Medicinal Organic Chemist - Chemical Biology (BS or MS)

Scorpion Therapeutics; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) with match

Time off

Job summary

Scorpion Therapeutics in Cambridge, MA is seeking chemists to perform multi-step organic syntheses and data-driven analysis to test disease-related hypotheses. You will apply mechanistic chemistry and modern methods, purify products, and confirm structures by characterization data.

The role emphasizes collaboration in a cross-functional team, with focus on DMTA cycle and adherence to lab safety policies.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in chemistry; 0–5 years of industrial experience (not a PhD-level position).
• Mechanistic understanding of organic chemistry; knowledge of modern organic synthetic methods.
• Familiarity with synthesis, purification, and analytical techniques.

Responsibilities

• Design compounds and perform multi-step syntheses of small molecules.
• Analyze data, troubleshoot synthesis, and design follow-up experiments.
• Collaborate in a cross-functional team and follow safety policies.

Skills

Organic synthesis

Medicinal chemistry

Data analysis

Purification techniques

Problem solving

Communication

Laboratory safety

Education

BS in Chemistry

MS in Chemistry

Tools

Data analysis tools

Analytical instrumentation

Job description

Job Description

• Lab-based role carrying out multi-step organic chemistry synthesis routes to prepare organic molecules testing molecular biology hypotheses and disease-related pathways.
• Use mechanistic organic chemistry to perform functional group transformations and build complex structures.
• Use modern purification techniques for final product isolation; gather and analyze characterization data for structural confirmation.
• Analyze assay results using data tools and Data Science/A.I. to support the Design, Make, Test, Analyze (DMTA) cycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Design compounds based on team or individual hypotheses and perform multi-step syntheses of small molecules.
• Analyze and interpret data; troubleshoot synthetic issues; design follow-up experiments.
• Collaborate effectively as part of a cross-functional team.
• Adhere to laboratory safety policies and practices.

Essential Requirements

• BS or MS in chemistry; 0–5 years of industrial experience (not a PhD-level position).
• Mechanistic understanding of organic chemistry; knowledge of modern organic synthetic methods (medicinal chemistry knowledge is a plus).
• Familiarity with common synthesis, purification, and analytical techniques.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Desirable Requirements

• Expertise in chemical biology and synthesis of chemical probes.
• Hands-on experience across a wide range of compound classes, including practical techniques, method development, and purification techniques.

Compensation and Benefits (as stated)

• Salary range: Research Scientist I $66,800–$124,000; Research Scientist II $81,200–$150,800; plus performance-based cash incentive and potential annual equity awards (level-dependent). US-based employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including health, life and disability, 401(k) with match, and time off.