Ginkgo Bioworks
Computational Synthetic Chemist
$115K–$165K
Boston, Massachusetts +1 · Full-time · Posted Aug 24, 2026
- Location
- Boston, Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts, United States - Experience
- Ph.D. plus 3 years, M.S. plus 6 years, or B.S. plus 9 years of relevant industry or postdoctoral experience.
- Education
- Ph.D. in synthetic organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or a closely related field; or an M.S.; or a B.S.
About the job
Designs and executes multi-step syntheses of drug-like molecules, using computational planning, reaction prediction, experimentation, and structured data to improve chemistry workflows.
What you'll do
- Own route selection, synthesis, purification, and characterization of compounds through delivery.
- Use and critically assess synthesis-planning and reaction-prediction tools; incorporate experimental outcomes into workflows.
- Capture reaction data in structured form, support automation and optimization, and collaborate with and mentor colleagues.
What they ask for
- Relevant experience: Ph.D. plus 3 years, M.S. plus 6 years, or B.S. plus 9 years in relevant industry or postdoctoral work.
- Demonstrated multi-step synthesis experience, including routes of approximately five or more steps, and timely compound delivery.
- Routine hands-on use of computer-aided synthesis planning or retrosynthesis tools, with sound route-design judgment.
- Fluency with chemical structure and reaction data, plus experience in reaction optimization and disciplined structured data capture.
Nice to have
- Python scripting with tools such as RDKit, pandas, or Jupyter.
- Experience with automated chemistry platforms, industrial HTE or nanoscale screening, or schedule-driven chemistry environments.
Pay
$115,000–$165,000 USD base salary
Tools
computer-aided synthesis planning (CASP), Python, RDKit, pandas, Jupyter, ReactIR, benchtop NMR, online LC-MS
AI focus
Uses computational route planning, retrosynthesis, and reaction-condition prediction; evaluates model outputs and feeds experimental results and corrected chemistry judgment back into planning and prediction workflows.
Model-written summary · the original posting is authoritative