ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Junior Molecular Modeling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CEDENT

Senior Scientist (Branford, CT)

Branford, CT · On-site

$90K - $123K/yr

... junior scientists (if interested) and help shape our growing discovery organization What You Bring ... molecular modeling is a plus Experience with mammalian expression systems (e.g., CHO/HEK), cell ...

Cedent

Senior Scientist (Branford, CT)

Branford, CT · On-site

$90K - $123K/yr

Mentor junior scientists (if interested) and help shape our growing discovery organization What You ... Working knowledge of structure-activity relationships and/or molecular modeling is a plus

CEDENT

Senior Scientist

Branford, CT · On-site

$90K - $123K/yr

Mentor junior scientists (if interested) and help shape our growing discovery organization What You ... Working knowledge of structure-activity relationships and/or molecular modeling is a plus

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMolecular Modeling JobsJunior Molecular Modeling Jobs

Junior Molecular Modeling information

See salary details

$33.5K

$71.8K

$109.5K

How much do junior molecular modeling jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior molecular modeling in the United States is $71,799.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by junior molecular modeling professionals when transitioning from academia to industry roles?

Junior molecular modeling professionals often find that transitioning from academia to industry involves adapting to faster project timelines and more collaborative, cross-functional environments. In industry, you may need to prioritize practical applications and work closely with chemists, biologists, and data scientists to support drug discovery or material design projects. Balancing multiple projects at once and learning proprietary software or workflows can also be a challenge. However, these experiences provide valuable opportunities to grow technical and communication skills while contributing directly to product development.

What is the difference between Junior Molecular Modeling vs Junior Computational Chemist?

AspectJunior Molecular ModelingJunior Computational Chemist
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field; basic knowledge of molecular modeling softwareBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related; some experience with computational tools
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firmsResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, academia
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in drug discovery, materials science, and chemical researchSimilar industries, often overlapping roles in research teams

Junior Molecular Modeling and Junior Computational Chemist roles share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, often within pharmaceutical and research industries. The main difference lies in focus: Junior Molecular Modeling emphasizes using specific software to simulate molecular structures, while Junior Computational Chemist may involve broader computational techniques. Both roles serve as entry points into computational chemistry careers, with overlapping skills and industry applications.

What is a junior molecular modeler?

Junior Molecular Modelers are entry-level professionals who use computer simulations and computational techniques to study the structures, properties, and interactions of molecules. They often assist in drug discovery, materials science, or biochemical research by building and analyzing molecular models. Typically, they work under the supervision of senior scientists and use specialized software to predict molecular behavior, optimize structures, or visualize complex molecular systems. A strong background in chemistry, biology, or physics, along with programming or computational skills, is usually required for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior molecular modeler?

To thrive as a Junior Molecular Modeler, you need a solid background in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with molecular modeling software (such as Schrödinger, MOE, or PyMOL), computational chemistry tools, and basic programming skills are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication help you interpret data and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure accurate molecular simulations and contribute to advancements in drug design and research projects.
More about Junior Molecular Modeling jobs

What cities are hiring for Junior Molecular Modeling jobs?

Cities with the most Junior Molecular Modeling job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Molecular Modeling jobs?

The most popular types of Molecular Modeling jobs are:

What states have the most Junior Molecular Modeling jobs?

States with the most job openings for Junior Molecular Modeling jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Junior Molecular Modeling jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Junior Molecular Modeling jobs are:

Junior Molecular Modeling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Molecular Modeling job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,799 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Senior Scientist, Computational Chemistry

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.

