Research Associate Organic Medicinal Chemistry

SpiroChem AG is a pioneering research partner that provides innovative solutions across the entire drug discovery and process chemistry R&D value chain. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, SpiroChem has a strong presence near major life science hubs, with a second R&D site in Montreal, Canada. With top-tier experts fully dedicated, SpiroChem and Cyclenium offer the best chance of success, significantly reducing the risks of research programs.

About the Position

We are seeking a Research Associate in Organic and Medicinal Chemistry to join our team in Montreal.

Under the supervision of a team of experienced scientists, the selected candidate will be responsible for designing and executing medicinal chemistry synthesis activities within the company's internal and collaborative drug discovery projects.

They may also assume other responsibilities related to R&D activities as assigned by their supervisor and senior management.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform multi-step synthesis (3-5 steps) of fragments and building blocks to be incorporated into target molecules (gram to kilogram scale).
• Execute multi-step synthesis (3-16 steps) of new molecules, including macrocycles and analogues of lead candidates (milligram to gram scale), individually or in a library format.
• Design and execute synthesis, purification, and characterization of small molecules and building blocks to support internal and collaborative drug discovery and development efforts.
• Perform purification (flash chromatography, HPLC, crystallization, distillation) and analytical characterization (NMR, IR, LC-MS) of aforementioned molecules and fragments.
• Research and design synthetic routes for the construction of target molecules.
• Develop optimization strategies to permit large-scale synthesis of molecules and fragments.
• Contribute to the research of new synthetic approaches to prepare diverse molecules of potential pharmacological interest as necessary.
• Prepare synthetic procedures and present results internally and externally, including at scientific conferences.
• Plan work and complete tasks on schedule.
• Maintain up-to-date records for all work performed and ensure a safe workplace.
• Comply with all applicable laboratory safety and operational regulations and procedures.
• Assume additional responsibilities related to R&D activities as may be assigned by their supervisor or senior management.

Required Profile and Key Skills

• M.Sc. in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry, including experience in multi-step synthesis.
• At least two (2) years of relevant experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry.
• Very good knowledge of modern organic chemistry and competence in a wide variety of laboratory techniques, as well as associated spectroscopic (NMR, MS, IR, UV), purification, and analysis methods (flash, HPLC, normal and reverse phase chromatography).
• Strong analytical mindset, excellent technical skills, and goal-oriented approach.
• Flexibility to work effectively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary, dynamic environment and maintain timelines.
• Proven track record of scientific achievement, as demonstrated by successful R&D accomplishments and peer-reviewed publications or patents.
• Very good interpersonal skills, dedication, attention to detail, and ability to work in an interdependent team.
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills.
• Computer proficiency including standard office programs, use of chemical structure drawing programs, presentation preparation, online research tools, and database searching; experience with electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) software is required.
• How to Apply

Submit your CV and cover letter to jobs@spirochem.com. Please include the Job ID RA-OMC-MTL-2026-08 in the subject line.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Research Associate in Organic and Medicinal Chemistry to work with our team in Montreal. Reporting to a senior team member, the candidate will have responsibility for the design and execution of organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry efforts within the company's internal and collaborative drug discovery projects. Assume additional responsibilities related to R&D activities as may be assigned by their supervisor and senior management.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform multi-step synthesis (3-5 steps) of fragments and building blocks to be incorporated into target molecules (gram to kilogram scale).
• Execute multi-step synthesis (3-16 steps) of new molecules, including macrocycles and analogues of lead candidates (milligram to gram scale), individually or in a library format.
• Synthesis and evaluation of new building block components, fragments, and intermediates, as well as the assessment of their suitability for use in library construction as required.
• Design and execute synthesis, purification, and characterization of small molecules and building blocks to support internal and collaborative drug discovery and development efforts.
• Purification (flash chromatography, HPLC, crystallization, distillation) and analytical characterization (NMR, IR, LC-MS) of aforementioned molecules and fragments.
• Research and design synthetic routes for the construction of target molecules.
• Development of optimization schemes to permit large-scale synthesis of molecules and fragments.
• Assist in research on new synthetic approaches to the preparation of diverse molecules of potential pharmacological interest as necessary.
• Synthetic procedure preparation and presentation of results internally and externally, including at scientific conferences.
• Planning work and completion of tasks on schedule.
• Maintain up-to-date records for all work performed and ensure a safe workplace.
• Comply with all applicable laboratory safety and operational regulations and procedures.
• Additional responsibilities related to R&D activities as may be assigned by their supervisor or senior management.

Experience and Skills Required

• M.Sc. in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry with a concentration in organic synthesis, including experience with multi-step procedures.
• Minimum of two (2) years relevant experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry.
• Experience with combinatorial or peptide chemistry, parallel synthesis, and/or solid phase chemistry experience is considered a plus.
• Very good knowledge of modern organic chemistry and competence in a wide variety of laboratory techniques, as well as associated spectroscopic (NMR, MS, IR, UV), purification, and analysis methods (flash, HPLC, normal and reverse phase chromatography).
• Strong analytical mindset, excellent technical skills, goal-oriented.
• Flexibility with the ability to work successfully in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary, dynamic environment and maintain timelines.
• Proven track record of scientific achievement, as demonstrated by successful R&D accomplishments and peer-reviewed publications or patents.
• Very good interpersonal skills, dedication, attention to detail, ability to work in an interdependent team.
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills.
• Computer proficiency including standard office programs, use of chemical structure drawing programs, presentation preparation, online research tools, and database searching; experience with electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) software.
• Application Process

Applications must be submitted to the email jobs@spirochem.com, with a cover letter and CV with Job ID: RA-OMC-MTL-2026-08 in the subject.

Location: On-site