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Organic Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Capable

$150 - $200/hr

Design, run, and troubleshoot organic reactions involving functional-group transformations, coupling chemistry, protecting-group strategies, late-stage diversification, and parallel synthesis. * Use ...

New

Novartis Farmacéutica

$100 - $125/hr

Medicinal Organic Chemist - Chemical Biology (BS or MS) Job ID REQ-10085277 Aug 13, 2026 USA Summary The Discovery Sciences team is seeking a Research Scientist to work as an organic medicinal ...

Capable

Scientist, Organic Chemistry

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Design, run, and troubleshoot organic reactions involving functional-group transformations, coupling chemistry, protecting-group strategies, late-stage diversification, and parallel synthesis. * Use ...

Capable

Scientist, Organic Chemistry

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90K - $180K/yr

Design, run, and troubleshoot organic reactions involving functional-group transformations, coupling chemistry, protecting-group strategies, late-stage diversification, and parallel synthesis. * Use ...

Centrillion Biosciences, Inc.

Chemist

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

PhD in organic chemistry, including training and practical laboratory experience in synthetic-, physical- and bio-organic chemistry. * Expertise in the use of methods of instrumental chemical ...

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How much do organic chemist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for organic chemist in the United States is $42.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.14 and $44.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an organic chemist do?

An organic chemist specializes in the study, design, and synthesis of carbon-based compounds, which include a vast array of substances such as pharmaceuticals, plastics, dyes, and fuels. They conduct experiments to understand molecular structures and reactions, often working in laboratories within academic, industrial, or government settings. Their work is crucial for developing new materials and medicines, improving processes in industries, and advancing scientific knowledge about organic molecules.

What does an organic chemist do?

As an organic chemist, you can do a variety of science-based jobs depending on your desired specialization, but most positions involve analyzing carbon-based materials, from their molecular structure to chemical properties. You can do analysis on living organisms, new pharmaceuticals, and more. You may work on creating new molecules based on one found in nature and conduct research to learn the processes that work most effectively. Responsibilities include using advanced technology like nuclear magnetic resonance to study magnetic fields around atomic nuclei and chromatography tools for separating substances into their individual compounds. You spend much of your time writing reports and documenting your findings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an organic chemist?

To thrive as an Organic Chemist, you need a solid background in organic chemistry principles, synthesis techniques, and analytical methods, typically backed by at least a bachelor's or master's degree in chemistry or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instruments such as NMR, HPLC, GC-MS, and proficiency in using chemical database software are essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help organic chemists excel in research and development environments. These skills and qualities ensure accurate experimental results, innovative solutions, and successful collaboration on complex chemical projects.

What are some common challenges organic chemists face when working on complex synthesis projects?

Organic chemists often encounter challenges such as optimizing reaction conditions, purifying compounds with similar properties, and troubleshooting unexpected side reactions. Working on complex synthesis projects requires patience and strong problem-solving skills, as experiments can be time-consuming and may not always yield the expected results. Collaboration with analytical chemists and other team members is essential to efficiently characterize products and adjust strategies, making teamwork and communication vital components of the role.

Do organic chemists make good money?

Organic chemists typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, education, and industry sector. Entry-level positions may start around $50,000 annually, while experienced chemists in research, development, or industry can earn over $100,000 per year. Advanced roles often require specialized skills and sometimes advanced degrees or certifications.

Does NASA hire organic chemists?

NASA employs scientists including organic chemists for research related to space exploration, materials, and life sciences. Organic chemists working at NASA may be involved in developing new materials, studying chemical processes in space, or supporting mission projects, often requiring advanced degrees and laboratory skills.

What can I do as an organic chemist?

An organic chemist researches, develops, and synthesizes organic compounds used in pharmaceuticals, plastics, and other materials. They analyze chemical structures using tools like spectroscopy and chromatography, and often work in laboratories or manufacturing settings. Skills in laboratory techniques, safety protocols, and knowledge of chemical reactions are essential for this role.

What jobs can you get with organic chemist?

An organic chemist can work in industries such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, cosmetics, and materials science, often in roles like research scientist, laboratory technician, or product developer. These positions typically require skills in chemical synthesis, analysis, and laboratory techniques, and may involve working in research and development or quality control environments.
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Organic Chemist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Organic Chemist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,084 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

Medicinal Organic Chemist - Chemical Biology (BS or MS)

Novartis Group Companies

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$81K - $150K/yr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Carry out multi-step organic chemistry synthesis routes to prepare organic molecules for testing molecular biology hypotheses and pathways.

  • Analyze and interpret data, solve synthetic issues, and design follow-up experiments.

  • Collaborate with peers and work effectively as part of a cross-functional team.

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Discovery Sciences team is seeking a Research Scientist to work as an organic medicinal chemist at Novartis' Biomedical Research headquarters in Cambridge, MA, USA.


Job Description

Internal job title: Research Scientist I / Research Scientist II

Position Location: Cambridge, MA, onsite. #LI-onsite

Job description

In this lab-based role, with team assistance, you will carry out multi-step organic chemistry synthesis routes preparing organic molecules that test molecular biology hypotheses and interrogate molecular pathways implicated in disease. You will leverage your expertise in mechanistic organic chemistry to effect functional group transformations building up complex structures. You will use modern purification techniques for final product isolation and then gather and analyze characterization data for structural confirmation. You will analyze assay results using data tools and leveraging Data Science and A.I. to work through the Design, Make, Test, Analyze (DMTA) cycle.

Key responsibilities:

  • Designcompoundsbased off team or individual hypotheses,andcarry out multi-step synthesesof small molecules

  • Analyze and interpret data,solve synthetic issues and design follow-up experiments

  • Collaborate with peers and workeffectivelyand efficientlyasan importantpart of across-functional team

  • Adhere to laboratorysafetypolicies andpractices

Essential Requirements:

  • BS orMS degreein chemistry; 0-5 years of industrial experience. This is not a PhD-level position.

  • A mechanistic understanding of organic chemistry; knowledge of modern organic synthetic methods; medicinal chemistry knowledge is a plus

  • Familiarity withcommon chemistry synthesis, purification, and analytical techniques

  • Strongproblem solving andcommunication skills

Desirable Requirements:

  • Expertise in chemical biologyand synthesis of chemical probestoaddress impactful biological and conceptual questions.

  • Hands-onexperienceinsynthesisof a wide range of compound classes, practical techniques,method development,andpurification techniques.

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary for this position is expected to range between $66,800 and $124,000 per year for Research Scientist I, and between $81,200 and $150,800 per year for Research Scientist II. The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills andexperience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the publishedsalary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of therole, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.


US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life anddisability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. Inaddition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days,holidays and other leaves.


To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.


EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.


Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.


Salary Range

$66,800.00 - $124,000.00


Skills Desired

Algorithms, Analytical Chemistry, Automation, Chemical Analysis, Chemical Biology, Chemical Laboratory, Chemical Synthesis, Chemistry, Collaboration, Creativity, Data Analysis, Drug Development, Innovation, Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Industry, Physics, Team Player

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