Scientist Synthetic Chemistry

Vernalis (R&D) Limited; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 80,000 - GBP 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization in Cambridge is seeking a motivated lab-based synthetic chemist. The role involves designing synthetic routes and characterizing organic molecules in a collaborative chemistry team. Candidates with a BSc/MChem and 1-2 years of practical experience in organic chemistry are encouraged to apply. This full-time position offers 37.5 hours a week with competitive salary and comprehensive benefits like private healthcare, generous pension scheme, and 26 days annual leave.

Benefits

Generous pension contributions

Private healthcare cover

26 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Flexitime

Discretionary bonus

Employee assistance programme

Enhanced family leave policies

Qualifications

• Minimum 1–2 years experience in an industrial or academic environment.
• Sound theoretical understanding of organic synthesis.
• Experience in a medicinal chemistry environment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute synthetic routes for target molecules.
• Use purification techniques like HPLC and NMR.
• Keep up electronic laboratory notebook records.
• Prepare technical summaries and reports.
• Stay updated with developments in synthetic organic chemistry.

Skills

Practical laboratory experience in synthetic organic chemistry

Strong attention to detail

Good oral and verbal communication skills

Commitment to safe practices

Proactive problem-solving mindset

Education

BSc / MChem in chemistry

Tools

ChemDraw

SciFinder

Dotmatics

ChemAxon

Job description

Working within our fully equipped research laboratories in Cambridge, our established group of scientists are world leaders in fragment and structure-based drug discovery.

Our scientists develop and apply fragment and structure-based methods to solve problems in drug discovery and have generated cell active lead compounds and development candidates against targets in oncology, neurodegeneration, anti-infectives and inflammation.

The Role – Job Summary

We are seeking a motivated, lab-based synthetic chemist to support ongoing research and compound synthesis activities within a collaborative chemistry team. This role offers an excellent opportunity for a developing chemist to strengthen practical skills in modern synthetic organic chemistry while contributing to high-quality experimental delivery.

You will contribute to the design and execution of synthetic routes, purification and characterisation of organic molecules, and accurate documentation of experimental work. The position provides exposure to a multidisciplinary research environment and the opportunity to broaden technical expertise, scientific understanding, and professional capability.

This role is well-suited to candidates with a solid practical and theoretical foundation, who are keen to learn, take ownership of experimental work, and grow within a supportive scientific environment.

This position is being offered on a 2-year fixed term basis.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execution of synthetic routes to prepare target molecules of the required quantity and purity
• Application of purification and characterisation techniques, including flash chromatography, HPLC, LCMS and NMR
• Accurate recording of experimental work and timely upkeep of electronic laboratory notebook records
• Literature searching, and use of modern informatics tools, to solve synthetic challenges
• Preparation of technical summaries and written reports, and presentation of work at internal departmental and project meetings
• Keeping up-to-date with modern developments in synthetic organic chemistry and laboratory best practices
• Safe working, in accordance with company policies and procedures

Skills and Competencies

• Hold a BSc / MChem (or equivalent) in chemistry
• Have practical laboratory experience in synthetic organic chemistry, gained in an industrial or academic environment (minimum 1–2 years)
• Able to demonstrate a sound theoretical understanding of organic synthesis and reaction mechanism
• Strong attention to detail with accurate record keeping
• Able to work effectively – both independently and as part of a team
• Good oral and verbal communication skills
• Commitment to safe and high-quality laboratory practices
• Experience working in a medicinal chemistry / drug discovery environment
• Familiarity with chemical databases and informatics tools (e.g., ChemDraw, SciFinder, Dotmatics, ChemAxon)
• Experience working in an industrial laboratory setting

Personal Attributes

• Enthusiastic, reliable, and motivated to learn and develop
• Strong problem-solving mindset with a proactive approach
• Able to manage workload effectively and adapt to changing priorities
• Collaborative, professional, and detail-focused

Why Vernalis?

At Vernalis you will be part of ‘One Team’ working in a friendly and collaborative office.

As well as a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits including generous pension contributions, private healthcare cover, 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, holiday purchase scheme, flexitime, discretionary bonus, employee assistance programme and enhanced family leave policies.

Normal working hours for this full-time position is 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, but alternative working patterns will be considered for the right candidate.

If you feel passionate about joining a team where scientific excellence and enthusiasm combine in a friendly and flexible environment to impact drug discovery projects, then please get in touch!

Please include a covering letter which outlines your suitability and motivation for this position.

Please note that applicants must have the right to work in the UK as we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Vernalis Research is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit.