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Medicinal Chemist Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Staff Scientist

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Raymond F. Schinazi, is a multidisciplinary research group with expertise in medicinal chemistry, virology, molecular biology, toxicology, pharmacology, immunology, structural biology, and ...

We are seeking a Chemistry Laboratory Analyst to perform advanced analytical testing on raw materials, intermediates, beverage components, finished products, auxiliary materials, and water samples.

Chemist II

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Chemist II (Contract) - Atlanta, GA We are seeking a Chemist II for a long-term contract opportunity based in Atlanta, GA . This is a 100% onsite role (5 days/week) with an immediate start. Position ...

Chemist Minimum Qualifications Summary Certification & Education * Bachelor's Degree (B.S.) in Chemistry/Biochemistry with 5-7+ years of progressive, hands-on experience in bioanalytical method ...

Chemist Minimum Qualifications Summary Certification amp; Education * Bachelor's Degree (B.S.) in Chemistry/Biochemistry with 5-7+ years of progressive, hands-on experience in bioanalytical method ...

The Chemist will be responsible for providing technical oversight, leadership, and coordination of cross-functional teams working on new product development, optimization, and production support. The ...

Chemist

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

S.) in Chemistry/Biochemistry with 5-7+ years of progressive, hands-on experience in bioanalytical method development and laboratory operations. * Master's Degree preferred Experience Required

Advanced Analytical Chemistry: Expert ability to integrate analytical chemistry techniques (e.g., LC, LC/MS and MS) and to apply the most appropriate techniques to a broad range of problems.

Job Summary Analytical Chemist to work in the Inorganic and Radiation Analytical Toxicology (IRAT) Branch, Division of Laboratory Sciences (DLS), National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH ...

Chemist Location: Atlanta, GA Job Id: 2206 # of Openings: 1 Chemist Minimum Qualifications Summary Certification & Education * Bachelor's Degree (B.S.) in Chemistry/Biochemistry with 5-7+ years of ...

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Medicinal Chemist information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$68.6K

$121.8K

$164.8K

How much do medicinal chemist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for medicinal chemist in Decatur, GA is $121,828.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,700.00 and $148,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a medicinal chemist do?

A Medicinal Chemist is a scientist who designs, synthesizes, and tests new chemical compounds to develop potential new drugs. They work to understand how chemical structure affects biological activity and collaborate with biologists, pharmacologists, and other scientists in the drug discovery process. Their work is crucial in identifying and developing new medications that can treat diseases more effectively and with fewer side effects. Medicinal Chemists use a range of techniques in organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and computational modeling to optimize drug candidates.

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

To thrive as a Medicinal Chemist, you need a solid background in organic chemistry, drug design, and analytical techniques, typically supported by a degree (Master’s or PhD) in chemistry or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, molecular modeling software, and techniques such as NMR, HPLC, and mass spectrometry is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and collaborative communication skills help distinguish top professionals in this field. These capabilities are critical for efficiently designing, synthesizing, and optimizing drug candidates in a team-driven research environment.

What are some common challenges medicinal chemists face when working on drug discovery projects?

Medicinal chemists often encounter challenges such as optimizing the balance between a compound’s potency, selectivity, and safety. They must also address issues related to compound solubility, metabolic stability, and potential toxicity. Working closely with multidisciplinary teams—including biologists, pharmacologists, and computational chemists—is essential to address these hurdles and advance promising molecules through the drug discovery pipeline. Staying adaptable and continually learning new techniques are key to overcoming the evolving complexities of modern medicinal chemistry.

What is the difference between Medicinal Chemist vs Organic Chemist?

AspectMedicinal ChemistOrganic Chemist
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's/PhD in Chemistry or related fieldBachelor's/Master's/PhD in Chemistry or related field
Work EnvironmentPharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, research labsAcademic labs, chemical manufacturing, research institutions
Employer & Industry UsageDrug discovery, pharmaceutical R&DChemical synthesis, materials development, research
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in drug developmentUnderstanding chemical synthesis and research

Medicinal Chemists focus on designing and developing new drugs, working closely with pharmaceutical R&D teams. Organic Chemists have a broader scope in chemical synthesis and research, often working in academia or chemical manufacturing. While both roles require strong chemistry credentials, Medicinal Chemists specialize in drug-related applications, whereas Organic Chemists work across various chemical industries.

How much does a medicinal chemist get paid?

Medicinal chemists typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals or those in senior roles can earn higher salaries, especially in pharmaceutical or biotech industries.

What jobs can you do with medicinal chemist?

A medicinal chemist can work in drug discovery and development, designing and synthesizing new pharmaceutical compounds. They often work in pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, or research institutions, utilizing skills in organic chemistry, laboratory techniques, and data analysis. Career options include roles such as research scientist, formulation chemist, or pharmacologist.

What are popular job titles related to Medicinal Chemist jobs in Decatur, GA?

For Medicinal Chemist jobs in Decatur, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Medicinal Chemist jobs in Decatur, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Medicinal Chemist jobs in Decatur, GA are:

What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Medicinal Chemist jobs?

Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Medicinal Chemist job openings:

Infographic showing various Medicinal Chemist job openings in Decatur, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $121,828 per year, or $58.6 per hour.

Staff Scientist

Actox

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

The Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology (LOBP), Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, directed by Dr. Raymond F. Schinazi, is a multidisciplinary research group with expertise in medicinal chemistry, virology, molecular biology, toxicology, pharmacology, immunology, structural biology, and computational biology. The Schinazi group focuses on the discovery and development of novel antiviral agents and has contributed to drug discovery for HIV, herpesviruses, hepatitis B and C, SARS-CoV-2, and emerging viruses including dengue, West Nile, yellow fever, EBV, chikungunya, norovirus, and enteroviruses. The group has more than 60 researchers and staff. Its well-established synthetic and medicinal chemistry group has its own 400 MHz NMR, UPLC/MS, preparative HPLC, automated purification systems, microwave synthesis reactor, and other modern equipment supporting compound design, multi-step synthesis, purification, and structural characterization.

LOBP is seeking a highly motivated Staff Scientist with expertise in computational chemistry and molecular modeling to join the group. The successful candidate will apply a range of advanced computational approaches to design molecules and guide library development in support of multiple drug discovery programs. This is a full-time staff position with annual renewal based on satisfactory research progress and availability of funding.

Responsibilities:

The Staff Scientist will apply a range of computational approaches — including but not limited to:

  • Structure-based drug design (SBDD), homology modeling, QSAR, and cheminformatics
  • Ligand/receptor docking, high-throughput virtual screening (HTVS), and pharmacophore modeling
  • Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and quantum chemical methods
  • Diversity/similarity analysis and compound library design
  • Machine learning and artificial intelligence (ML/AI) methods for drug discovery
  • Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and providing expertise in interpreting structural data related to drug targets and their endogenous ligands, agonists, or antagonists
  • Executing computational experiments and communicating results clearly to support ongoing discovery efforts
  • Developing novel computational methods to address key scientific questions in drug discovery
  • Initiating innovative research suitable for external funding and publication in peer-reviewed journals
  • Writing abstracts, manuscripts, and grant proposals
  • Maintaining a strong code of ethics and scientific integrity
Minimum Qualifications
  • Master's degree in computational chemistry, cheminformatics, bioinformatics, pharmaceutical sciences, or a closely related field.
  • Must have a work authorization, a green card or be a U.S. citizen.
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