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Small Molecule Drug Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This role focuses on developing, validating, and transferring analytical methods to support small and large molecule drug development and formulations from early-stage clinical studies up to ...

Toxicologist

Cambridge, MA ยท On-site +1

United States The Toxicologist will play a critical role in the assessment of the safety profile of small molecule drug candidates throughout the drug development process. This position requires a ...

Clinical Trial Manager

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site +1

$156K - $176K/yr

... small molecule drug development, early-phase clinical trials, Phase 1-approval experience, neurological product experience, FDA regulations, EU regulatory requirements, Japan regulatory experience ...

Sr. Scientist - Small Molecule

Aliso Viejo, CA ยท On-site

$97K - $133K/yr

This role focuses on developing, validating, and transferring analytical methods to support small and large molecule drug development and formulations from early-stage clinical studies up to ...

Sr. Scientist - Small Molecule

Aliso Viejo, CA ยท On-site

$97K - $133K/yr

This role focuses on developing, validating, and transferring analytical methods to support small and large molecule drug development and formulations from early-stage clinical studies up to ...

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Small Molecule Drug Development information

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How much do small molecule drug development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for small molecule drug development in the United States is $37.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.96 and $54.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is small molecule drug development?

Small molecule drug development is the process of discovering, designing, and bringing to market pharmaceutical compounds that have low molecular weight and can easily enter cells to affect biological processes. These drugs are typically administered orally and are used to treat a wide range of diseases. The development process involves several stages, including target identification, compound screening, preclinical testing, and clinical trials before regulatory approval. Small molecule drugs are distinct from biologics, which are larger and more complex molecules like proteins or antibodies.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in small molecule drug development, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in small molecule drug development often face challenges such as balancing tight project timelines with rigorous regulatory requirements and managing cross-disciplinary collaboration between chemistry, biology, and clinical teams. Navigating unexpected results in preclinical or clinical studies can also require rapid problem-solving and adaptation. Building strong communication skills and staying updated on the latest regulatory guidelines and scientific advances can help address these challenges. Working closely with team members from diverse backgrounds fosters innovative solutions and keeps projects on track.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Small Molecule Drug Development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Small Molecule Drug Development, you need a strong background in chemistry, pharmacology, and molecular biology, typically supported by an advanced degree such as a Ph.D. or M.S. in a related field. Proficiency with laboratory techniques, analytical instrumentation (like HPLC and mass spectrometry), and drug discovery software is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, collaboration, and project management abilities help professionals excel in multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are critical for efficiently advancing compounds through the drug discovery pipeline and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
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What cities are hiring for Small Molecule Drug Development jobs? Cities with the most Small Molecule Drug Development job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Small Molecule Drug Development jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Small Molecule Drug Development jobs are:
Infographic showing various Small Molecule Drug Development job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 91% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,216 per year, or $37.6 per hour.
Director/Sr Director, Chemical Development

Director/Sr Director, Chemical Development

Treeline Biosciences

Watertown, MA โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Treeline Biosciences, a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing precision medicines, is seeking an experienced Director/SD, Chemical Development to drive the development, scale-up, manufacturing, and regulatory readiness of our small-molecule portfolio. This role will be central to establishing a robust supply chain for our portfolio compounds

About the Position

The Director/SD, Chemical Development will have overall responsibility for leading and managing development and manufacturing activities for drug substance, DS intermediates, and starting materials for one or more Treeline programs. The scope of the role encompasses process development, scale-up, and characterization/design space mapping of the manufacturing process of a drug candidate, up to and including process performance qualification (PPQ). Operating within a virtual (100% outsourced) business model, the incumbent will have accountability for CDMO selection and the development of strong and enduring business partnerships supporting assigned programs. The successful candidate will also assume a key leadership role in the development, review, and approval of Module 3 sections of CTD regulatory submissions, written responses to regulatory authorities, and TPP/QTPPs.

