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Synthesis Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Process Chemist

Rochester, NY · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Processes include synthetic organic chemistry, synthetic inorganic chemistry, polymer chemistry, and formulation chemistry. • Apply Lean Six Sigma tools (DMAIC, statistical analysis, process ...

Process Chemist

Rochester, NY · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Processes include synthetic organic chemistry, synthetic inorganic chemistry, polymer chemistry, and formulation chemistry. Apply Lean Six Sigma tools (DMAIC, statistical analysis, process capability ...

Processes include synthetic organic chemistry, synthetic inorganic chemistry, polymer chemistry, and formulation chemistry. • Apply Lean Six Sigma tools (DMAIC, statistical analysis, process ...

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Synthesis Chemist information

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How much do synthesis chemist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for synthesis chemist in the United States is $30.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $35.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges a Synthesis Chemist faces when scaling up reactions from the lab to production scale?

Scaling up chemical reactions from the laboratory to production scale is a frequent challenge for Synthesis Chemists. Factors such as reaction yield, purity, heat transfer, mixing efficiency, and safety become more complex on a larger scale. Chemists must adapt procedures to accommodate larger volumes while ensuring consistency and reproducibility. Collaboration with process engineers and quality control teams is crucial to troubleshoot issues and optimize protocols for industrial manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Synthesis Chemist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Synthesis Chemist, you need a solid background in organic and inorganic chemistry, with at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemistry or a related field. Familiarity with analytical instruments (such as NMR, HPLC, GC-MS), laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are important soft skills for collaborating on research and maintaining lab safety. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing, executing, and documenting successful chemical syntheses in research or industrial environments.

What is the difference between Synthesis Chemist vs Organic Chemist?

AspectSynthesis ChemistOrganic Chemist
Primary FocusDesigning and developing chemical syntheses for new compoundsStudying the structure, properties, and reactions of organic compounds
Work EnvironmentLaboratories in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, or research firmsAcademic, industrial, or research labs focusing on organic molecules
Required CredentialsBachelor’s or Master’s in Chemistry or related field; experience in synthesisBachelor’s or higher in Chemistry; specialization in organic chemistry

While both roles involve working with chemicals and organic compounds, a Synthesis Chemist primarily focuses on creating new molecules through chemical reactions, whereas an Organic Chemist studies the properties and reactions of organic substances. The roles often overlap, especially in research settings, but Synthesis Chemists are more involved in developing new compounds for applications like pharmaceuticals or materials.

What does a Synthesis Chemist do?

A Synthesis Chemist is responsible for designing, planning, and executing chemical reactions to create new compounds or materials. They work in laboratories to develop and optimize methods for producing specific molecules, which can be used in pharmaceuticals, materials science, or other industries. Their work often involves analyzing chemical reactions, purifying products, and documenting results to ensure reproducibility and safety. Synthesis Chemists also collaborate with other scientists to solve complex problems and innovate new processes.
More about Synthesis Chemist jobs
What cities are hiring for Synthesis Chemist jobs? Cities with the most Synthesis Chemist job openings:
What states have the most Synthesis Chemist jobs? States with the most job openings for Synthesis Chemist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Synthesis Chemist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, 52% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,466 per year, or $31 per hour.

Postdoctoral Fellow - Synthetic Chemist

Indiana University Academic Positions

Bloomington, IN • Hybrid

$45K - $61K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Position Details
Title Postdoctoral Fellow - Synthetic Chemist Appointment Status Non-Tenure Track Department IU Bloomington Chemistry Location Bloomington Position Summary
The Department of Chemistry in the College of Arts + Sciences at Indiana University consists of a well-rounded research community with cutting-edge expertise in a wide variety of modern disciplines including analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, and biochemistry.
The Zaleski Lab in the Department of Chemistry at Indiana University is accepting applications for a postdoctoral research position. The position involves the design and synthesis of hybrid molecular and nanomaterial catalysts (see here for recent work: Accts. Chem. Res. 2019, 52, 1957; Chem. Sci. 2025, 16, 255. The desired start date is July 1, 2026, although this is flexible in-order-to accommodate the needs of outstanding candidates.

The successful applicant will use a deep understanding of synthetic inorganic and organic ligand chemistry, as well as molecule preparation and purification. Nanomaterial design to develop systems for catalysis is a plus but not required. Motivated applicants with a Ph.D. in any area of synthetic chemistry will be considered. A candidate with a strong background in solution-phase synthetic preparations and characterizations, as well as familiarity manipulating air- and moisture-sensitive chemicals, is ideally suited for the project. We seek to employ someone with demonstrable experience in chemical purification and characterization of starting materials and reaction products by standard techniques (NMR, IR, Mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, TEM, and DFT calculations also desirable).

The Zaleski Lab is a dynamic multidisciplinary laboratory environment. The successful applicant will play an integral role within our growing team and will emerge with a skill set that is equally relevant to academia and industry. Trainees receive regular guidance and feedback to ensure progress is made toward their career goals, whatever those may be. Trainees are also afforded the scheduling flexibility needed to maintain an appropriate work life balance and a safe laboratory environment.
Responsibilities:

1. Manage own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management and coordinating multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines.
2. Adapt existing, and develop new, scientific techniques and experimental protocols to achieve research objectives.
3. Use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment.
4. Assist in setting up a new research laboratory at IU (e.g. setting up Schlenk lines, ordering equipment etc.)
5. Contribute ideas for new research projects.
6. Undertake comprehensive and systematic literature reviews and write up the results for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
7. Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present papers and posters.
8. Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques.
9. Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone.
10. Carry out collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups.
Basic Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Chemistry
Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with organometallic synthesis and relevant analytical techniques (NMR, SXRD, mass- spectrometry etc.) is essential. The preferred candidate will have a deep understanding of organic and/or inorganic synthesis.
Department Contact for Questions
Questions regarding the position or application process can be directed to: Prof. Jeff Zaleski, Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405, zaleski@indiana.edu.
Additional Qualifications Salary and Rank 50,000 Special Instructions
The initial appointment for this position will be for 12 months. Additional 12-month extension will be available based on performance. A competitive salary along with a benefits package will be offered.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, maximum 5-page research proposal, and contact information for three references to http://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/33329. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt.
"Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.

For Best Consideration Date 06/10/2026 Expected Start Date 07/01/2026 Posting Number IU-101571-2026