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Small Molecule Jobs (NOW HIRING)

They will be the strategic leader for Oncology small molecule therapeutics in Boston, with opportunities to contribute across additional modalities. They will develop and execute a comprehensive ...

$200K - $333K/yr

Position Summary You will lead molecule stewardship for small molecule programs across development and manufacturing. You will partner with discovery, process development, analytics, regulatory ...

May design and develop robust analytical methods for small molecule pharmaceutical drug products for early-stage clinical trials. May interpret analytical data to guide formulation and process ...

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Small Molecule information

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How much do small molecule jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for small molecule in the United States is $45.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.98 and $50.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in small molecule drug discovery roles?

Professionals in small molecule drug discovery often encounter challenges such as optimizing compound properties for both efficacy and safety, troubleshooting synthetic routes, and navigating the complexities of multi-disciplinary project teams. Balancing rapid project timelines with regulatory requirements and maintaining meticulous documentation are also crucial aspects of the role. Collaboration with biologists, pharmacologists, and analytical scientists is routine, making strong communication essential. Overcoming these challenges is rewarding and directly contributes to advancing new therapies from concept to clinical evaluation.

What is a small molecule?

A Small Molecule job typically involves research, development, manufacturing, or regulatory work related to small-molecule drugs, which are chemically synthesized compounds used in pharmaceuticals. Professionals in this field may work in drug discovery, formulation, process development, or quality control. Roles can be found in pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and regulatory agencies, focusing on optimizing drug efficacy, safety, and production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the small molecule position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Small Molecule position, such as a Small Molecule Scientist or Chemist, you need a strong background in organic or medicinal chemistry, analytical techniques, and drug discovery processes, often supported by a degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation like HPLC, NMR, and mass spectrometry, as well as proficiency in data analysis software and adherence to GLP or GMP guidelines, is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities are highly valued. These strengths enable precise experimental execution, rigorous data interpretation, and successful collaboration in developing new therapeutic compounds.

More about Small Molecule jobs
What cities are hiring for Small Molecule jobs? Cities with the most Small Molecule job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Small Molecule jobs? The most popular types of Small Molecule jobs are:
What states have the most Small Molecule jobs? States with the most job openings for Small Molecule jobs include:
Infographic showing various Small Molecule job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,688 per year, or $45 per hour.

Senior Director, Oncology Small Molecule

Merck & Co.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 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 DescriptionDiscovery Oncology is seeking a visionary and strategic leader to shape and drive the discovery and advancement of the next generation of our Company's Oncology small molecule therapeutics. Come join an incredible team steeped in a history of scientific excellence and successful drug discovery. - The successful candidate will lead a team at our company's Boston site delivering on the small molecule Oncology pipeline. They will be the strategic leader for Oncology small molecule therapeutics in Boston, with opportunities to contribute across additional modalities. They will develop and execute a comprehensive pipeline strategy, partnering across our company to expand our portfolio. This leader will work tightly with chemistry, clinical, translational, and business development to build and progress an effective pipeline of compelling medicines, from discovery through late-stage development. The successful candidate will have a strong record of scientific excellence, thoughtful strategic planning, late-stage research and IND experience, and inspiring people leadership. - Responsibilities - Develop and execute a forward-thinking pipeline strategy , shaping the future of our Company's Oncology therapeutics with a focus on small molecules. - Be a strategic thought leader for the employment of small molecules to create effective, tolerable, and combinable medicines that are both first-in-class and best-in-class. - Leverage your deep understanding of cancer biology (including intrinsic pathways and key cancer drivers) and the current internal and external oncology landscape to evaluate the opportunity of new therapeutics and drive portfolio decisions. - Provide strategic oversight for programs as they transition from early discovery into and through late-stage clinical development, ensuring continuity and alignment with the overall asset strategy. - Drive key milestones for pipeline advancement , from preclinical candidate selection through to IND-enabling studies and support for early clinical development. Ensure compelling engagement with regulatory agencies. - Lead business development evaluations from a scientific perspective, identifying and championing external assets and platforms that align with our strategic vision. - As a member of the Discovery Oncology Leadership team , meaningfully contribute to the development and execution of strategy and the growth and development of staff. Act as an experienced Program Lead and mentor others to become strong Program Leaders. - Foster a high-performance culture of collaboration, engagement, self-accountability, and inclusion. Establish strong relationships within highly collaborative, multidisciplinary teams to effectively drive drug discovery initiatives. - Required Qualifications / Education: - Ph.D. in Biology, Oncology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Toxicology, Biophysics, Immunology, or a related STEM subject area with 10+ years of post-degree experience in industry or equivalent. - An extensive background in cancer biology with a proven ability to translate deep scientific insights into drug development strategies from discovery through late-stage development. - Evidence of innovative approaches to small molecule design, particularly induced proximity. - A proven track record of successfully advancing multiple well-designed investigative small molecule drug candidates into the clinic, with a focus on patient experience and successful clinical execution. - Clear experience in late program leadership partnering with regulatory, translational sciences, and clinical development. Direct, hands-on experience writing IND modules and filings. - Experience managing a group of senior and junior scientists with a track record of achievements, including project leadership and strategic contributions. - Ability to build strong relationships within highly collaborative, multidisciplinary teams to effectively drive drug discovery initiatives. - Excellent attention to detail and strong communication (oral and written) skills. - Highly self-motivated and capable of prioritizing deliverables. - Preferred Experience and Skills: - Preference will be given to candidates with a large breadth of small molecule experience, including novel approaches. - Experience with modalities beyond traditional small molecules is beneficial, particularly including small molecule payloads. - #EligibleforERPRequired Skills: Cancer Research, Drug Development, External Collaboration, High Performance Team Building, Immunotherapy, IND Submission, Innovation, Investigational New Drug (IND), Motivation Management, Multidisciplinary Collaboration, Oncology, People Leadership, Program Leadership, Project Leadership, Small Molecules, Strategic Management, Strategic PlanningPreferred 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 $194,100.00 - $305,600.00This 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: RegularRelocation:DomesticVISA Sponsorship:Yes Travel Requirements: 10%Flexible Work Arrangements:Not ApplicableShift:Not IndicatedValid Driving License:NoHazardous Material(s):n/aJob Posting End Date:08/21/2026 *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. Requisition ID:R410076 Salary: . Date posted: 08/01/2026

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