Role Description

Scientific > Organic Chemist

Salary National Average

Low Medium High
49620.0000 61560.0000 78900.0000

Change from Previous Year:

+6%

Supply and Demand

Candidate Supply: 227 Job Openings: 2,427

0 50 100

More Difficult Less Difficult

Salary Variance

Enter City, State to view local salaries and candidate demand.

Short Description:

Organic chemists study molecules that contain carbon. They may characterize, synthesize or find applications for organic molecules. They perform calculations and chemical reactions to achieve their goals. Organic chemists typically work with advanced, computer-driven equipment as well as traditional chemistry lab equipment and chemicals.

Duties / Responsibilities:

  • Perform complex research projects, such as developing new products and testing new methods
  • Provide instruction on proper chemical testing and processing procedures including mixing times, operating temperatures, and ingredients
  • Prepare compounds, reagents, and solutions used in laboratory procedures
  • Analyze various substances to find their composition
  • Test substances and materials for chemical safety
  • Write technical reports to describe their methods and findings
  • Present their findings to Engineer, scientists, and other colleagues

Skills / Requirements / Qualifications

  • Requires a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry with >2 years of industrial or postdoctoral experience in synthetic organic chemistry or drug discovery
  • Proficiency in analytical techniques including LC-MS, NMR, UV, IR spectroscopy, TLC
  • Excellent multitasking skills with the ability to plan and execute multiple reactions simultaneously
  • Critical thinking and scientific curiosity
  • High attention to detail
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively in a team but also able to work independently
  • Proven track record of accomplishments in synthetic organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry or related disciplines is highly desirable

Job Zones

  • Title: Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
  • Education:  Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
  • Related Experience:  Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job..
  • Job Training:  Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
  • Job Zone Examples:  These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, neurologists, and veterinarians.
  • SVP Range:  8.0 and above

Share Role Details

Return to job listings