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Medicinal Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Novartis

Computational Medicinal Chemist

San Diego, CA

$138K - $257K/yr

Drive the design of medicinal chemistry efforts by applying in-depth knowledge of structure-activity relationships (SAR), structure-based and ligand-based drug design, a profound understanding of ...

JobRx, Inc.

Director, AIRx Medicinal Chemistry

Boston, MA · On-site

$177 - $278.08/hr

The AIRx Medicinal Chemist is a seasoned drug hunter who thrives in lean, autonomous environments and is excited to work at the frontier of AI‑driven drug design. Strong SAR intuition, decisiveness ...

Doist

Director, Medicinal Chemistry

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$207 - $250/hr

Medicinal Chemistry Reports To: Senior Director, Discovery Sciences Location: South San Francisco, CA - On-site 4 days per week (Mon to Thurs) Job Overview The Director, Medicinal Chemistry will ...

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Medicinal Chemist information

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$81K

$143.8K

$194.5K

How much do medicinal chemist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for medicinal chemist 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 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.

Is there a demand for medicinal chemists?

Medicinal chemists are in steady demand due to ongoing pharmaceutical research and drug development efforts. Employment opportunities are available in biotech and pharmaceutical companies, often requiring skills in organic synthesis, analytical techniques, and knowledge of regulatory standards.

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 analytical tools. Career options include roles such as research scientist, formulation chemist, or pharmacologist.
More about Medicinal Chemist jobs

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Cities with the most Medicinal Chemist job openings:

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

The most popular types of Medicinal Chemist jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Medicinal Chemist jobs?

The top employers for Medicinal Chemist jobs are:

What states have the most Medicinal Chemist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Medicinal Chemist jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Medicinal Chemist jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Medicinal Chemist jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Medicinal Chemist jobs?

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

Medicinal Chemist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Medicinal Chemist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $143,750 per year, or $69.1 per hour.

Senior Research Scientist - Medicinal Chemist

Elanco

Indianapolis, IN • Hybrid

$94K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Elanco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 86 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) - it all starts with animals!

As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose - all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.

At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you'll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.

Making animals' lives better makes life better - join our team today!

Your Role:

Senior Research Scientist - Medicinal Chemist

As a Senior Research Scientist in Medicinal Chemistry, you will be an integral member of our small molecule drug discovery engine, contributing to the design, synthesis, and optimization of novel medicines for animal health. You will apply yourexpertiseto advance therapeutic programs by guiding Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) studies and collaborating closely with a global, cross-functional team of scientists.Leveraging modern technologies like AI/ML and DNA-Encoded Libraries, you will help solve complex chemical challenges and make a meaningful impact on our discovery portfolio.This role offers a significant opportunity for growth as part of a dynamic and expanding research team.

Your Responsibilities:

  • Guidethe design of novel small molecules and propel Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) studies by integrating biological, pharmacological, and ADME/PK data into iterative design strategies.

  • Manage and coordinate the synthesis, purification, and characterization of compounds with external Contract Research Organizations (CROs) and internal partners to ensuretimelyproject delivery.

  • Apply advanced drug discovery technologies, including DNA-Encoded Libraries (DEL) and AI/ML-enabled molecular design tools, to accelerate hit identification and lead optimization.

  • Collaborate as a key member of multidisciplinary project teams, partnering with scientists in Biology, Pharmacology, DMPK, Toxicology, and Computational Sciences to advance discovery programs.

  • Maintainhigh standardsof experimental design, data integrity, and scientific documentation to support data-driven judgments across the discovery portfolio.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):

  • Education:PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, ora relateddiscipline.

  • Experience:A minimum of 3 years of industry experience in medicinal chemistry within a pharmaceutical, animal health, or crop science research environment.

  • Top Skills:Demonstratedexpertisein complex multi-step organic synthesis and modern medicinal chemistry, with a strong understanding of pharmacology and pharmacokinetics. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and manage external CRO partnerships to advance discovery projects.

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):

  • Postdoctoral experience.

  • Experience with, or a strong interest in learning, advanced discovery technologies such as DNA-Encoded Libraries (DEL) and AI/ML applications.

  • A track recordof contributing to small-molecule programs that have advanced into preclinical development.

  • Prior experience in the animal health industry.

  • Expertise inpeptide chemistry and optimization.

Additional Information:

  • Travel:Less than 10%

  • Location:Global Elanco Headquarters - Indianapolis, IN - Hybrid Work Environment

Don'tmeet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrecognized groups are less likely to applytojobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role butdon'tnecessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!

Elanco Benefits and Perks:We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:

  • Multiple relocation packages

  • Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)

  • 8-week parental leave

  • 9 Employee Resource Groups

  • Annual bonus offering

  • Flexible work arrangements

  • Up to 6% 401K matching

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status

Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against jobrelated criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.

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