RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach—one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world’s most challenging problems.

We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you.

The medicinal chemistry team within the Center for Drug Discovery supports client needs by conducting hit-to-lead and lead optimization. We integrate medicinal chemistry into larger projects focused on drug discovery and development, including computational chemistry, in vitro assay development and HTS screening, in vivo behavioral pharmacology, ADME/PK bioanalytics, and regulatory support.

RTI International’s Center for Drug Discovery is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate with a strong background in synthetic organic or medicinal chemistry. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of small molecule therapeutics targeting central nervous system (CNS) disorders and other critical disease areas.

You’ll join a collaborative and multidisciplinary team of chemists, pharmacologists, and translational scientists, and benefit from mentorship designed to support your path toward research independence — including potential NIH K99/R00 grant support.

In this role, you’ll play a key part in designing, synthesizing, purifying, and characterizing novel small molecules as part of our drug discovery programs, with a focus on central nervous system (CNS) disorders and other disease areas. You’ll contribute to the development of structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies, collaborate with pharmacologists and biologists to evaluate compound efficacy and pharmacokinetics, and help optimize lead compounds. In addition to your bench work, you’ll be involved in writing manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication, contributing to grant proposals, and participating in project discussions with a multidisciplinary team. This position also offers valuable mentorship from the Principal Investigator to help you build your path toward research independence, including potential support for NIH K99/R00 or similar early-career awards.

• A recent Ph.D. (0–3 years) in synthetic organic or medicinal chemistry

• Strong hands-on experience in multi-step organic synthesis and compound design

• Demonstrated track record of research productivity (e.g., publications in peer-reviewed journals)

• Proficiency in analytical methods (e.g., HPLC, NMR, LC-MS)

• A creative, self-driven mindset with excellent communication and writing skills

• Interest or experience in interdisciplinary research involving pharmacology, biology, or ADME/PK

• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is available here.

RTI accepts applications to our job openings from candidates with criminal histories or conviction records in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

For Applicants in Massachusetts Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States. RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.