San Diego, CA • On-site

$97K - $132K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 hours ago

Job description

Who We Are:
Neurocrine Biosciences is a leading biopharmaceutical company with a simple purpose: to relieve suffering for people with great needs. We are dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing life-changing treatments for patients with under-addressed neurological, psychiatric, endocrine and immunological disorders. The company's diverse portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, chorea associated with Huntington's disease, classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hyperphagia in Prader-Willi syndrome, endometriosis* and uterine fibroids*, as well as a robust pipeline including multiple compounds in mid- to late-phase clinical development across our core therapeutic areas. For more than three decades, we have applied our unique insight into neuroscience and the interconnections between brain and body systems to treat complex conditions. We relentlessly pursue medicines to ease the burden of debilitating diseases and disorders, because you deserve brave science. For more information, visit neurocrine.com, and follow the company on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and YouTube. (*in collaboration with AbbVie)
About the Role:
Responsible for driving the execution of computational driven methodologies to help design optimized compounds with balanced properties (targets, DMPK, in-vivo) in drug discovery programs. Provides impactful insights and collaboration on projects ranging from early lead identification to the late-stage optimization of advanced projects. Serves as a subject matter expert in 1 or more molecular discovery approaches such as: Structure-based Design & FEP, Virtual Screening, Quantum Chemistry, Machine Learning / Modern AI etc. Responsible for the communication and presentation of computationally derived results to the discovery project teams to facilitate effective decision-making & demonstrate an independent work style while being fully collaborative & team-oriented.
Your Contributions (include, but are not limited to):
  • This is an on-site role requirement (in San Diego site)
  • Prior experience with independently driving drug discovery projects is highly desired for this role
  • Domain knowledge of most or all the following: Physical Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Cheminformatics, Protein Modeling/ Molecular Dynamics, Molecular Modeling as employed for the optimization of lead compounds
  • Molecular Modeling applied to compound design and optimization such as Pharmacophore Analyses, Library Design, virtual HTS, Diversity/Similarity Analyses, Scaffold Hopping
  • Protein-Ligand Modeling that includes well-known commercial docking tools as well as Molecular Dynamics methods, & experience with post-docking processing
  • Develops advanced Machine Learning/AI in-silico models for modeling DMPK/in-vitro Biology endpoints, for front-loading projects with appropriate predictive information, & enable more efficient MPO analyses & new compound designs
  • May have an exposure to harnessing large datasets including public domain datasets of chemistry related to various targets and/or chemogenomic nature
  • Ability to demonstrate an overall application of several integrated approaches (ex: ML derived predictions, Modeling SBD/ LBD) to progress compound design contextual in drug discovery, exhibiting innovative approaches that tweak commercial solutions
  • Independently driving forward Drug Discovery projects involving Structure Based Design including, but not limited to, target protein flexibility considerations
  • Serves as an independent Comp Chem representative on Project teams, and works with minimal additional guidance, while demonstrating clear impact on project's chemical series evolution
  • Advances the company's computational platform with expert knowledge providing innovative ideas to make significant contributions, that is aligned with team's strategy to progress compounds forward for multiple projects
  • Leads 1-2 advanced technology platforms, defining new computational methods, in tandem with self-interest and relevance to projects, to help augment Neurocrine's Computational Chemistry platform for Drug Discovery
  • Engages stakeholders from multiple Research functions to deliver and/or exchange key results
  • Drives and/or aligns with strategies emanating from project teams, department and computational chemistry group
  • Provides training and/or supervision to junior staff, as needed
  • Other duties as assigned

Requirements:
  • BS/BA degree in Chemistry and 5+ years of relevant experience, including familiarity utilizing any or all of the following: Protein-Ligand modeling, Molecular Dynamics, Homology Modeling is preferred OR
  • MS/MA degree in Chemistry and 3+ years of similar experience noted above OR
  • PhD in Computational Chemistry or related field and some relevant experience. Postdoctoral experience in Cheminformatics preferred
  • Experience in one or more of the following Molecular Modeling domains is highly desirable: Protein Ligand docking & post-docking processing, Molecular Dynamics, Homology Modeling, Quantum Chemistry, Pharmacophore Analyses and Diversity Analyses
  • Comfortable with routine programming & scripting including python, C++ and/or R
  • Working knowledge about computational technologies for the assessment of early-stage targets (ex: druggability)
  • Familiarity with well-known commercial molecular modeling software suites is also desirable such as Schrodinger, CCG or Open Eye
  • Demonstrates solid level of understanding project / group goals and methods
  • Consistently recognizes anomalous and inconsistent results and interprets experimental outcomes
  • Able to explain the process behind the data and implications of the results
  • Strong knowledge of one or more scientific disciplines, becoming expert in one discipline
  • Strong knowledge of scientific principles, methods and techniques
  • Strong knowledge and demonstrated ability working with a variety of laboratory equipment/tools
  • Ability to work as part of a team; may train lower levels
  • Excellent computer skills
  • Strong communications, problem-solving, analytical thinking skills
  • Detail oriented yet can see broader picture of scientific impact on team
  • Ability to meet multiple deadlines, with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency
  • Strong project management skills
  • A collaborative & team-oriented mindset is essential

#LI-LS1
Neurocrine Biosciences is an EEO/Disability/Vets employer.
We are committed to building a workplace of belonging, respect, and empowerment, and we recognize there are a variety of ways to meet our requirements. We are looking for the best candidate for the job and encourage you to apply even if your experience or qualifications don't line up to exactly what we have outlined in the job description.
The annual base salary we reasonably expect to pay is $110,800.00-$151,000.00. Individual pay decisions depend on various factors, such as primary work location, complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. In addition, this position offers an annual bonus with a target of 20% of the earned base salary and eligibility to participate in our equity based long term incentive program. Benefits offered include a retirement savings plan (with company match), paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.

Apply