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Entry Level Medicinal Chemistry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Medicinal Chemistry information

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$81K

$143.8K

$194.5K

How much do entry level medicinal chemistry jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level medicinal chemistry in the United States is $143,750.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $175,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level medicinal chemistry?

An Entry Level Medicinal Chemistry job involves assisting in the design, synthesis, and analysis of chemical compounds for drug discovery and development. Responsibilities typically include conducting laboratory experiments, purifying and characterizing compounds, and documenting results. These positions often require a bachelor's or master's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with lab techniques such as chromatography and spectroscopy are essential. This role provides valuable hands-on experience and serves as a foundation for career growth in pharmaceutical or biotech industries.

What does an entry level medicinal chemistry do?

A typical day for an Entry Level Medicinal Chemist involves working in a laboratory setting, conducting chemical syntheses, and analyzing compounds as part of a larger drug discovery or development project. You will often collaborate with senior chemists and cross-functional teams including biologists and pharmacologists to design, execute, and interpret experiments. Maintaining clear and accurate lab records, attending group meetings, and presenting findings are also routine parts of the job. This dynamic, team-driven environment provides valuable hands-on experience and is an excellent foundation for career development in the pharmaceutical industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in entry level medicinal chemistry?

To thrive as an Entry Level Medicinal Chemist, you typically need a bachelor's or master's degree in chemistry or a related field, with a solid understanding of organic synthesis and analytical techniques. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, chemical databases, and software such as ChemDraw and analytical instruments (e.g., NMR, HPLC, MS) is commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and good teamwork and communication skills are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies are vital for safely conducting experiments, collaborating on research projects, and contributing effectively to drug discovery efforts.

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Cities with the most Entry Level Medicinal Chemistry job openings:

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

The most popular types of Medicinal Chemistry jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Medicinal Chemistry jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Medicinal Chemistry jobs include:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Medicinal Chemistry job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,750 per year, or $69.1 per hour.

Quality Control Analytical Chemist

MEDTERIALS INC

San Carlos, CA • On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Job Title: QC Analytical Chemist
Reports to: Chief Scientific Officer
Location: 981-G Industrial Rd. San Carlos, CA 94070 USA
Position: Full Time, Monday-Friday.  Overtime and weekend work may be required to meet project and production timelines.
Summary: Medterials is seeking a QC Analytical Chemist with chemistry education and experience to work in a small, specialty pharmaceutical manufacturing and development company. This person’s primary responsibility is to work within the QC department to perform analytical testing of GMP drug intermediates.  The person will also work in development of new analytical methods, refinement of existing analytical methods and perform method validations.  The person will also participate in equipment and laboratory maintenance for the analytical department.  We are looking for a committed, detail-oriented individual who can carry out routine analytical tests compliant to GMP/GLP practices primarily using HPLC’s, but can also contribute to assay development and problem solving to support both QC and R&D efforts.  The position is full time and on site at Medterials in San Carlos, CA.
Duties and Responsibilities  
1)     Analytical Tasks:
a)     Independently perform HPLC and LCMS assays following GMP regulations. 
b)     Independently perform other analytical assays including Particle Size Analysis, Karl Fischer titration, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Fluorescence Spectroscopy, following the company’s Test Methods and GMP regulations.
c)     Perform new method development, design and execute validation of the new test methods.
d)     Provide R&D support with analytical development, design of experiments, investigations, and testing. 
e)     Analyze analytical results including basic statistical metrics such as means and standard deviations, confidence intervals, correlation analysis. 
f)       Operate common lab equipment, such as analytical scale, pH meter, densitometer, spectrophotometer etc. 
g)     Maintain data integrity and ensure compliance with company SOP’s and Work Instructions. 
h)     Accurately fill out GMP forms, logbooks, record experimental details electronically and in an assigned lab notebook following ALCOA guidelines. 
i)       Assist in writing test methods for lab instruments, work instructions, investigations and testing reports.
2)     Maintenance Tasks:
a)     Must be able to maintain and troubleshoot equipment used in assays.
b)     Maintain analytical equipment and keep a clean environment for the lab. 
c)     Clean glassware and tools for assays and general chemical lab usage.
d)     Manage hazardous waste and satellite collection points.
e)     Maintain analytical supplies and materials inventory.
Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty independently and satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 
Education/Experience:

Chemistry degree is required.  Minimum requirements are a Bachelor’s degree (BS) in Chemistry with at least four years GMP pharmaceutical industry experience or a Master’s degree (MS) in Analytical Chemistry or other Chemistry field with at least two years GMP pharmaceutical industry experience.  Entry level with no experience will be considered for candidates with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or Medicinal Chemistry.  HPLC experience is required; LCMS experience is a plus. 
General Skills:

Must be organized and detail oriented.  Must be able to manage time efficiently. Must be able to work effectively with staff members of different backgrounds.  Able to troubleshoot problems associated with assays and equipment that are being used.
Language Ability:

Must be able to follow verbal instructions and written protocols. Must be able to communicate any issue or problem with Supervisor and laboratory staff in a timely manner.  Most be able to assimilate data and produce comprehensive technical reports.
Software Skills: 

To perform this job successfully, candidates must have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word and Excel), HPLC Analysis Software, and basic internet tools.  Statistical analysis software experience is a plus.
Equipment: 


HPLC  
LC-MS
Karl Fischer Titrator
UV-Vis/Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Bright Field/Dark Field Microscopy


Densitometer 
Differential Scanning Calorimetry
Osmometer
pH Meter
Rheometer
            
Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally be exposed to fumes or airborne particles and regularly potentially exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. The work environment and procedures are set up to minimize chemical exposure to all workers.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands, talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. 
Medterials is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
Contact:
Medterials, Inc.
981 Industrial Rd. Ste. G
San Carlos, CA 94070 USA
650-394-8613
info@medterials.com