Demo

Medicinal Organic Chemist - Chemical Biology (BS or MS)

Novartis
Cambridge, MA Full Time
POSTED ON 9/28/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/13/2026
Summary

The Discovery Sciences team is seeking a Research Scientist to work as an organic medicinal chemist at Novartis’ Biomedical Research headquarters in Cambridge, MA, USA.

About The Role

Internal job title: Research Scientist I / Research Scientist II

Position Location: Cambridge, MA, onsite.

Job Description

In this lab-based role, with team assistance, you will carry out multi-step organic chemistry synthesis routes preparing organic molecules that test molecular biology hypotheses and interrogate molecular pathways implicated in disease. You will leverage your expertise in mechanistic organic chemistry to effect functional group transformations building up complex structures. You will use modern purification techniques for final product isolation and then gather and analyze characterization data for structural confirmation. You will analyze assay results using data tools and leveraging Data Science and A.I. to work through the Design, Make, Test, Analyze (DMTA) cycle.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design compounds based off team or individual hypotheses, and carry out multi-step syntheses of small molecules
  • Analyze and interpret data, solve synthetic issues and design follow-up experiments
  • Collaborate with peers and work effectively and efficiently as an important part of a cross-functional team
  • Adhere to laboratory safety policies and practices

Essential Requirements

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

Desirable Requirements

  • Expertise in chemical biology and synthesis of chemical probes to address impactful biological and conceptual questions.
  • Hands-on experience in synthesis of a wide range of compound classes, practical techniques, method development, and purification techniques.

Compensation And Benefits

The salary for this position is expected to range between $66,800 and $124,000 per year for Research Scientist I, and between $81,200 and $150,800 per year for Research Scientist II. The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.

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

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

To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.

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

Benefits and Rewards: Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.

Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)

EEO Statement

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 [email protected] or call 1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Salary : $66,800 - $124,000

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Medicinal Organic Chemist - Chemical Biology (BS or MS)?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Medicinal Organic Chemist - Chemical Biology (BS or MS) career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$60,357 - $79,610
Income Estimation: 
$74,048 - $101,143
Income Estimation: 
$70,620 - $94,639
Income Estimation: 
$91,114 - $126,315
Income Estimation: 
$99,598 - $128,732
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Novartis

  • Novartis Dakota, SD
  • Job Description Summary Diseases of Aging & Regenerative Medicine (DARe) DARe is seeking a talented AI/ML for Biology Scientist to advance the discovery of... more
  • Just Posted

  • Novartis Lincoln, NE
  • Summary This is a field-based and remote opportunity supporting key accounts in an assigned geography. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for t... more
  • Just Posted

  • Novartis Omaha, NE
  • Summary This is a field-based and remote opportunity supporting key accounts in an assigned geography. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for t... more
  • Just Posted

  • Novartis Morris Plains, NJ
  • Job Description Summary The Warehouse Specialist is responsible for the accurate receipt, storage, and handling of raw materials and finished products with... more
  • Just Posted


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Medicinal Organic Chemist - Chemical Biology (BS or MS) jobs in the Cambridge, MA area that may be a better fit.

  • Aura Biosciences Boston, MA
  • About Aura Biosciences Aura Biosciences is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing bel-sar, a potentially transformative, first-in-class therapy ... more
  • Just Posted

  • Northeastern University Boston, MA
  • About The Opportunity About Northeastern: Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experience-driven life... more
  • 13 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!