The successful candidate will be an experienced process chemist with significant experience in CMC development and commercialization of small molecules and an in-depth understanding of critical-path activities and interdisciplinary connections associated with late-phase development and product registration. S/he will possess strong leadership, management and communication skills, ensuring that internal and external business partners understand and respect program goals, objectives, priorities, and timelines.


Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage cross-functional teams engaged in external cGMP manufacturing of drug substance, DS intermediates, and starting materials.
  • Provide technical and functional project leadership on drug substance process development, manufacturing, and CDMO partner management.
  • Lead and manage process transfers and associated site implementation to support supply chain expansion activities and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Monitor, track and trend process performance. Develop and implement data analytics to support investigations and provide an historical baseline for future operational and process-related improvements.
  • Support investigations, root cause identification and CAPA implementation associated with manufacturing deviations and associated quality events.
  • Work closely with Analytical Development/QC, Quality Assurance, Regulatory CMC, Supply Chain and external manufacturing operations to ensure operational excellence with respect to timelines, budgets, and attainment of technical, regulatory and business goals/milestones.
  • Lead the selection of drug substance CDMOs based upon core capabilities, capacity and track record of regulatory compliance; establish KPIs to monitor site technical, quality and business performance.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with CDMO business partners and participate in Steering Committees as appropriate.
  • Review/approve technical reports, controlled GMP documents and CMC content for Module 3 CTDs.
  • Develop and manage scope, milestones, interdependencies, budgets and timelines associated with drug substance program deliverables. Ensure cross-functional alignment of drug substance program deliverables with overall program strategy.
  • Continuously monitor external business and regulatory environments; identify risks and establish mitigation plans and/or best practices to proactively address Drug Substance and supply chain risk.
  • Represent the Technical Operations organization in meetings with FDA, EMA and related regulatory authorities.

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Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline with a minimum of 12+ years of experience, or Master's with a minimum of 15+ years of experience in small molecule drug substance development.
  • Track record of success in leading and managing small-molecule drug substance programs in a 100% outsourced environment.
  • Strong vendor/supplier management skills and excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
  • Competency in developing, implementing and delivering CMC project plans (milestones, timelines, resources, etc.) to successful endpoints.
  • Expertise in authoring and reviewing technical documents including, but not limited to, development reports, master batch records, analytical testing methods, and specifications.
  • Thorough knowledge of the drug development process and ICH requirements for NDA and MAA registration. Extensive experience in working with regulatory authorities. Track record of authoring and defending Module 3 CTD content through regulatory approval and commercialization.
  • Ability to articulate complex issues and ideas with clarity to enable understanding and decision making.
  • Pragmatic, solution-oriented thinker who possesses a "can do" and "whatever it takes" attitude, coupled with excellent organizational and communication skills.
  • Strong interpersonal and decision-making skills with the ability to motivate and influence others, negotiate during situational conflict, and establish the best forward path in the face of competing points of view.
  • Understanding of industry trends, practices, techniques and standards, and associated impact on program strategy and execution.
  • Ability to travel (20%) to CDMO domestic and international sites.
  • Fluency with standard computer software packages (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project) and JMP (or similar statistical tools).
  • High level of personal integrity, commitment to excellence and to our patients.
  • Experience in developing and commercializing drugs for oncology is preferred

This position is classified as exempt. The anticipated annual base salary range for candidates who will work in Watertown is $229,978 to $277,846. The final base salary offered to the successful candidate will be dependent upon several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, and other factors. Treeline Biosciences is a multi-state employer, and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other cities or states.

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Recruitment fraud statement

Please be aware of recruitment fraud and related job scams, where scammers present themselves as recruiters but are seeking to steal money or personal information. Keep the following in mind to protect yourself:

  • Treeline Biosciences will never ask for money from you as part of our recruitment process. Do not provide bank details or pay somebody for the promise of a job at Treeline.
  • We do not conduct interviews through RingCentral, Skype or Telegram.
  • Our job openings are first posted to treeline.bio/careers. If you locate a listing for a Treeline job on another site, please ensure it is also posted on our careers website.
  • You can find more information about job scams at consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams.
  • To report job scams, head to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.