ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Small Molecule Drug Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Amgen

OR

... small molecule drug discovery, as well as technologies that support oncology therapeutic area. Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with the business's broader goals will ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsSmall Molecule Drug Development Jobs

Small Molecule Drug Development information

See salary details

$18

$37

$76

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

As of Jun 1, 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 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.

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 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.
More about Small Molecule Drug Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Small Molecule Drug Development jobs? Cities with the most Small Molecule Drug Development job openings:
What states have the most Small Molecule Drug Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Small Molecule Drug Development jobs include:
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:
Small Molecule Drug Development jobs near you
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.
Engineer, Synthetics/Small Molecule Processes (JP13329)

Engineer, Synthetics/Small Molecule Processes (JP13329)

3 Key Consulting

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$38 - $42/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Engineer, Synthetics/Small Molecule Processes (JP13329)
Location: Cambridge, MA. 02138
Business Unit: DTS Synthetics
Employment Type: Contract
Duration: 2+ years with likely extensions and/or conversion to a permanent position.
Rate: $38 - $42/hour W2
Posting Date: 10/29/2024.
Notes: Only qualified candidates need apply. **This is a 100% onsite position. Local candidates to Cambridge, MA only**
3 Key Consulting is hiring! We are recruiting an Engineer for a consulting engagement with our direct client, a leading global biotechnology company.
Job Description:
  • We are looking for a proactive individual contributor who excels in teamwork, problem-solving and critical thinking.
  • Candidate must have experience in synthetics/small molecule processes.
  • We would like experience working in a kilo lab or small molecule manufacturing (preferable, but not a must have, this can be trained once the EW is in the role).

In this role, you will be responsible for supporting the process development and technical transfer of client's synthetic drug substance processes by first demonstrating scale-up execution in the kilo lab. This role also requires acting as an equipment and instrument owner, and leading inventory maintenance and chemical/equipment ordering and shipping.
The Scale-up Lab (SUL) is integral to the optimization, scale-up, and technology transfer of client's drug substance intermediates and final API. This enabling capability within the DSTS organization critically supports programs across all stages of development, including route selection, process optimization, and process characterization.
Top Must Have Skill Sets:
  • Experience working in a chemical synthesis lab
  • Individual contributor, able to perform tasks with minimal to no supervision
  • Good communication skills
  • Synthetics/small molecule processes
  • This role also requires acting as an equipment and instrument owner, and leading inventory maintenance and chemical/equipment ordering and shipping.

Day to Day Responsibilities:
Lead operations in the Scale-Up Lab (SUL):
  • Act as a superuser of all SUL equipment and accessories.
  • Provide on-the-floor support to ensure successful scale up and rapid problem solving and decision making.
  • Enable safe execution of SUL operations with minimal to no supervision.
  • Work closely with process development chemists and engineers to generate and interpret data, providing improved understanding and guidance for synthetic (small molecule) drug substances.
  • Executions of bench/kilo laboratory experimentation and process modeling/simulation to design and optimize robust synthetic processes.
  • Provide hands-on troubleshooting support related to processing and process equipment problems
  • Represent the organization within a multi-functional team to ensure deliverables are aligned with the timeline, ensuring key achievements are established and met.
  • Apply standard engineering techniques and procedures to provide solutions to a variety of technical chemical and process issues that will be encountered during process development, tech transfer and scale-up
  • Author, review, and/or approve process documentation, master batch records, operational SOPs, and safety protocols needed to support SUL.
  • Order and maintian non-GMP chemical storage within SUL
  • Update compound and material inventory for projects to demonstrate in AMA SUL in coordination with step lead
  • Documentation of Real-Time Execution and Verification of Processing Steps in the Batch Sheet Instructions

Equipment upkeep and maintenance:
  • Coordinate equipment scheduling for new experiment requests.
  • Submit work orders, independently manage equipment maintenance, and support equipment troubleshooting.
  • Support preventative maintenance operations related to lab equipment and utilities, including, but not limited to, reactors, filters, rupture discs, heat transfer unit and chiller equipment.
  • Lead lab inventory management, including monitoring usage, ordering, and restocking of consumables.
  • Establish a management system for equipment replacement parts and maintain stock.
  • Demonstrate expertise with lab equipment handling and repair to troubleshoot challenges.
  • Execute Installation Operational Verification (IOV) and Evaluate Performance and Reliability of New Equipment

Lab improvements and knowledge management:
  • Support efforts for lab upgrades and optimization.
  • Assist in authoring training documentation for lab operations and equipment.
  • Monitor training compliance and coordinate training refreshers through the client's training system.
  • Participate in and curate content for core and steering team meetings.
  • Participate in EHSS risk assessments and periodic reviews, acting as an SME.
  • Coordinate mitigations resulting from RAs and reviews.
  • Provide hands-on training and oversight for new users and refresher training for previous users.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's in chemistry or chemical engineering with at least two years of experience (can be academic or professional in the synthetics/small molecule processes).
  • High school diploma / GED and 8 years of related Engineering or Operations experience
  • Associate's degree and 4 years of related Engineering or Operations experience
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree and 2 years of relatedEngineering or Operations experience

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working in a kilo lab or small molecule manufacturing (preferable, but not a must have, this can be trained once the EW is in the role).
Interview Process:
2 Rounds; phone screen followed by final round either virtual or an onsite interview in Cambridge Office
We invite qualified candidates to sendyour resume toresumes@3keyconsulting.com. Ifyou decide that you're not interested in pursuing this particular position, please feel free to take a look at the other positions on our websitewww.3keyconsulting.com/careers. You are also welcome to sharethis opportunity withanyone you think might be interested in applying for this role.

Apply