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Synthetic Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Synthetic Chemist

Waltham, MA ยท On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

Summary We are seeking a synthetic chemist to lead small-scale chemistry characterization and development. This role is the front end of ATP's technical pipeline: you will design and run the ...

Synthetic Chemist

Wharton, NJ ยท On-site

$59K - $106K/yr

The Defense Sector at Leidos currently has an opening for a Synthetic Chemist to work at our Picatinny Arsenal, NJ site Conduct synthesis, scaleup, and characterization of novel materials. Primary ...

The Defense Sector at Leidos currently has an opening for a Synthetic Chemist to work at our Picatinny Arsenal, NJ site Conduct synthesis, scaleup, and characterization of novel materials. Primary ...

Organic Synthetic Chemist Synergy is seeking an experienced Organic Synthetic Chemist to join our research and development team. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in designing and ...

Organic Synthetic Chemist Synergy is seeking an experienced Organic Synthetic Chemist to join our research and development team. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in designing and ...

Organic Synthetic Chemist Synergy is seeking an experienced Organic Synthetic Chemist to join our research and development team. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in designing and ...

Flexsys has an immediate opening for a synthetic organic chemist in the Akron corporate headquarters. This position will support our business and innovation platforms providing synthetic expertise ...

Flexsys has an immediate opening for a synthetic organic chemist in the Akron corporate headquarters. This position will support our business and innovation platforms providing synthetic expertise ...

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Synthetic Chemist information

See salary details

$44K

$83.7K

$138.5K

How much do synthetic chemist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for synthetic chemist in the United States is $83,712.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,500.00 and $105,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a synthetic chemist do?

A Synthetic Chemist designs and creates new chemical compounds through controlled chemical reactions in the laboratory. They often work to develop novel materials, pharmaceuticals, or other products by manipulating molecular structures. Their responsibilities include planning synthetic routes, conducting experiments, analyzing results, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Synthetic Chemists play a crucial role in research and development across industries such as pharmaceuticals, materials science, and biotechnology.

What are some common challenges a synthetic chemist faces when scaling up reactions from laboratory to production levels?

One of the main challenges Synthetic Chemists encounter during scale-up is reproducing the efficiency and selectivity observed at the small scale while managing increased safety risks and cost considerations. Factors such as heat transfer, mixing, and reagent purity can behave differently in larger volumes, sometimes leading to unexpected side reactions or lower yields. Collaborating with process engineers and analytical chemists is essential to optimize protocols, ensure consistent quality, and troubleshoot any issues that arise during scale-up. Adaptability and strong problem-solving skills are crucial in overcoming these obstacles.

How much does a synthetic chemist make?

The average salary for a synthetic chemist typically ranges from $60,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, location, and industry. Entry-level positions tend to start at the lower end, while experienced chemists with advanced skills or in specialized fields can earn higher salaries.

What is the difference between Synthetic Chemist vs Organic Chemist?

AspectSynthetic ChemistOrganic Chemist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, often with lab experienceBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, with specialization in organic compounds
Work EnvironmentLaboratories in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, or manufacturingResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, academia
Industry UsageDevelops and synthesizes new compounds for various industriesStudies and develops organic molecules, often focusing on reaction mechanisms
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Synthetic Chemist and an Organic Chemist lies in their focus. Synthetic Chemists develop and produce a wide range of chemical compounds, including inorganic and complex molecules, often for industrial applications. Organic Chemists specialize specifically in organic molecules, studying their reactions and properties. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, but their areas of expertise and project focus differ.

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

To thrive as a Synthetic Chemist, you need a strong background in organic and inorganic chemistry, typically with at least a bachelor's or master's degree in chemistry or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, chemical synthesis techniques, and analytical tools such as NMR, GC-MS, and HPLC is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are important soft skills for designing experiments and collaborating with teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for safely developing new compounds, advancing research, and meeting project goals in laboratory settings.
What cities are hiring for Synthetic Chemist jobs? Cities with the most Synthetic Chemist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Synthetic Chemist jobs? The most popular types of Synthetic Chemist jobs are:
What states have the most Synthetic Chemist jobs? States with the most job openings for Synthetic Chemist jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Synthetic Chemist jobs? For Synthetic Chemist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Synthetic Chemist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $83,712 per year, or $40.2 per hour.

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Description

Are you motivated by conceiving creative solutions to tough problems?

Are you searching for a role that leads to significant real-world impacts by applying your strengths in chemistry?

Are you passionate about collaborating with outstanding scientists and engineers to develop your own skills while contributing to critical challenges?

If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking an organic chemist to help develop solutions to the complex problems that we take on through chemical synthesis and characterization. You will apply your strong background in chemistry to develop solutions for the government's challenging problems. We need an ambitious and dedicated colleague who is eager to take a leadership and mentorship role and contribute to laboratory research. You will have the opportunity to work across a wide-range of research domains including synthetic chemistry, polymer science, catalysis, materials science, and more. In our group, your research will span fields, from synthesis of stimuli-responsive polymers to inorganic coatings for thermal management; from adhesives, coatings, and ink technologies, to electrochemistry and catalysis. We enable and encourage our team members to generate their own research ideas and publish their findings. At APL, we are a hardworking, multidisciplinary team that is committed to solving challenging problems while embracing risk with the goal of realizing creative solutions. Our team is passionate about building advanced prototypes that will define the future of chemical sciences. We strive to foster a collaborative environment with world-class expertise that achieves game-changing impact. Our APL team values integrity and innovative ideas that will ensure our nation's preeminence in the 21st century.

As a chemist on our team...

  • Your primary responsibility will be to perform experiments at the direction of a project manager and assist with the development of new materials via chemical synthesis, characterization, and performance testing, both in the lab and in the field.
  • You will perform detailed data analyses and explain characterization results.
  • You will document and present technical work internally and externally.
  • You will get the chance to work on projects both independently and as part of a team.
  • You will have the opportunity to publish your research and present at conferences.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

  • You possess a B.S. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
  • You have 2+ years of non-academic research experience.
  • You have demonstrable research experience in a laboratory environment.
  • You have a background in molecular synthesis, spectroscopy, and experimental design.
  • You are familiar with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, and/or mass spectrometry.
  • You have experience working as member of a collaborative team.
  • You are comfortable communicating research findings in various settings.
  • You are willing and able to carry out laboratory research and travel for field testing, sponsor visits, conference attendance, and presentations.
  • You are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Security clearance eligibility requires you to be a U.S. citizen.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

  • You have M.A. in organic chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field.
  • You have 5+ years of research experience.
  • You are proficient in catalysis, air-free synthesis, electrochemistry, and/or polymer synthesis and characterization.
  • You have published research in peer-reviewed journals.

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities athttps://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contactAccessibility@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.


Minimum Rate
$85,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$195,000 Annually