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Synthetic Biologist Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

... biologic and device combination products. At Aerogen Pharma, our advanced science starts with a ... 0201, a synthetic surfactant currently in pre-clinical development. Each of these products are ...

You will apply your educational background and learn new technical skills in the synthesis of mRNA ... Molecular Biology, Pharmaceutical Science, Statistics, or a related field * Strong fundamental ...

New

Chief Medical Officer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$250 - $500/hr

... biologic and device combination products. At Aerogen Pharma, our advanced science starts with a ... 0201, a synthetic surfactant currently in pre-clinical development. Each of these products are ...

You will apply your educational background and learn new technical skills in the synthesis of mRNA ... Molecular Biology, Pharmaceutical Science, Statistics, or a related field * Strong fundamental ...

New

You will apply your educational background and learn new technical skills in the synthesis of mRNA ... Molecular Biology, Pharmaceutical Science, Statistics, or a related field * Strong fundamental ...

New

You will apply your educational background and learn new technical skills in the synthesis of mRNA ... Molecular Biology, Pharmaceutical Science, Statistics, or a related field * Strong fundamental ...

New

Showing results 21-27

Synthetic Biologist information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$36K

$86.9K

$134.1K

How much do synthetic biologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for synthetic biologist in Raleigh, NC is $86,907.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,800.00 and $117,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a synthetic biologist?

Synthetic biologists are scientists who design and construct new biological parts, devices, and systems, or re-design existing natural biological systems for useful purposes. Their work combines principles from biology, engineering, computer science, and chemistry to create innovative solutions in areas such as medicine, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. Synthetic biologists may develop engineered organisms to produce biofuels, pharmaceuticals, or to clean up pollution. The field is highly interdisciplinary and often involves the use of advanced genetic engineering and computational modeling techniques.

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

To thrive as a Synthetic Biologist, you need a strong background in molecular biology, genetic engineering, and biochemistry, usually supported by an advanced degree in a relevant scientific field. Familiarity with tools such as CRISPR, DNA synthesis platforms, and bioinformatics software, as well as experience with lab automation systems, is typically required. Creative problem-solving, collaboration, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for innovating and working effectively within multidisciplinary teams. These skills enable the design and implementation of novel biological systems, drive scientific progress, and facilitate impactful applications in biotechnology.

What are some typical challenges synthetic biologists face when collaborating on interdisciplinary projects?

Synthetic biologists often work closely with experts in fields like engineering, computer science, and chemistry, which can present challenges related to communication and aligning project goals. Differences in terminology, methodologies, and priorities may require extra effort to ensure everyone is on the same page. Successful synthetic biologists proactively bridge these gaps by fostering open communication, seeking to understand other disciplines, and adapting to diverse problem-solving approaches. This collaborative environment can be highly rewarding but demands flexibility and strong interpersonal skills.

What is the difference between Synthetic Biologist vs Molecular Biologist?

AspectSynthetic BiologistMolecular Biologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in biology, bioengineering, or related fields; often specialized training in synthetic biologyBachelor's or higher in biology, biochemistry, or related fields; focus on molecular techniques
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, biotech companies, academia, often interdisciplinaryResearch labs, healthcare, academia, focusing on molecular processes
Industry UsageBiotech, pharmaceuticals, synthetic biology startupsHealthcare, research institutions, biotech
Common Search/ComparisonSynthetic Biologist vs Molecular Biologist

While both roles involve biological research, Synthetic Biologists focus on designing and constructing new biological parts and systems, often using engineering principles. Molecular Biologists primarily study molecular mechanisms within cells. The roles overlap in laboratory skills and industry settings, but Synthetic Biologists emphasize engineering and innovation in creating new biological functions.

How do you become a synthetic biologist?

To become a synthetic biologist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in biology, bioengineering, or a related field, followed by advanced education such as a master's or Ph.D. in synthetic biology or molecular biology. Gaining skills in genetic engineering, laboratory techniques, and programming, along with experience using tools like CRISPR and bioinformatics, is essential for this role.

How much does a synthetic biologist make?

The average salary for a synthetic biologist ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions typically start around $60,000, while experienced professionals or those in senior roles can earn over $130,000. Skills in molecular biology, genetic engineering, and laboratory techniques are often required for higher-paying positions.

Is synthetic biology a good career?

Synthetic biology is a growing field that involves designing and constructing new biological parts and systems, often requiring skills in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and engineering. Careers in this area can be rewarding with opportunities in research, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, but they typically require advanced degrees and continuous learning to stay current with technological advances.

What can you do with synthetic biologist?

A synthetic biologist designs and engineers biological systems and organisms for applications such as medicine, agriculture, and industrial processes. They use skills in molecular biology, genetic engineering, and laboratory techniques to develop new products or improve existing ones, often working in research labs or biotech companies.

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Synthetic Biologist jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Synthetic Biologist job openings:

Infographic showing various Synthetic Biologist job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,907 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Chief Medical Officer

Aerogen Ltd

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develop and oversee the medical and clinical strategy, including portfolio priorities and development decisions.

  • Provide medical input into regulatory strategies, documentation, and safety oversight activities.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver product initiatives and ensure accurate medical messaging.


