a demonstrated track record advancing discovery programs from concept through IND-enabling studies. This leader will play a critical role in evaluating and implementing emerging modalities, including antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs), to expand extrahepatic delivery capabilities.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead the scientific strategy and execution for conjugation chemistry and targeted delivery approaches supporting oligonucleotide therapeutic programs.
  • Drive innovation across conjugation design, chemical optimization, and ligand-mediated delivery technologies.
  • Establish and advance platform capabilities in bioconjugation, receptor/ligand targeting, and extrahepatic delivery systems.
  • Lead multidisciplinary teams advancing oligonucleotide programs from discovery through IND-enabling studies.
  • Design and optimize conjugation strategies to improve potency, stability, pharmacokinetics, tissue specificity, and therapeutic index.
  • Collaborate with biology, DMPK, toxicology, translational sciences, and clinical development teams to drive candidate selection and advancement.
  • Identify, assess, and integrate novel conjugation chemistries, targeting ligands, and delivery technologies.
  • Serve as a key scientific leader across research and development functions.
  • Build and mentor high-performing scientific teams while fostering a collaborative and innovative culture.
  • Present scientific findings and strategic recommendations to executive leadership, governance committees, and external collaborators.
  • Support external partnerships, collaborations, and diligence activities related to delivery and conjugation technologies.
  • Stay current with scientific advancements and competitive landscape in oligonucleotide therapeutics and conjugate technologies.

Essential Physical Characteristics:

Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

On-Site Protocol:

Physical presence at the ADARx Pharmaceuticals worksite is a necessary job function of this role, which the Company deems critical to collaboration, innovation, productivity, employee well-being and engagement, and it enhances the Company culture.

Requirements / Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related scientific discipline.
  • 10+ years of industry experience in oligonucleotide therapeutics, conjugation chemistry, or targeted delivery platforms within biotechnology or pharmaceutical settings.
  • Demonstrated success advancing therapeutic programs from discovery through IND-enabling studies.
  • Strong experience with ligand-mediated delivery, receptor targeting, and extrahepatic delivery approaches.
  • Expertise in bioconjugation technologies and emerging modalities
  • Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional scientific teams and complex research programs.
  • Strong understanding of pharmacology, DMPK, biodistribution, and translational considerations for oligonucleotide therapeutics.
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and strategic leadership skills.

ADARx Pharmaceuticals is an EEO employer committed to an exciting, diverse, and enriching work environment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.


Company Overview

ADARx Pharmaceuticals is a newly launched next-wave genetic medicine company focusing on base editing of mRNA transcripts. We discover and develop innovative therapeutics that can utilize a family of endogenous enzymes called adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) to precisely target and correct single point mutations on a mRNA, thus the production of desired and functional protein is restored. Our vison is to provide effective and safe therapeutics to patients who suffer from currently undruggable diseases.

Disclosure Statement:

  • The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position.
  • Any data processed in connection with role applications will be treated in accordance with applicable data privacy policies and regulations.
  • The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual target bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, type and length of experience within the industry, and other job-related factors permitted by law.
  • Total Compensation includes base salary; benefits: medical, vision, and dental insurance; life insurance; 401(k) matching program; paid time off; paid holidays; Employee Assistance Program; and other employee benefits. This role may also be eligible for short-term or long-term incentive compensation, including but not limited to cash bonuses.
  • Following a conditional offer of employment, satisfactory completion of a background check (including criminal records check) is required prior to beginning employment. Any offer of employment may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current NAI employee who was conditionally offered the position.