Research Scientist, Synthetic Technologies

Novartis; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with match

Comprehensive US benefits package

Generous time off

Job summary

Scorpion Therapeutics is seeking a synthetic organic chemist to independently synthesize and purify drug candidates from milligrams to multi-gram scales. You will troubleshoot routes, explore innovative methods, and collaborate with medicinal chemistry teams while ensuring safety and documentation excellence.

The role emphasizes sustainable synthesis practices and strong communication across global teams, with a focus on building pharma-relevant building blocks.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in synthetic organic chemistry with 2–5 years of postgraduate experience.
• Strong experience in multi-step preparation of drug substances and synthetic problem-solving.
• Excellent observational, organizational, data management, and documentation skills.
• Interest in green and sustainable synthesis methods (preferred).
• Outstanding collaboration with medicinal chemistry teams.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize and purify compounds from milligram to multi-gram scale.
• Anticipate pitfalls and develop alternative routes.
• Apply cutting-edge synthetic methods to build pharmaceutical building blocks.
• Collaborate with global internal and external chemistry teams.
• Perform structural and stereochemical elucidation.
• Follow laboratory safety policies and practices.

Skills

Synthetic organic chemistry

Drug synthesis

Communication skills

Education

BS or MS in synthetic organic chemistry

Job description

Your Responsibilities Will Include

• Independently, effectively, and safely conduct task-oriented synthesis and purification from milligram to multi-gram scale.
• Anticipate potential synthetic pitfalls and proactively develop alternative routes/conditions.
• Explore and deploy innovative, cutting-edge synthetic methods to construct pharmaceutically relevant building blocks and drug substances.
• Interact globally with internal and external chemistry teams to ensure seamless collaboration.
• Perform structural and stereochemical elucidation.
• Adhere to laboratory safety policies and practices.

What You’ll Bring To The Role (Qualifications)

• BS or MS in synthetic organic chemistry with 2–5 years of postgraduate experience (not a PhD-level position).
• Strong working knowledge and practical experience in synthetic organic methodology, multi-step preparation of drug substances, and synthetic problem-solving.
• Excellent observational, organizational, data management, and documentation skills.
• Enthusiasm for development of green and sustainable synthesis methods (preferred).
• Outstanding communication skills to proactively collaborate with medicinal chemistry teams.

Compensation And Benefits

• Salary range: $81,200–$150,800 per year (final based on skills/experience; reviewed periodically).
• Performance-based cash incentive; potential eligibility for annual equity awards.
• Comprehensive US benefits package (health/life/disability, 401(k) with match) and generous time off (vacation, personal days, holidays, and other leaves).