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Small Molecule Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Glaukos

Sr. Scientist - Small Molecule

Aliso Viejo, CA · 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 ...

Glaukos

Sr. Scientist - Small Molecule

Aliso Viejo, CA

$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 ...

Glaukos

Sr. Scientist - Small Molecule

Aliso Viejo, CA

$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 information

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.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Small Molecule jobs in California?

The most popular types of Small Molecule jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Small Molecule jobs in California?

For Small Molecule jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Small Molecule jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Small Molecule jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Small Molecule jobs?

Cities in California with the most Small Molecule job openings:

Small Molecule jobs near you
Infographic showing various Small Molecule job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Director, Small Molecule Discovery Biology (Inflammation & Autoimmunity)

Alumis

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

The Alumis team seeks a highly motivated Director in autoimmune discovery biology. The candidate should be well-versed in small molecule drug discovery and bring experience with a variety of target classes and modalities. The individual will take responsibility for important project-level biochemistry and biology efforts advancing our early portfolio of small molecule autoimmune therapies, as well as mentoring junior staff. The ideal candidate will bring expertise drawn from different areas of biology and immunology, such as biochemistry, pharmacology, cell biology, molecular biology, and chemical biology/proteomics. Prior experience will ideally span across the stages of drug discovery from lead finding through early clinical development.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Taking biology department responsibility in discovery-stage small molecule projects including conceptualizing project strategy, recognizing knowledge gaps, formulating screening paradigms, overseeing SAR generation, coordinating among project stakeholders, and identifying potential new targets
  • Overseeing development of both biochemical and cellular read-outs to support small molecule drug discovery efforts Support characterization of small molecule clinical candidates by employing autoimmune disease models and developing clinically relevant PD assays
  • Providing both direct and indirect supervision of laboratory-based biology staff
  • Manage external biology studies performed at CROs.
  • Collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams including medicinal chemistry, DMPK, and preclinical development.
  • Ensuring effective communication and coordination with departmental and company-wide leaders on project strategy and progress toward goals

Ideal candidate:

  • PhD with 8+ years biopharma work experience in immunology-related small molecule drug discovery
  • Prior experience with function-level oversight of project biology and/or biochemistry efforts, or overall project team leadership
  • Knowledge of and hands on experience with emerging areas of small molecule drug discovery, such as protein-protein interaction inhibitors, degraders and molecular glues, and transcription factors
  • Expertise spanning from early-stage target discovery and validation through early clinical development
  • Awareness of methods for compound screening, characterizing mechanism of action, transcriptomics, and proteomics
  • Familiarity with autoimmune disease biology including in vitro and in vivo immunology models, immortalized cell lines, isolation and characterization of primary immune cells, RNA-Seq, and cytokine detection methodologies
  • Prior management of CRO collaborations, with an existing familiarity of a wide variety of biology CROs
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work both independently and cross-functionally to advance drug discovery programs; experience working with academic collaborators is a plus.
  • Successful direct and indirect supervision of junior staff members
  • Familiarity and enthusiasm for working in a small company environment
  • Track record of scientific achievement and innovation

The salary range for this position is $200,000 USD to $240,000 USD annually. This salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may very based on the Company's compensation practices.  

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