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Process Chemistry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Strong knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry and process development. * Experience with reaction optimization, impurity control, and process scale-up. * Experience with analytical techniques such ...

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Process Chemistry information

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$13

$24

$35

How much do process chemistry jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for process chemistry in the United States is $24.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $28.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is process chemistry?

Process chemistry is a branch of chemistry focused on the development, optimization, and scale-up of chemical processes for manufacturing substances, typically in the pharmaceutical or chemical industries. Process chemists work to make chemical reactions safer, more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly when moving from laboratory scale to large-scale production. Their responsibilities often include troubleshooting, improving yields, and ensuring regulatory compliance during manufacturing. This field is crucial for bringing new chemical products from research and development to market.

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

To thrive as a Process Chemist, you need a solid background in organic and analytical chemistry, typically with a bachelor's or advanced degree in chemistry or chemical engineering. Familiarity with laboratory instruments (e.g., HPLC, GC, NMR), process scale-up techniques, and safety regulations is essential, and certifications like OSHA training can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are key soft skills for success. These competencies ensure safe, efficient development and optimization of chemical processes, which are crucial for high-quality, scalable manufacturing.

What are some common challenges faced by process chemists in scaling up reactions from the laboratory to manufacturing?

Process chemists often encounter challenges when transitioning chemical reactions from small-scale laboratory experiments to large-scale manufacturing. These challenges include ensuring consistent product quality, managing heat transfer and mixing issues, and addressing safety concerns that may not be apparent at a smaller scale. Close collaboration with engineers, quality control teams, and safety specialists is essential to address these complexities and optimize the process for commercial production. Effective troubleshooting and adaptability are key skills for success in this role.

What is the difference between Process Chemistry vs Chemical Engineering?

AspectProcess ChemistryChemical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Chemistry or related field, possibly a master'sBachelor's in Chemical Engineering, often with a master's or higher
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D settings, pilot plantsIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, process design
Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, research labsPetrochemicals, large-scale manufacturing, process optimization

Process Chemistry focuses on developing and optimizing chemical reactions and formulations, often in research and development settings. Chemical Engineering involves designing and managing large-scale chemical processes and production systems. While both roles require chemistry knowledge, Process Chemists are more research-oriented, whereas Chemical Engineers focus on process scale-up and plant operations.

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What cities are hiring for Process Chemistry jobs?

Cities with the most Process Chemistry job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Process Chemistry jobs?

The most popular types of Process Chemistry jobs are:

What states have the most Process Chemistry jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Process Chemistry job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,319 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Senior Scientist, Process Chemistry

Merck & Co., Inc.

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

$131K - $206K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Merck rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Job Description
Our Company is currently seeking an exceptional chemist to join the Discovery Process Chemistry group located at our South San Francisco, CA site. This role offers the opportunity to join a vibrant group of innovative laboratory scientists with broad impacts across our late discovery and early development portfolios.
Core responsibilities include the development of innovative solutions to complex chemistry problems across a different portfolio of projects in the discovery phase, from lead identification through candidate selection. A successful candidate is expected to apply cutting edge methodologies to synthetic route design in order to enable medicinal chemistry research and accelerate the delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients in support of pre-clinical and clinical studies. Close collaboration is expected with colleagues across the Process and Medicinal Chemistry networks and throughout the Discovery and Preclinical functions.
The candidate must be highly self-motivated, possess strong experimental skills, have excellent written and oral communication abilities, collaborate effectively on multidisciplinary teams and across geographies, and be able to demonstrate flexibility in adapting to change in a fast-paced, dynamic research environment. In addition, the candidate will be expected to remain current with the latest synthetic methodologies, drive innovation, apply new concepts to continuously improve group capabilities, and be active in the external scientific community via publications and external presentations.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
  • Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or related discipline achieved or expected by June 2027 and relevant research experience in synthetic organic chemistry, including Ph.D. or postdoctoral studies

Required Experience and Skills:
  • Must have conducted outstanding research in their field of expertise that may be shared during the interview process
  • Demonstrated creativity and innovation in problem solving
  • Productivity and efficiency working in the lab
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Excellent collaboration skills
  • Established scientific reputation supported by publications and external presentations

#EligibleforERP
Required Skills:
Chemistry, Collaboration, Innovation, Interpersonal Communication, Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Organic Synthesis, Process Chemistry, Self Motivation, Synthetic Biology
Preferred Skills:
Current Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:
Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.
As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:
EEOC Know Your Rights
EEOC GINA Supplement
We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.
Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts
The salary range for this role is
$131,400.00 - $206,800.00
This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.
The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.
You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.
San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Employee Status:
Regular
Relocation:
Domestic/International
VISA Sponsorship:
Yes
Travel Requirements:
10%
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable
Shift:
1st - Day
Valid Driving License:
No
Hazardous Material(s):
N/A
Job Posting End Date:
08/25/2026
*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

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