Job description

About Aerogen Pharma:
Aerogen Pharma is a US based clinical-stage specialty pharmaceutical company with a mission to develop inhaled drug/biologic and device combination products.
At Aerogen Pharma, our advanced science starts with a deeply human purpose: improving outcomes and access to medicines for preterm infants and other critically ill patients with lifethreatening respiratory diseases around the globe. We bring together patient and healthcare system understanding, pharmaceutical innovation and advanced aerosol delivery technology to develop inhaled therapies designed specifically for the unique needs of the world's most vulnerable patients.
We are a growing company at an exciting and dynamic stage in our development. Our portfolio includes APC-0101, an aerosolized surfactant currently in phase 3 clinical trial and APC-0201, a synthetic surfactant currently in pre-clinical development. Each of these products are designed to treat respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants and together set a foundation for exciting future opportunities.
Joining Aerogen Pharma means becoming part of an experienced, dedicated team working collaboratively to advancing respiratory and critical care through innovation. Our "We Care" culture is reflected in how we work together creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where people make time to support one another, share their expertise and ensure every team member feels connected and empowered to contribute. At Aerogen Pharma, the work you do every day will have direct impact to the advancement of meaningful development programs as you collaborate with experienced leaders and experts across the pharmaceutical and medical technology industries.
What is the role?
The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at Aerogen Pharma will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team of a small, innovation-driven pharmaceutical company focused on transforming neonatal care. The CMO will shape the company's medical, clinical, and scientific strategy while contributing broadly to corporate strategy, portfolio decisions, company building, partnering, and organizational development.
As the company's senior medical leader, the CMO will represent Aerogen Pharma with neonatologists, investigators, key opinion leaders, regulators, professional societies, advocacy groups, strategic partners, investors, and other stakeholders globally. Internally, the CMO will provide collaborative, hands-on leadership across clinical, medical with strong partnership to regulatory, research, and commercial functions,
This is a exciting opportunity with a growing company to shape organizational design and culture while transforming the future of surfactant delivery for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome globally.
What are the key responsibilities?
• Accountable for overall medical/clinical strategy while contributing to portfolio priorities, target product profiles and major development decisions
• Accountable for medical registration strategy, benefit-risk, pivotal evidence package and readiness for submission/approval.
• Provide medical input into regulatory strategy and documentation, including clinical sections of INDs, NDAs/MAAs, protocols, investigator brochures, clinical study reports, and responses to health authority inquiries.
• Contribute to safety oversight activities, including review of adverse events, risk management plans, and benefit-risk assessments in collaboration with Pharmacovigilance.
• Develop and deliver scientific communications such as medical presentations, congress materials, publications, abstracts, and internal training content.
• Ensure all activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, industry codes of practice, and internal policies.
• Support continuous improvement of medical processes, governance, and standards to advance the Aerogen Pharma medical function.
• Partner cross-functionally with Clinical Operations, Regulatory Affairs, Pharmacovigilance, Commercial, Market Access, and R&D to deliver product-driven initiatives and ensure consistent medical messaging.
• Act as a scientific resource for internal stakeholders to ensure accurate and compliant dissemination of medical information.
• Accountable medical executive for Board/investor communication, business development diligence and medical recommendations on major investment/go/no-go decisions.
What education and experience are required?
• MD with specialty in neonatalogy, pulmonology, adult/pediatric critical care or pediatrics with 15+ years across clinical development/medical leadership, including senior leadership responsibility for pharmaceutical drug/device combination development programs.
• Prior leadership of at least one late-stage/Phase 3 program, ideally through pivotal data readout and NDA/BLA/MAA preparation or approval. Demonstrated ability to define registrational strategy and interpret benefit-risk.
• Significant direct experience with FDA and/or EMA, ideally including IND/CTA, EOP2/Phase 3 interactions and pre-NDA/BLA/MAA meetings.
• Established credibility with investigators and KOLs in the relevant therapeutic area; experience with advisory boards, steering committees, publications and external scientific communication
• Prior leadership across Clinical Development, Clin Ops, Regulatory, Statistics, Safety, Clin Pharm and nonclinical functions. Experience building/managing teams and external development partners.
• Previous exposure to executive/Board-level decision making and ability to communicate complex clinical risk and value clearly. Experience with investors, partnering/BD and due diligence highly desirable for a startup CMO
• Demonstrable history of making or recommending high-consequence development decisions based on incomplete clinical/scientific evidence and balancing medical, regulatory, operational and commercial considerations
What key skills will make you great at the role?
• Hands on, results oriented with strong initiative, accountability and willingness to take ownership and drive projects to completion.
• Demonstrated strategic capability and ability to see the overall, 'big' picture, along with examples of showing courage and confidence to develop, lead and implement change across disciplines.
• Strong written and oral communications skills.
• Preference for location near Raleigh, North Carolina. Candidates in San Mateo California will also be considered.
• Must be available for Travel within US, up to 30% of time.
Why Aerogen Pharma?
As a key member of Aerogen Group, the global market leader in high performance aerosol drug delivery, Aerogen Pharma is at a pivotal point in the company's life cycle. With plans to expand and centralize our US hubs over the next two years, we offer an environment where you can thrive professionally and learn from driven industry leaders in drug development and commercialization, inhaled devices, and neonatology.
We foster an inclusive culture that empowers you to contribute to the transformation of Neonatal care, where potential is recognized, and professional development is encouraged.