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Medicinal Chemistry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Medicinal Chemist

Placentia, CA · On-site

$90K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Seeking self motivated experienced medicinal chemist to help lead custom synthesis group. Primary job responsibility involves development of key radiolabeled starting materials and their application ...

Showing results 41-60

Medicinal Chemistry information

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$81K

$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 does a medicinal chemistry make?

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 senior roles or those in pharmaceutical companies can exceed $150,000. Skills in synthesis, analysis, and drug design are highly valued in this field.

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 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:

Infographic showing various Medicinal Chemistry job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,750 per year, or $69.1 per hour.

Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry

Bristol Myers Squibb

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Bristol Myers Squibb rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

At RayzeBio, every day is an opportunity to ignite meaningful change. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bristol Myers Squibb, RayzeBio blends the nimble, pioneering spirit of an emergent biotech with the global expertise and resources of a leading innovator in oncology. Our mission is to develop transformative radiopharmaceutical therapies that offer new hope for patients living with cancer. Here, you'll join a multidisciplinary team where your ideas are valued, your expertise is amplified, and collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. From day one, expect to make an immediate impact-on our science, on our teams, and most importantly, on patients. Learn more about RayzeBio: https://careers.bms.com/rayzebio/

RayzeBio, a Bristol Myers Squibb company, is a dynamic biotechnology company headquartered in San Diego, CA. The company is focused on improving survival of people with cancer by harnessing the power of targeted radioisotopes. RayzeBio is developing innovative drugs against targets of solid tumors. Led by a successful and experienced entrepreneurial team, RayzeBio aims to be the global leader in radiopharmaceuticals

Scientist, Chemistry

Job Description

The Scientist will design and synthesize novel chemical constructs as potential new RPT therapies for cancer treatments. The Scientist I/II will be a highly motivated and technically skilled synthetic organic, peptide or medicinal chemist with excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Candidates will work as part of a team of scientists to synthesize and design both small molecules and peptide analogs to optimize potency, pharmacokinetics, and in vivo efficacy of potential drug candidates. The role is highly technical and will need a person who enjoys working at the bench with high productivity and data analysis skills and a comfort level in working under tight timelines.

Job Responsibilities

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Design and synthesize small molecule/novel peptide compounds in support of SAR campaigns for pipeline projects.
  • Contribute towards developing SAR on assigned projects, design and synthesize key target molecules to assess chemical/biological hypothesis.
  • Independently plan and execute organic synthesis routes for complex molecules. Utilize modern purification and analytical tools to support synthesis and characterization of target compounds.
  • Work in close collaboration with interdisciplinary team members to provide needed chemistry support to guide programs through lead identification/optimization phases.
  • Work closely with chemists, DMPK, imaging and in vitro/vivo teams to ensure that target compounds are generated in a timely manner to support the screening funnel.
  • Contribute experimental efforts in support of target selection and initiation of new RPT projects.
  • Keep abreast of the literature in the field of RPTs, identify novel concepts and ideas to help advance the state of art in RPT field.
  • Contribute towards IP filings and drafting of publications, presentations.
  • Routinely present research findings, project updates in interdisciplinary team settings.
  • Adhere rigorously to safety guidelines, regulatory standards and company policies and ensure a safe working environment.
  • Uses AI tools to enhance individual productivity and quality of work

Education and Experience

  • BS 5+ years

  • or MS 3+ years

  • or PhD 0 years

Preferred Qualifications

  • PhD in synthetic organic, medicinal, or peptide chemistry with 0-4+ years of post-PhD/postdoc experience in Pharmaceutical/Biotech R&D environments demonstrating successful accomplishments and productivity.
  • Experience in working on targeted cancer therapy modalities such as RPTs, ADCs, PDCs is highly desirable.

Skills and Qualifications

  • Well versed in modern synthetic organic/peptide/med chem principles and demonstrated track record of high productivity and achievements in the lab.
  • Multi-step organic synthesis, structure-based drug design, and operation of analytical tools like NMR and HPLC/LC-MS.
  • High scientific curiosity and a learning mindset coupled with strong technical problem-solving skills and strong understanding of the concepts of drug design, SAR analysis, ADME/PK is important.
  • The ability to share data and collaborate with cross functional team members is critical as is the ability to effectively interpret data and plan experiments without supervision.
  • Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills and ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, and collaborative environment.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of thisjob, the employee is regularly required to sit, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by thisjobincludeclose vision and distance vision.

