Senior Discovery Chemist I: Synthesis, SAR & Drug Discovery

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity-based compensation

Performance-based bonuses

401(k) with Company Match

Flexible Spending Account

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Employee Discounts

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Paid Sick, Jury Duty, Bereavement

Job summary

ADARx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in San Diego seeks a Senior Scientist I in Discovery Chemistry to plan, design, and execute multi-step syntheses with purification and characterization.

You’ll collaborate across disciplines, contribute to SAR development, and help shape discovery programs in a fast-paced setting. The role emphasizes independent work, project leadership, and strong communication, with opportunities for equity-based compensation and performance bonuses.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, or related scientific discipline; 2 years of postdoctoral experience or 2–5 years of relevant industry experience in synthetic organic/medicinal chemistry.
• Familiar with modern chromatographic techniques, automated flash chromatography and modern analytical techniques (NMR, HPLC, LCMS).
• Experience in independently designing synthetic routes and conducting multi-step syntheses.
• Broad knowledge of scientific achievement evidenced by peer‑reviewed publications.
• Superior laboratory skills and safety awareness.
• Track-record of impacting drug discovery programs through driving projects to key decision points.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and execute multi-step synthesis including purification and compound characterization.
• Collaborate across disciplines and participate in project team meetings.
• Contribute to SAR development and experimental planning with data-driven go/no-go decisions.
• Prepare reports and communicate progress to the team and leadership.
• Write protocols and SOPs for new discovery research efforts.
• Train and mentor entry-level staff and maintain laboratory equipment and safety standards.

Skills

IndependentWorker

CrossFunctionalTeam

Communication

ProblemSolving

Education

PhD in Chemistry

Tools

NMR

HPLC

LCMS

Job description

ADARx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in San Diego seeks a Senior Scientist I in Discovery Chemistry to plan, design, and execute multi-step syntheses with purification and characterization.

You’ll collaborate across disciplines, contribute to SAR development, and help shape discovery programs in a fast-paced setting. The role emphasizes independent work, project leadership, and strong communication, with opportunities for equity-based compensation and performance bonuses.