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Synthesis Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Proficiency in oligonucleotide synthesis (SPOS), and biological understanding of RNA therapeutics (e.g. ASO, siRNA, SSO, RNA Editors). Preferred Qualification If you have the following ...

Senior Scientist, siRNA Synthesis

Worcester, MA ยท On-site

$91K - $124K/yr

Lead the siRNA synthesis platform to support various stages of siRNA studies. * Perform solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis, deprotection, purification, and desalting of siRNA. * Troubleshoot ...

Lead the siRNA synthesis platform to support various stages of siRNA studies. * Perform solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis, deprotection, purification, and desalting of siRNA. * Troubleshoot ...

Senior Scientist, siRNA Synthesis

Worcester, MA ยท On-site

$91K - $124K/yr

Lead the siRNA synthesis platform to support various stages of siRNA studies. * Perform solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis, deprotection, purification, and desalting of siRNA. * Troubleshoot ...

Synthetic Chemist

Waltham, MA ยท On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

High proficiency with bench-top synthesis methods, laboratory practices * Basic analytical chemistry experience (NMR, HPLC, GC-MS, FTIR) * Strong problem-solving and debugging skills Preferred ...

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Showing results 1-20

Synthesis information

See Massachusetts salary details

$103.8K

$154.5K

How much do synthesis jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for synthesis in Massachusetts is $152,251.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $148,500.00 and $152,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a synthesis job?

Synthesis jobs typically involve the creation or combination of materials, ideas, or data to produce new compounds, products, or insights. In scientific fields, especially chemistry, synthesis refers to constructing complex chemical compounds from simpler substances. In other contexts, such as research or data analysis, it can mean integrating information from multiple sources to generate new understanding. Synthesis roles require analytical thinking, attention to detail, and often specialized technical knowledge. These jobs are found in industries such as pharmaceuticals, materials science, and academic research.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a synthesis chemist?

To thrive as a Synthesis Chemist, you need a strong background in organic and inorganic chemistry, analytical techniques, and typically a bachelor's or advanced degree in chemistry or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation such as NMR, HPLC, GC-MS, and adherence to safety protocols are essential, along with experience using lab management software. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication set outstanding synthesis chemists apart. These skills are crucial to ensure precise compound creation, maintain lab safety, and collaborate efficiently within research and development teams.

How does a synthesis professional typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

Synthesis professionals often serve as a bridge between research, development, and engineering teams, ensuring that insights and data are translated into actionable solutions. They work closely with scientists to understand research findings, partner with engineers to implement processes, and communicate progress to project managers. This collaborative environment requires strong communication skills and adaptability, as priorities can shift based on project needs. Being proactive in facilitating discussions and documenting outcomes also helps maintain alignment across all stakeholders.

What is the difference between Synthesis vs Chemist?

AspectSynthesisChemist
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in chemistry or related field; specialized training in synthesis techniquesDegree in chemistry; broader focus including analysis, testing, and research
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing plants, R&D facilitiesLaboratories, research institutions, industry settings
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical, chemical manufacturing, biotechPharmaceutical, chemical, academic, industrial research
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both Synthesis and Chemist roles involve working in chemistry-related environments, Synthesis specialists focus primarily on creating chemical compounds through specific processes. Chemists have a broader scope, including analysis, testing, and research. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the chemical industry.

What job categories do people searching Synthesis jobs in Massachusetts look for?

The top searched job categories for Synthesis jobs in Massachusetts are:

Infographic showing various Synthesis job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 65% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 30% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,251 per year, or $73.2 per hour.

Scientist, Polymer Synthesis

VioNano Innovations, Inc.

Cambridge, MA โ€ข On-site

$90 - $140/hr

Other

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Location: Cambridge, MA (The Engine, MIT.nano, and Harvardโ€™s Center for Nanoscale Systems)
Job Type: Full-time
The Opportunity

We\'re hiring a Scientist specializing in Polymer Synthesis to join the product development team alongside our CTO, Phil Hustad (PhD Cornell, 24 years at Dow and 3M, 150+ patents). This is a handsโ€‘on lab role where you\'ll own the architectural design, synthesis, and molecular characterization of VioNanoโ€™s core polymer platforms. You will have real ownership over experimental direction and synthetic strategies, translating novel chemical concepts into scalable, qualified materials that define our commercial path. If you want to do highโ€‘impact work in an environment where your synthetic expertise is directly visible, this is that job.


What you\'ll do
Advanced Synthesis:

Design and execute complex polymer syntheses using advanced techniques, including anionic and controlled free radical polymerizations, to achieve precise architectures, ultraโ€‘narrow molecular weight distributions, and targeted endโ€‘group chemistry.


Characterization:

Run and interpret rigorous polymer characterization experiments (including GPC/SEC, NMR, MALDI-TOF, and thermal analysis) to validate polymer structure and purity.


Scale-Up & Collaboration:

Drive the transition of successful synthetic routes from benchโ€‘scale exploration to larger R&D quantities, collaborating closely with external contract research organizations (CROs) and internal formulation teams.


Strategic Input:

Partner directly with the CTO to define experimental roadmaps, build IP documentation, and establish repeatable laboratory workflows.


What We\'re Looking For
Required:
Education:

PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field, or equivalent demonstrated capability through industry experience (we\'ll consider exceptional candidates without a PhD who have a strong track record).


Synthetic Mastery:

Deep, handsโ€‘on academic expertise in advanced living or controlled polymerization techniques, specifically anionic polymerization and/or controlled free radical methods (RAFT, ATRP, etc.).


Analytical Rigor:

Proven track record of utilizing advanced characterization tools (GPC, NMR, etc.) to elucidate complex polymer structures.


Resourcefulness:

Comfortable working at lab scale in an agile, earlyโ€‘stage environment where you can creatively design experiments with limited equipment to yield meaningful results.


Communication:

Strong scientific communication skills, with the ability to write clear experimental reports and present findings to both technical and nonโ€‘technical stakeholders.


Strongly Preferred:
Polymer Physics:

A strong foundational understanding of polymer physics (e.g., chain thermodynamics, phase separation, thinโ€‘film behavior, or surface dynamics) to help guide material design.


Semiconductor Industry Context:

Familiarity with electronic materials, semiconductor lithography, or surface modification chemistry.


Mindset:

Prior startup experience or a proactive, selfโ€‘directed working style where you thrive on solving unmapped technical problems.


What kind of person thrives here:

You\'re someone who is energized by working in a space where the answers aren\'t known yet. You take ownership of problems rather than waiting for direction. You\'re rigorous but pragmatic. You know when a perfect result is worth waiting for and when a goodโ€‘enough result unblocks the next step. You want to see your work matter, and you want to work with people who are genuinely excellent.


Why Join VioNano?

The opportunity to be one of the first scientists at a company doing genuinely new work in semiconductor materials


Direct collaboration with a worldโ€‘class technical founding team


Daily access to stateโ€‘ofโ€‘theโ€‘art facilities at The Engine and MIT.nano


Competitive salary and meaningful earlyโ€‘stage equity


Cambridge, MA location โ€” onโ€‘site (lab work requires physical presence)

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