Chemist jobs in Cambridge, MA

​A life sciences chemist is a professional who specializes in the field of chemistry as it relates to life sciences, such as biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and medicine. They apply their knowledge of chemistry to understand and solve problems related to biological systems, molecules, and processes.

Here are some key tasks and responsibilities of a life sciences chemist:

1. Research and Development: Life sciences chemists often work in research and development settings, where they investigate and develop new chemical compounds, drugs, or medical treatments. They design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and interpret results to contribute to scientific advancements.

2. Drug Discovery and Development: Life sciences chemists play a crucial role in drug discovery and development. They collaborate with biologists, pharmacologists, and other researchers to identify and synthesize new compounds that have potential therapeutic effects. They test these compounds for their biological activity, assess their safety and efficacy, and optimize their chemical properties.

3. Analysis and Characterization: Life sciences chemists use various analytical techniques and instruments to analyze and characterize biological samples, such as proteins, DNA, RNA, and metabolites. They employ methods like spectroscopy, chromatography, mass spectrometry, and molecular imaging to identify and quantify molecules of interest.

4. Chemical Synthesis: Life sciences chemists are skilled in organic and medicinal chemistry, allowing them to synthesize complex molecules and compounds. They design and develop synthetic routes for the production of target molecules and optimize reaction conditions to maximize yield and purity.

5. Quality Control and Assurance: In industries such as pharmaceuticals or biotechnology, life sciences chemists ensure the quality, purity, and safety of products by conducting quality control tests and implementing quality assurance procedures. They verify the chemical composition, stability, and compliance of products with regulatory standards.

6. Collaboration and Communication: Life sciences chemists often collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including biologists, physicians, engineers, and statisticians. They communicate their findings and research outcomes through scientific papers, presentations, and reports, fostering effective collaboration and knowledge sharing. The work of a life sciences chemist involves applying chemical principles and techniques to understand biological systems, develop new drugs, analyze biomolecules, and contribute to advancements in medicine and healthcare.

Cambridge, MA

​Cambridge, Massachusetts is considered one of the world's top hubs for life sciences and biotechnology:

• Home to Harvard University and MIT - two of the world's premier research institutions that drive innovation and spin-offs.

• Dense cluster of biotech companies, both established and startups, benefiting from proximity and networks. Major companies like Biogen, Sanofi, Novartis have offices.

• Access to plentiful VC funding through a high concentration of biotech investors in the Boston/Cambridge area.

• Talent pipeline from having multiple top universities nearby including Harvard Medical School.

• Hundreds of biotech, pharma, and medical device companies in Cambridge area creates strong job market.

• Massachusetts provides a supportive ecosystem for biotech growth through tax incentives, grants, and initiatives.

• Cambridge Kendall Square has been purpose-built as a hub for biotech with lab space, incubators, and community events.

The combination of research institutions, abundant funding, dense industry cluster, and supporting infrastructure make Cambridge arguably the top global innovation hub for life sciences and biotechnology today. It offers unmatched ecosystem connectivity.