Research Chemist

Why RTI

RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach-one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world’s most challenging problems.We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you.

About the Hiring Group

RTI International is seeking a Research Chemist to join its Center for Therapeutics, Toxicology, and Devices (CTTD). Building on more than 40 years of experience supporting organic chemistry research, our team provides scientific expertise in organic synthesis, complex purification, analytical method development, chemical characterization, and dose formulation development.

In this role, you will contribute to multidisciplinary research supporting the discovery and development of therapeutic compounds. You will design and conduct organic chemistry experiments, apply purification and characterization techniques, and help establish structure-activity relationships (SAR) to guide compound development. You will collaborate with computational chemists and scientists in related disciplines to interpret findings and inform subsequent research.

The successful candidate will combine strong laboratory skills with the ability to lead defined research activities, contribute to proposals, communicate scientific findings, and mentor less experienced staff.

What You'll Do

• Design and conduct organic synthesis experiments using established methods and, when appropriate, develop or adapt approaches to address research challenges.
• Perform chemical reactions, complex purifications, and compound characterization to support project objectives.
• Develop and apply analytical methods to evaluate compound identity, purity, and other relevant chemical properties.
• Contribute to dose formulation development and characterization, as required by project needs.
• Interpret chemical and related in vitro data to identify SAR trends and recommend next steps for compound design and synthesis.
• Collaborate with computational chemists and other research scientists to integrate experimental findings and guide research decisions.
• Lead assigned project activities, coordinating technical work and managing competing priorities to meet project milestones.
• Design research activities that build on the team’s collective expertise and advance project objectives.
• Prepare technical reports, proposal sections, and presentations that clearly communicate research methods, findings, and recommendations.
• Present research findings to clients, collaborators, and audiences at professional meetings.
• Contribute to project development and proposal activities by communicating RTI’s technical capabilities to internal and external stakeholders.
• Review colleagues’ scientific work and provide constructive technical feedback.
• Mentor junior staff through technical guidance, performance feedback, and support for professional development.
• Maintain accurate, complete research records and follow applicable laboratory safety and quality requirements.
• Perform scheduled instrument maintenance independently and participate in internal and external audits, as needed.

What You'll Need

• PhD in chemistry or a directly related discipline, plus at least three years of directly related experience.
• Hands-on experience with a broad range of organic reactions and purification strategies.
• Experience applying analytical methods and chemical characterization techniques to organic chemistry research.
• Ability to interpret experimental results and use SAR trends to inform research decisions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform detailed, accurate work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain scientific findings to varied audiences.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and statistical computing software.

EEO & Pay Equity Statements

For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is available here.

RTI accepts applications to our job openings from candidates with criminal histories or conviction records in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

For Applicants in Massachusetts Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States. RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.

Hiring Salary Range