Research Scientist, Synthetic Technologies

Novartis Farmacéutica; Cambridge, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 81,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. in Cambridge, MA seeks a Research Scientist II in Synthesis Technologies to join Global Discovery Chemistry. You will develop and characterize small molecules, collaborating across disciplines to advance drug discovery.

Responsibilities include multi-step synthesis, route optimization, and safety; the role emphasizes teamwork, innovation, and scientific rigor in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• BS or MS degree in synthetic organic chemistry with 2–5 years of postgraduate experience.
• Strong working knowledge of synthetic organic methods and multi-step preparation of drug substances.
• Excellent observational, organizational, data management and documentation skills.
• Interest in developing green and sustainable synthesis methods.
• Strong communication to collaborate with medicinal chemistry teams.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Synthesis chemistry

Medicinal chemistry

Data management

Communication skills

Green chemistry

Education

BS or MS in synthetic organic chemistry

Job description

Research Scientist, Synthetic Technologies

Job ID REQ-10085647

Aug 18, 2026

USA

Summary

We are seeking a highly talented and motivated synthetic / medicinal chemist to join the Synthesis Technologies Team within Global Discovery Chemistry group at BioMedical Research (NIBR) at our Cambridge, MA site.

About the Role

Internal Job Title: Research Scientist II

Position Location: Cambridge, MA, onsite #LI-onsite

Job Description

We are seeking a highly talented and motivated synthetic / medicinal chemist to join the Synthesis Technologies Team within Global Discovery Chemistry group at BioMedical Research (NIBR) at our Cambridge, MA site. We are a highly collaborative and global group of curious, unbossed chemists across multiple disciplines where we value your ideas, personal growth, and career aspirations. You will be given opportunities to explore the power of cutting-edge science and technology and be empowered to take smart risks. Using your creativity and tenacity, you will contribute to the discovery, development, and characterization of small molecules to further GDC’s mission to discover innovative medicines.

You will join an energizing and collaborative research environment working alongside colleagues who are committed to improving human health through the discovery of transformative medicines.

Join us and help us reimagine medicine!

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 work on alternative routes/conditions.
• Explore and deploy innovative and cutting-edge synthetic methods for the construction of 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:

• BS or MS degree in synthetic organic chemistry and relevant 2-5 years of postgraduate experience. This is 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 the development of green and sustainable synthesis methods is preferred.
• Outstanding communication skills to proactively collaborate with medicinal chemistry teams in order to identify opportunities to positively impact projects.

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary for this position is expected to range between $81,200 and $150,800 per year. The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills andexperience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the publishedsalary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of therole, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.

US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life anddisability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. Inaddition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days,holidays and other leaves.

Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Accessibility & Reasonable Accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [emailprotected] or call [phone] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Division Biomedical Research

Business Unit Research

Location USA

State Massachusetts

Site Cambridge (USA)

Company / Legal Entity U175 (FCRS = US175) Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc.

Research Scientist, Synthetic Technologies

Research Scientist, Synthetic Technologies