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Medicinal Chemistry Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vrtx

Director, Medicinal Chemistry

San Diego, CA

$197K - $296K/yr

Manage external collaborators and contribute to productive research partnerships. * Communicate ... Medicinal chemistry * Organic synthesis * Small-molecule drug discovery * Lead optimization * SAR ...

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How much do medicinal chemistry research jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for medicinal chemistry research in the United States is $90,649.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is medicinal chemistry research?

A Medicinal Chemistry Research job involves designing, synthesizing, and optimizing chemical compounds for use as potential drugs. Researchers work at the intersection of chemistry and biology to develop new pharmaceuticals, improve drug efficacy, and minimize side effects. This role requires expertise in organic chemistry, analytical techniques, and computational modeling. Medicinal chemists often collaborate with biologists and pharmacologists to test compounds in preclinical studies. Their work is essential in the early stages of drug discovery and development.

What are the typical responsibilities of someone in medicinal chemistry research?

Professionals in Medicinal Chemistry Research are primarily responsible for designing, synthesizing, and optimizing new chemical compounds that could serve as potential drug candidates. Their daily tasks often include conducting laboratory experiments, analyzing the structure-activity relationships (SAR), collaborating closely with biologists, pharmacologists, and analytical chemists, and maintaining accurate research documentation. Teams are usually collaborative, combining a variety of scientific expertise to drive projects forward efficiently. These roles offer significant opportunities for career growth, as researchers can progress to lead scientific projects or manage multidisciplinary teams as they gain experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed for medicinal chemistry research?

To thrive in Medicinal Chemistry Research, you typically need a strong background in organic chemistry, biochemistry, or related fields, often supported by a graduate degree. Familiarity with analytical instrumentation (such as NMR, HPLC, and Mass Spectrometry), compound synthesis software, and laboratory safety protocols is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex findings clearly make candidates stand out. These skills ensure accurate research outcomes, effective team collaboration, and meaningful contributions to the drug discovery process.

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Medicinal Chemistry Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Medicinal Chemistry Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,649 per year, or $43.6 per hour.

Head of Medicinal Chemistry

Allorion Therapeutics

Natick, MA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Natick, Massachusetts
Position closed
Allorion Therapeutics is seeking a highly motivated and experienced leader as Head of Medicinal Chemistry to lead medicinal chemistry team within a dynamic and interdisciplinary team of junior or senior scientists to develop new therapeutics for unmet medical needs. The successful candidate will be a key member of the Allorion leadership team and responsible for ensuring the strategic planning and execution of clinical development within timelines and budgets and with high qualities.
Responsibilities
  • Lead Allorion medicinal chemistry team across multiple programs
  • Overview all programs up to IND-enabling studies, including structure-based drug design
  • Provide scientific direction, leadership and solution for medicinal chemistry and synthetic
    chemistry activities of Allorion
  • Work across a matrixed organization with Discovery Biology, Translational Medicine,
    DMPK/clinic pharm, Tox, and CMC to deliver the candidate compound within a suitable timeline
  • Provide strategic perspective and guidance to Allorion's R&D for discussions and decisions with
    Allorion management team
  • Overview synthetic chemistry activities at in-house and Contract Research Organizations (CROs)

Required Skills
  • PhD with strong chemistry research background
  • 15+ years of industry experience with 5+ years in leading medicinal chemistry group, with
    demonstrated track records in delivering clinical candidates within a suitable timeline and
    resource
  • Able to provide leadership on a medicinal chemistry team and cross-functional team
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks
  • Ability to thrive in the highly entrepreneurial biotech environment, with experience in a
    small/medium size company
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and mindset of collaboration and teamwork, and the ability to
    function in a highly matrixed organization

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