Chemist jobs in Chicago

​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.

​For many reasons, the city is top of the list in the manufacturing of food, metals, and plastics. Manufacturing is one of the top industries in Chicago right now not only because of its central location, but also because of the opportunities the city provides. The city is emerging as a life science and biopharma hub and seems poised for even further growth, in CGT in particular. Chicago is home to established biotech and pharmaceutical companies like Abbott Laboratories, AbbVie, Baxter Healthcare, and Hospira as well as homegrown start-ups like Nanosphere and Ohmx.