Medicinal Chemistry Synthesis Scientist – Drug Discovery

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

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.