This is a position that requires working in a laboratory environment, protective clothing, gloves, and safety glasses are required while working in a laboratory environment.

WorkEnvironment

The noise level in theworkenvironment is usually moderate.

If you come across a role that intrigues you but doesn't perfectly line up with your resume, we encourage you to apply anyway. You could be one step away from work that will transform your life and career.

Compensation Overview:

San Diego - RayzeBio - CA: $118,259 - $143,302

The starting compensation range(s) for this role are listed above for a full-time employee (FTE) basis. Additional incentive cash and stock opportunities (based on eligibility) may be available. The starting pay rate takes into account characteristics of the job, such as required skills, where the job is performed, the employee's work schedule, job-related knowledge, and experience. Final, individual compensation will be decided based on demonstrated experience.
Eligibility for specific benefits listed on our careers site may vary based on the job and location. For more on benefits, please visit https://careers.bms.com/life-at-bms/.

Benefit offerings are subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans in effect at the time and may require enrollment. Our benefits include:

  • Health Coverage: Medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision care.

  • Wellbeing Support: Programs such as BMS Well-Being Account, BMS Living Life Better, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).

  • Financial Well-being and Protection: 401(k) plan, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, accident insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection, personal liability protection, identity theft benefit, legal support, and survivor support.

Work-life benefits include:

Paid Time Off

  • US Exempt Employees: flexible time off (unlimited, with manager approval, 11 paid national holidays (not applicable to employees in Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico or Rayzebio employees)

  • Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico and Rayzebio Exempt, Non-Exempt, Hourly Employees: 160 hours annual paid vacation for new hires with manager approval, 11 national holidays, and 3 optional holidays

Based on eligibility*, additional time off for employees may include unlimited paid sick time, up to 2 paid volunteer days per year, summer hours flexibility, leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military needs and an annual Global Shutdown between Christmas and New Years Day.

All global employees full and part-time who are actively employed at and paid directly by BMS at the end of the calendar year are eligible to take advantage of the Global Shutdown.

*Eligibility Disclosure: The summer hours program is for United States (U.S.) office-based employees due to the unique nature of their work. Summer hours are generally not available for field sales and manufacturing operations and may also be limited for the capability centers. Employees in remote-by-design or lab-based roles may be eligible for summer hours, depending on the nature of their work, and should discuss eligibility with their manager. Employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement should consult that document to determine if they are eligible. Contractors, leased workers and other service providers are not eligible to participate in the program.

RayzeBio and Bristol Myers Squibb

RayzeBio was acquired by Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) in 2024 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMS; however, RayzeBio will continue to operate as a standalone organization.

Supporting People with Disabilities

BMS and RayzeBio are dedicated to ensuring that people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplaceaccommodations/adjustmentsand ongoing support in their roles. Applicants can request a reasonable workplaceaccommodation/adjustmentprior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonableaccommodations/adjustmentsin completing this application, or in any part of the recruitment process, direct your inquiries toadastaffingsupport@bms.com. Visitcareers.bms.com/eeo-accessibilityto access our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.

Candidate Rights

BMS and RayzeBio will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, pursuant to applicable laws in your area.

If you live in or expect to work from Los Angeles County if hired for this position, please visit this page for important additional information:https://careers.bms.com/california-residents/

Data Protection

We will never request payments, financial information, or social security numbers during our application or recruitment process. Learn more about protecting yourself at https://careers.bms.com/fraud-protection/

Any data processed in connection with role applications will be treated in accordance with applicable data privacy policies and regulations.

If you believe that the job posting is missing information required by local law or incorrect in any way, please contact BMS at TAEnablement@bms.com. Please provide the Job Title and Requisition number so we can review. Communications related to your application should not be sent to this email and you will not receive a response.

R1605076 : Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry

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About Bristol-Myers Squibb

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Bristol-Myers Squibb is a world-renowned global Biopharmaceutical company headquartered in New York, NY, US. Established in 1887, the company has more than 130 years’ worth of history dedicated to discovering, developing, and delivering innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. The company operates in the healthcare industry and thrives on providing a range of pharmaceutical products and services for various medical fields, like oncology, cardiovascular diseases, and immunoscience. Notably, Bristol-Myers Squibb is known for its commitment to relentless research and innovative drug development, which has led to breakthroughs like Opdivo, one of the first immunotherapies.

Industry

Scientific research and development services and pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US