Experienced Pharma Organic Chemist

Cogent Scientific; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k)

Parental leave

PTO & paid holidays

Relocation benefits

Job summary

Cogent Scientific, an insourced contract research organization, seeks an Experienced Pharma Organic Chemist to drive multi-project synthesis from early route scouting to late-stage optimization. This role offers exposure to Bayesian‑designed experiments, kinetic modeling, and analytical method development using UPLC.

You will join a collaborative team, ensure safety and compliance, and contribute to quality systems.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in chemistry with pharma experience (industry-based).
• Strong bench chemistry across small molecules, peptides, and oligonucleotides.
• Familiarity with Bayesian-optimized experiments and/or kinetic modeling workflows.
• Detail-oriented with a track record of high-quality results across multiple projects.
• Experience with discovery, development, manufacturing, or process support.

Responsibilities

• Execute synthesis across multiple concurrent drug development projects from early route scouting to late-stage optimization.
• Develop and validate UPLC and other analytical methods to support reaction development.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot reactions and share insights.
• Authors or contributes to technical reports and maintains proper documentation.
• Ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and quality systems adherence.

Skills

Bench chemistry

Small molecule synthesis

Peptide/oligo synthesis

Analytical support

Bayesian design familiarity

Education

BS in Chemistry or related field

MS in Chemistry (preferred)

Tools

UPLC

Job description

Cogent Scientific, an insourced contract research organization, is looking for the right people to accomplish our Mission: to support the life sciences industry by cultivating and empowering exceptional scientists to deliver specialized laboratory services that advance research, foster collaboration, and accelerate innovation through quality and a shared commitment to excellence. We can offer you the chance to build on your skills and knowledge while working among experts in their fields and with cutting‑edge instrumentation.

Cogent Scientific offers competitive pay, attractive benefits (such as medical/dental/vision insurance; 401(k); parental leave; PTO and paid holidays; etc.) and an exciting work environment. This position may include relocation benefits as well. We aim to recruit the best people who stand out among their peers and embody our Core Values:

• Client Focused: We only succeed when our clients succeed.
• Outstanding: We deliver meticulous results through outstanding performance.
• Good: We act ethically and morally.
• Employee-Centric: We honor and support our employees.
• Nimble: We are prepared to adapt in an ever-changing industry.
• Team-Oriented: We collaborate with each other and with our clients.

We currently have a role available for a Experienced Pharma Organic Chemist

Job duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Helps ensure that people and their environment are safe and that company policies concerning safety are followed.
• Understands and complies with corporate, divisional, and departmental procedures, including FRAP, current good manufacturing practices, safety, and other applicable regulations, and participates in the establishment and maintenance of PRD Quality systems.
• Executes synthesis across multiple concurrent drug development projects, spanning early‑stage route scouting through late‑stage process optimization:
  • Carries out Bayesian‑designed organic chemistry experiments, (e.g. Suzuki/Buchwald‑Hartwig, peptide coupling and cleavage) to improve product purity and support candidate progression timelines.
  • Generates data used to optimize reaction conditions, improving yield and purity.
  • Executes experiments and provides data supporting kinetic model development to identify key impurities and drive mitigation and purity‑improvement strategies.
  • Develops and validates UPLC and other analytical methods to support analytical needs for reaction development.
  • Collaborates with cross‑functional small molecule, peptide, and oligonucleotide development teams to troubleshoot reactions and share insights.
  • Authors or contributes to technical reports reflecting the work performed. Ensures that records and technical notebooks are maintained in alignment with Good Documentation Practices.
• Demonstrates engagement and employs a quality mindset in all endeavors by proactively identifying quality issues and communicating appropriately.
• Tracks progress against assigned experimental timelines.

Job requirements include, but are not limited to:

• BS-Chemistry, Organic Chemistry or related field w/5+ yrs organic chemistry experience outside of academia (pharma preferred) or MS w/2+ yrs related laboratory experience.
• Strong bench chemistry skills across small molecule, peptide, and oligonucleotide synthesis and analytical support.
• Familiarity with Bayesian‑optimized experimentation and/or kinetic modeling workflows.
• Detail‑oriented approach with a consistent track record of producing high‑quality experimental results across multiple concurrent projects.
• Variety of experience across synthetic and analytical chemistry roles.
• Ability to prioritize multiple activities and manage ambiguity.
• Handle controlled drug and or authorized to handle controlled drug.
• Experience with discovery, development, manufacturing, and or process support.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Good interpersonal skills and demonstrated collaborative abilities (internally and externally).
• Experience with UPLC method development and validation.

This is a day shift position (approx. 8a-5p local time).

Cogent Scientific provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate based on any legally protected characteristic.

Additionally, if you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know.

This job posting will remain open until 9/14/2026 or until a qualified candidate has been selected, whichever comes first.