Synthetic Chemist

Inductive Bio is an AI medicinal chemistry partner. We build virtual labs that help drug discovery teams make better decisions, faster, across the full Design-Make-Test-Analyze (DMTA) cycle.

Our platform includes Beacon-2 ADMET prediction models, human dose projection tools, and Indy, an AI medicinal chemistry assistant. Through partnerships with CROs, we also offer innovative synthesis approaches, direct-to-dose testing, and cost-effective Tier 1 ADME panels that enable initial human PK projection, closing the loop from computational design to experimental validation. Together, these capabilities power dozens of small molecule and beyond-rule-of-five programs for biotech and pharma partners.

We've raised $30M from Obvious Ventures, a16z Bio + Health, and Lux Capital, and were selected for a $21M ARPA-H CATALYST award to develop next-generation toxicity models.

About the Role

We are seeking an accomplished Synthetic Chemist to help build the experimental chemistry capabilities behind Inductive's AI-forward drug discovery platform. This role combines medicinal chemistry strategy with hands-on synthesis expertise to design better compounds, solve challenging synthetic problems, and accelerate Design-Make-Test-Analyze workflows.

You'll play a key role in bridging computational design and experimental chemistry, bringing practical synthesis expertise to both the lab and the digital tools we're building.

This is an onsite role based in Boston, with regular visits to our local lab, reporting directly to our VP, Head of Medicinal Chemistry.

What You'll Do

• Apply your synthetic chemistry expertise to design, optimize, and troubleshoot synthetic routes across a diverse range of medicinal chemistry programs.

• Translate your practical knowledge into digital workflows that optimize synthetic routes, identify reaction conditions, streamline CRO communication, and track compound progress.

• Oversee synthesis activities with CRO partners, leveraging both your chemistry expertise and Inductive's technology to deliver high-quality compounds efficiently.

• Train and mentor laboratory technicians, ensuring reactions are executed safely, effectively, and reproducibly.

• Develop strategic approaches to compound and intermediate supply, including route optimization and scale-up to support ongoing medicinal chemistry exploration.

• Collaborate with medicinal chemists, computational scientists, and engineers to improve how compounds are designed, synthesized, and tested.

• Help shape a new approach to drug discovery by integrating hands-on chemistry expertise with AI-powered tools and workflows.

What We're Looking For

• A passion for advancing medicinal chemistry programs through practical, hands-on synthetic chemistry.

• Deep knowledge of modern synthetic methods, with a strong understanding of what works in practice at the bench.

• A track record of solving complex synthetic challenges across diverse chemotypes, reaction types, and scales.

• Experience mentoring junior chemists or technicians and sharing practical laboratory expertise.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to clearly articulate synthetic strategies and troubleshoot challenges with cross-functional teams.

• Demonstrated experience managing synthesis CROs, including both FTE-based teams and fee-for-service projects across multiple partners.

• Strategic thinking around material supply, including when to optimize routes, develop key intermediates, and scale synthesis to support program needs.

• Curiosity about emerging technologies and an interest in applying AI agents and digital tools to improve synthesis workflows.

Bonus Points

• Experience overseeing scale-up synthesis for in vivo toxicology studies or other late-stage drug discovery activities.

• Experience applying AI, automation, or digital tools to synthetic chemistry workflows.

• Experience working at the intersection of medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry, and experimental drug discovery.

Working at Inductive

At Inductive Bio, we know that the people on the team are what make us great. We offer competitive salary and equity-based compensation; comprehensive healthcare benefits (including dental and vision); and the opportunity to grow along with a rapidly scaling company. We are a passionate, kind, and mature team. Working at a fast-growing startup is not always a 9-5 job, but we believe that our employees should have full lives beyond their career.