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Medicinal Chemistry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JobRx, Inc.

Director, AIRx Medicinal Chemistry

Boston, MA · On-site

$177 - $278.08/hr

Director, AIRx Medicinal Chemistry Takeda Research is constructing the Discovery Automation & Robotics (DAR) group built on AI, automation, new ways of working, and talent with the singular vision of ...

Amgen

Scientist - Medicinal Chemistry

Thousand Oaks, CA · On-site

Scientist - Medicinal Chemistry What you will do Let's do this. Let's change the world. In this vital role you be part of an innovative Medicinal Chemistry group with responsibilities including (but ...

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$143.8K

$194.5K

How much do medicinal chemistry jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 medicinal chemistry?

Medicinal chemistry is a branch of chemistry that focuses on developing pharmaceutical drugs. Professionals in this field often research chemicals, apply the principles of biology and biochemistry when synthesizing new chemicals, explore treatment options, analyze disease samples, and otherwise work to support the health of the general public. Most medicinal chemistry takes place in research labs, but drug candidates that get far enough in the development process may go through testing outside the development lab. Medicinal chemists often participate in these trials to monitor effects and provide care as needed. You can find most medicinal chemistry jobs with pharmaceutical companies, but a few jobs exist with government regulatory agencies.

What is medicinal chemistry?

Medicinal chemistry is a scientific discipline at the intersection of chemistry, pharmacology, and biology. It involves the design, synthesis, and development of chemical compounds that can be used as pharmaceutical agents to prevent, treat, or cure diseases. Medicinal chemists analyze the structure-activity relationships of molecules to optimize their efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetic properties. The field plays a crucial role in drug discovery and development, collaborating closely with biologists, pharmacologists, and other scientists.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a medicinal chemist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Medicinal Chemist, you need a strong background in organic and analytical chemistry, typically supported by a Ph.D. or master's degree in chemistry or a related field. Familiarity with techniques such as NMR, mass spectrometry, and chromatography, as well as experience with chemical informatics software, are essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing and optimizing drug candidates efficiently, ensuring scientific rigor, and collaborating successfully in multidisciplinary research environments.

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 pharmacokinetic properties. This process requires significant collaboration with biologists, pharmacologists, and analytical chemists to iteratively refine molecules for effectiveness and safety. Additionally, deadlines can be tight due to project milestones and funding cycles, making time management and adaptability crucial. Working in multidisciplinary teams also means strong communication skills are vital to ensure everyone is aligned on project goals and progress.

What is the difference between Medicinal Chemistry vs Organic Chemistry?

AspectMedicinal ChemistryOrganic Chemistry
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, PhD often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, PhD often preferred
Work EnvironmentPharmaceutical labs, research institutionsAcademic labs, research institutions, industry
Industry UsageDrug development, pharmaceutical researchMaterials, polymers, natural products, academic research
Common Search/ComparisonMedicinal Chemistry vs Organic Chemistry

Medicinal Chemistry focuses on designing and developing new drugs, often working closely with pharmacology and biology. Organic Chemistry involves studying the structure, properties, and reactions of organic compounds, with broader applications in materials and academia. While both fields require strong chemistry backgrounds, Medicinal Chemistry is more specialized towards pharmaceuticals, whereas Organic Chemistry covers a wider range of chemical research areas.

How much money do medicinal chemists make?

Medicinal chemists typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior professionals with advanced degrees and specialized skills can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000. Salaries may also vary based on industry sector and company size.

What can I do with a medicinal chemistry degree?

A medicinal chemistry degree prepares individuals for roles in drug discovery, development, and research within pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, or academic institutions. Graduates often work as medicinal chemists, research scientists, or formulation specialists, utilizing skills in chemical synthesis, analysis, and laboratory techniques. Advanced positions may require additional experience or certifications in related fields such as pharmacology or toxicology.

What careers are in medicinal chemistry?

Careers in medicinal chemistry include roles such as medicinal chemist, pharmaceutical researcher, drug discovery scientist, and formulation scientist. These professionals typically work in pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, or biotech firms, utilizing skills in organic chemistry, pharmacology, and laboratory techniques to develop new medications.
More about Medicinal Chemistry jobs

What cities are hiring for Medicinal Chemistry jobs?

Cities with the most 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 Medicinal Chemistry jobs?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Medicinal Chemistry jobs are:

Medicinal Chemistry jobs near you
Infographic showing various Medicinal Chemistry job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,750 per year, or $69.1 per hour.

Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 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 patients with 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 devising the medicinal chemistry strategy on projects. May lead or co-lead multi-disciplinary project teams to advance discovery programs to key milestones. Provides expertise in medicinal chemistry principles, complex small molecule synthesis, purification, and data analysis. Supervises and mentors both internal direct reports and external CROs towards hypothesis driven chemistry strategies. Monitors and evaluates completion of tasks and projects. Contributes to development of policies and department strategies.
Your Contributions (include, but are not limited to):
  • Leads projects and initiatives in the rapid optimization of lead molecules utilizing modern technology available to medicinal chemists such as automated synthesis and purification
  • Distills complicated, multidimensional data to clear hypotheses and new experimental directions
  • Imports new principles/concepts to develop useful new experimental approaches
  • Researches external intellectual property relevant to project(s) and areas of pursuit
  • Contributes substantively to patent and publication preparation
  • Responsible for designing, planning, and conducting synthesis of analog libraries as well communicates results to the project or program team
  • Participates in a multidisciplinary team committed to the continuous improvement of the lead optimization process as well as the expeditious identification of development compounds
  • Plans and manages projects. Represents Medicinal Chemistry on cross-functional teams. Maintains accountability for deliverables and progress for projects
  • Independently designs, plans and executes activities towards the goals of one or more Medicinal Chemistry projects to support lead generation through pre-clinical activities
  • Supervises laboratory work and/or lab personnel and ensures safe laboratory practices
  • Creates and implements novel ideas in Medicinal Chemistry
  • Provides effective supervision of laboratory personnel and guidance for their professional development
  • Builds and enhances internal and external professional relationships
  • Other duties as assigned

Requirements:
  • BS/BA in Chemistry and 8+ years of relevant industrial experience (10+ preferred) OR
  • MS/MA in Chemistry preferred and 6+ years of relevant industrial experience (8+ preferred) OR
  • PharmD or PhD in Chemistry preferred and 4+ years of relevant industrial experience (5+ preferred)
  • Advanced knowledge of any or all of the following: complex organic synthesis, parallel synthesis, data analysis, lab automation, and purification in the optimization of lead compounds
  • Thorough understanding of medicinal chemistry and a well-developed understanding of current literature
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with strong oral and written communication abilities
  • Excellent laboratory and productivity skills
  • Demonstration of cross-functional understanding related to drug development
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate in a matrix environment are required
  • Strong track record of innovation demonstrated through patents and publications is necessary
  • Assimilates data and research findings outside of Neurocrine for application to new scientific projects
  • Maintains broad knowledge of scientific principles and theories and possesses intellectual mastery of one or more scientific areas
  • May develop an understanding of other areas and related dependencies
  • Advanced knowledge and demonstrated ability working with / recommending a variety of laboratory equipment/tools
  • Ability to work as part of and lead multiple teams
  • Exhibits leadership skill and ability, typically leads lower levels and/or indirect teams
  • Excellent computer skills
  • Excellent communications, problem-solving, analytical thinking skills
  • Sees broader picture, impact on multiple programs, teams and/or departments
  • Ability to meet multiple deadlines across a variety of projects/programs, with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency
  • Excellent project management skills

#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 $130,800.00-$179,000.00. 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 30% 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.

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