Discovery Medicinal Chemistry Internship

Biopharma Careers; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Job summary

Johnson & Johnson in La Jolla, CA seeks a synthetic organic chemistry intern for a summer program. You will work with a team of scientists to synthesize and purify novel compounds and present your results at project team meetings.

The role offers exposure to multiple drug discovery functions and requires a 40-hour work week. The internship is open to undergraduates (sophomore–senior) pursuing chemistry with a minimum GPA of 3.2 and familiarity with NMR, MS, and HPLC.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a B.S. in chemistry or related field.
• Completion of intro organic chemistry coursework and lab is required.
• Legally eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Strong communication and computer skills (MS Office).
• Available to work 40 hours/week.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize, purify, and characterize novel drug-like compounds.
• Enable reaction discovery to address synthetic challenges.
• Sustain collaboration with Johnson & Johnson scientists.
• Present at project team meetings.
• Be exposed to other drug discovery functions within the team.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Team collaboration

Safety in the lab

Education

Chemistry BS or equivalent

GPA 3.2 preferred

Sophomore/Junior/Senior undergrad

Tools

Microsoft Office

NMR

MS

HPLC

Job description

Johnson & JohnsonPosted October 15, 2026# Discovery Medicinal Chemistry InternshipSan Diego, United States Full timeDrug Discovery & Preclinical Research Intern/Fellow/PostdocNotify me about similar jobsView Full Job & Apply at Johnson & JohnsonJohnson & Johnson is the source of truth for this posting and owns the application process. We surface normalized context and market comparison you won't find on the original listing.## About this opportunityAt Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at jnj.comAs guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual. At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit.**Job Function:**Career Programs**Job Sub Function:**Non-LDP Intern/Co-Op**Job Category:**Career Program**All Job Posting Locations:**San Diego, California, United States of America**Job Description:**This position has allocated resources for relocation support.Johnson & Johnson is currently seeking an undergraduate student for a synthetic organic chemistry intern position, located in La Jolla, CA.At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at www.jnj.com.We know that the success of our business – and our ability to deliver meaningful solutions – depends on how well we understand and meet the diverse needs of the communities we serve. Which is why we foster a culture of inclusion and belonging where all perspectives, abilities and experiences are valued and our people can reach their potential.At Johnson & Johnson, we all belong.We are currently seeking an outstanding and motivated individual to work in the Discovery Chemistry group located in La Jolla, CA, as a summer intern. The internship program is focused on providing an undergraduate college student the opportunity to learn about the role of organic chemistry in drug discovery research. The position offers real-life training in the skills and tools relevant to perform as a drug discovery chemist.The synthetic organic chemistry intern will:Work collaboratively with a Johnson & Johnson scientistSynthesize, purify, and characterize novel drug-like compoundsEnable reaction discovery to address key synthetic challengesParticipate and present at project team meetingsBe exposed to various other functions within the drug discovery teams at Johnson & JohnsonParticipate in campus-wide activities across the La Jolla summer intern communityBe based in La Jolla, CA (San Diego area)**Qualifications**Candidates must be a sophomore, junior, or senior student enrolled in an accredited college/university pursuing a B.S. degree or equivalent in chemistry.Completion of introductory organic chemistry laboratory and coursework is required.A minimum G.P.A. of 3.2 is strongly preferred.Prior undergraduate research experience (outside of standard curriculum) is preferred.Familiarity with modern analytical techniques (NMR, MS, HPLC), various reaction techniques, and safe laboratory practices is preferred.Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and not require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1-B status) now or in the future.Candidates need to be proficient with Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and Power Point, and have strong oral and written communication skills.Candidates must be available to work 40 hours/week.Johnson & Johnson is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.For more information on how we support the whole health of our employees throughout their wellness, career and life journey, please visit http://www.careers.jnj.com.\\*Questions that will automatically be posted are as follows:Are you currently enrolled in an accredited college/university pursuing a degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Biology? (Required)Do you have prior laboratory research experience (outside normal course requirements) in an academic or industry environment? (Preferred)Will you be available to work Full-time? (Required)Are you legally authorized to work in the United States? (Required)Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1-B status)? (Required)Do you have prior laboratory research experience in synthetic organic chemistry? (Preferred)Do you have at least a 3.2 GPA? (Preferred)Permanently authorized to work in the U.S., must not require sponsorship of an employment visa (e.g., H-1B or green card) at the time of application or in the future. Students currently on CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT usually requires future sponsorship for long term employment and do not meet the requirements for this program unless eligible for an alternative long-term status that does not require company sponsorship.Johnson & Johnson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.Johnson & Johnson is committed to providing an interview process that is inclusive of our applicants’ needs. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation, external applicants please contact us via https://www.jnj.com/contact-us/careers . Internal employees contact AskGS to be directed to your accommodation resource.**Required Skills:****Preferred Skills:****The anticipated base pay range for this position is :**$27.00/hr to $61.00/hrAdditional Description for Pay Transparency:The expected pay range for this position is between $27.00 per hour and $61.00 per hour but will be based on candidate's program year, discipline, degree and/or experience. Co-Ops/Interns are eligible to participate in Company sponsored employee medical benefits in accordance with the terms of the plan. Co-Ops and Interns are eligible for the following sick time benefits: up to 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Washington, up to 56 hours per calendar year. Co-Ops and Interns are eligible to participate in the Company’s consolidated retirement plan (pension).