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Small Molecule Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Position Summary You will lead small molecule drug substance activities from lab development through clinical and commercial manufacturing readiness. You will work closely with teams in process ...

Join a purpose-built, agile small molecule manufacturing site where your work will help bring important medicines to patients in the U.S. This facility is designed to move quickly and reliably ...

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Small Molecule information

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How much do small molecule jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 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 job?

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% Locum Tenens, 11% Internship, 65% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 5% Summer. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,688 per year, or $45 per hour.
Director, Analytical Development (Small Molecule)

Director, Analytical Development (Small Molecule)

Structure Therapeutics

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

$205K - $258K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

About Us:

Structure Therapeutics develops lifechanging medicines for patients using advanced structurebased and computational drug discovery technology. The company's platform combines the latest advancements in visualization of molecular interactions, computational chemistry, and data integration to design orally available, superior small molecule medicines that overcome current limitations of biologic and peptide drugs. We are advancing a clinicalstage pipeline of differentiated treatments focused on chronic diseases with high unmet need, including cardiovascular, metabolic, and pulmonary conditions.

Structure Therapeutics is led by an experienced group of international drug innovators and financed by top-tier global life sciences investors. The company completed an initial public offering (IPO) in February 2023. With offices in California and Shanghai, Structure Therapeutics has the benefit of being at the center of life science innovation in both the US and China and capitalizing on the strengths of each geographic location.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Executive Director, Analytical Development, the Director of Analytical Development will be responsible for analytical development activities supporting late-stage development, Phase 3 programs, PPQ, commercialization, and global regulatory filings. These activities will include external oversight of method development, qualification, validation, specification strategy, stability programs, and analytical control systems across drug substance and drug product.

This role requires deep expertise in small-molecule analytical sciences, regulatory expectations for global regulatory submissions, experience supporting commercial readiness, ICH-compliant QC operations, and cross-functional CMC strategy. The successful candidate will support late stage clinical starts, marketing application submissions, regulatory authority inspections, and product launch.

Job Responsibilities:

Analytical Development & Method Lifecycle Management

  • Oversee development, optimization, qualification, and validation of analytical methods for DS and DP.
  • Ensure methods align with ICH Q2(R2), Q6A, Q8, and related guidelines.
  • Lead impurity control strategy development and regulatory justification.
  • Implement method lifecycle processes and continuous improvement.

Quality Control & GMP Support

  • Partner with QC and QA to provide oversight of release testing, stability testing, and GMP support activities.
  • Support OOS/OOT investigations, root-cause analysis, and CAPA programs.
  • Ensure readiness for PPQ and commercial operations.

Regulatory Strategy & Submissions

  • Author analytical content for IND, NDA, MAA, and global submissions.
  • Perform content review of dossier sections including source document tracking and data verification.
  • Author, review, and approve analytical development reports to support marketing applications.
  • Review and approve global specifications and analytical protocols per ICH and regional requirements.

Cross-Functional CMC Development

  • Partner with Drug Substance, Drug Product, Quality, Supply Chain, and Regulatory CMC teams.
  • Contribute to PPQ campaigns, tech transfers, and commercial readiness.
  • Partner with early-stage project teams to ensure smooth transfer of projects to late-stage development.

External Partnerships (CDMOs, CROs, Testing Labs)

  • Oversee analytical work at CDMOs/CROs, including:
    • Establishment and periodic revision of specifications.
    • Method development, transfer, and validation.
    • Identification and development of control strategies for impurities.
    • Stability protocols, stability reports, and retest / shelf-life extensions.
    • Establishment and maintenance of reference standards.
  • Participate in technical due diligence for partners or acquisitions.

Qualifications:

  • B.S. in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or related discipline (M.S. or Ph.D. also considered).
  • 10+ years of relevant industry experience, or less experience with an advanced degree.
  • Deep expertise in analytical development for small molecule API and oral solid dose (OSD) products.
  • Significant regulatory dossier authorship and defense experience.
  • Expertise in ICH guidelines, method validation, and impurity control.
  • Strong understanding of GMP QC operations and data integrity.
  • Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, matrixed, and virtual organization.
  • Strategic thinker with strong execution and decision-making capabilities.
  • Excellent communication and cross-functional influence.

Travel Required: up to 15%, globally


Structure Therapeutics Inc. is an Equal-Opportunity Employer.

Structure Therapeutics is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices, and we strive to provide employees with total compensation packages that are market competitive. For this role, the anticipated base pay range is $205K-$258K. The exact base pay offered for this role will depend on various factors, including but not limited to the candidate's geography, qualifications, skills, and experience.

At Structure, base pay is only one part of your total compensation package. The successful candidate will be eligible for an annual performance incentive bonus, new hire equity, and ongoing performance-based equity. Structure Therapeutics also offers various benefits offerings, including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k match, unlimited PTO, and a number of paid holidays including winter shutdown.


Notice to Recruiters/Staffing Agencies

Recruiters and staffing agencies should not contact Structure Therapeutics through this page. All recruitment vendors (search firms, recruitment agencies, and staffing companies) are prohibited from contacting our hiring manager(s), executive team members, or employees.

We require that all recruiters and staffing agencies have a fully executed, formal written agreement on file.

Structure Therapeutics' receipt or acceptance of an unsolicited resume submitted by a vendor organization to this website or employee does not constitute an actual or implied contract between Structure Therapeutics and such organization and will be considered unsolicited and Structure Therapeutics will not be responsible for related fees.

Fraud Alert

To all candidates: your personal information and online safety are a top priority for us. At Structure Therapeutics, direct candidates to apply through our official career page atBambooHR.

Recruiters will always contact you using the domain of Structuretx.com. We will never request payments, ask for financial account information or sensitive information like social security numbers. If you are unsure if a message is from Structure Therapeutics, please email human resources-structureHR@structuretx.com.