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Molecular Modeling information

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$10.9K

$79.6K

$102.1K

How much do molecular modeling jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for molecular modeling in California is $79,630.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,100.00 and $97,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a molecular modeling?

A Molecular Modeling job involves using computer simulations and theoretical techniques to study molecular structures, interactions, and properties. Professionals in this field apply computational chemistry, molecular dynamics, and quantum mechanics to predict molecular behavior in drug discovery, materials science, and biochemistry. They work with specialized software and collaborate with experimental scientists to design and optimize compounds for various applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in molecular modeling, and why are they important?

To thrive in Molecular Modeling, you typically need a strong background in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field, with a solid understanding of molecular structures and computational methods. Experience with molecular modeling software such as Schrödinger, MOE, or Gaussian, as well as familiarity with scripting languages like Python, is highly valuable. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are key soft skills for interpreting complex data and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. These qualifications are crucial for accurately modeling molecular systems, advancing research projects, and facilitating successful teamwork in scientific environments.

What are the typical career advancement opportunities for someone in molecular modeling?

Molecular modeling professionals can pursue a variety of career advancement opportunities, including progressing to lead scientist or principal investigator roles, moving into project management, or specializing in areas like drug design or materials science. With experience, you may also transition into roles in academia, regulatory affairs, or scientific consulting. Continued professional development through advanced degrees, certifications, or technical workshops can further expand your options and responsibilities. Additionally, collaborating on interdisciplinary projects and publishing research can enhance your reputation and open doors to leadership positions in the field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Molecular Modeling jobs in California?

The most popular types of Molecular Modeling jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Molecular Modeling jobs in California?

For Molecular Modeling jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Molecular Modeling jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Molecular Modeling jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Molecular Modeling jobs?

Cities in California with the most Molecular Modeling job openings:

Molecular Modeling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Molecular Modeling job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $79,630 per year, or $38.3 per hour.

Senior Scientist, Computational Chemistry

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.

San Diego, CA • On-site

$97K - $132K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days 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 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 driving the execution of computational driven methodologies to help design optimized compounds with balanced properties (targets, DMPK, in-vivo) in drug discovery programs. Provides impactful insights and collaboration on projects ranging from early lead identification to the late-stage optimization of advanced projects. Serves as a subject matter expert in 1 or more molecular discovery approaches such as: Structure-based Design & FEP, Virtual Screening, Quantum Chemistry, Machine Learning / Modern AI etc. Responsible for the communication and presentation of computationally derived results to the discovery project teams to facilitate effective decision-making & demonstrate an independent work style while being fully collaborative & team-oriented.
Your Contributions (include, but are not limited to):
  • This is an on-site role requirement (in San Diego site)
  • Prior experience with independently driving drug discovery projects is highly desired for this role
  • Domain knowledge of most or all the following: Physical Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Cheminformatics, Protein Modeling/ Molecular Dynamics, Molecular Modeling as employed for the optimization of lead compounds
  • Molecular Modeling applied to compound design and optimization such as Pharmacophore Analyses, Library Design, virtual HTS, Diversity/Similarity Analyses, Scaffold Hopping
  • Protein-Ligand Modeling that includes well-known commercial docking tools as well as Molecular Dynamics methods, & experience with post-docking processing
  • Develops advanced Machine Learning/AI in-silico models for modeling DMPK/in-vitro Biology endpoints, for front-loading projects with appropriate predictive information, & enable more efficient MPO analyses & new compound designs
  • May have an exposure to harnessing large datasets including public domain datasets of chemistry related to various targets and/or chemogenomic nature
  • Ability to demonstrate an overall application of several integrated approaches (ex: ML derived predictions, Modeling SBD/ LBD) to progress compound design contextual in drug discovery, exhibiting innovative approaches that tweak commercial solutions
  • Independently driving forward Drug Discovery projects involving Structure Based Design including, but not limited to, target protein flexibility considerations
  • Serves as an independent Comp Chem representative on Project teams, and works with minimal additional guidance, while demonstrating clear impact on project's chemical series evolution
  • Advances the company's computational platform with expert knowledge providing innovative ideas to make significant contributions, that is aligned with team's strategy to progress compounds forward for multiple projects
  • Leads 1-2 advanced technology platforms, defining new computational methods, in tandem with self-interest and relevance to projects, to help augment Neurocrine's Computational Chemistry platform for Drug Discovery
  • Engages stakeholders from multiple Research functions to deliver and/or exchange key results
  • Drives and/or aligns with strategies emanating from project teams, department and computational chemistry group
  • Provides training and/or supervision to junior staff, as needed
  • Other duties as assigned

Requirements:
  • BS/BA degree in Chemistry and 5+ years of relevant experience, including familiarity utilizing any or all of the following: Protein-Ligand modeling, Molecular Dynamics, Homology Modeling is preferred OR
  • MS/MA degree in Chemistry and 3+ years of similar experience noted above OR
  • PhD in Computational Chemistry or related field and some relevant experience. Postdoctoral experience in Cheminformatics preferred
  • Experience in one or more of the following Molecular Modeling domains is highly desirable: Protein Ligand docking & post-docking processing, Molecular Dynamics, Homology Modeling, Quantum Chemistry, Pharmacophore Analyses and Diversity Analyses
  • Comfortable with routine programming & scripting including python, C++ and/or R
  • Working knowledge about computational technologies for the assessment of early-stage targets (ex: druggability)
  • Familiarity with well-known commercial molecular modeling software suites is also desirable such as Schrodinger, CCG or Open Eye
  • Demonstrates solid level of understanding project / group goals and methods
  • Consistently recognizes anomalous and inconsistent results and interprets experimental outcomes
  • Able to explain the process behind the data and implications of the results
  • Strong knowledge of one or more scientific disciplines, becoming expert in one discipline
  • Strong knowledge of scientific principles, methods and techniques
  • Strong knowledge and demonstrated ability working with a variety of laboratory equipment/tools
  • Ability to work as part of a team; may train lower levels
  • Excellent computer skills
  • Strong communications, problem-solving, analytical thinking skills
  • Detail oriented yet can see broader picture of scientific impact on team
  • Ability to meet multiple deadlines, with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency
  • Strong project management skills
  • A collaborative & team-oriented mindset is essential

#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 $110,800.00-$151,000.00. 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 20% 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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