Research Chemist

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.

RTI International is seeking a Research Chemist to join its Center for Therapeutics, Toxicology, and Devices (CTTD). Building on more than 40 years of experience supporting organic chemistry research, our team provides scientific expertise in organic synthesis, complex purification, analytical method development, chemical characterization, and dose formulation development.

In this role, you will contribute to multidisciplinary research supporting the discovery and development of therapeutic compounds. You will design and conduct organic chemistry experiments, apply purification and characterization techniques, and help establish structure–activity relationships (SAR) to guide compound development. You will collaborate with computational chemists and scientists in related disciplines to interpret findings and inform subsequent research.

The successful candidate will combine strong laboratory skills with the ability to lead defined research activities, contribute to proposals, communicate scientific findings, and mentor less experienced staff.

• Design and conduct organic synthesis experiments using established methods and, when appropriate, develop or adapt approaches to address research challenges.
• Perform chemical reactions, complex purifications, and compound characterization to support project objectives.
• Develop and apply analytical methods to evaluate compound identity, purity, and other relevant chemical properties.
• Contribute to dose formulation development and characterization, as required by project needs.
• Interpret chemical and related in vitro data to identify SAR trends and recommend next steps for compound design and synthesis.
• Collaborate with computational chemists and other research scientists to integrate experimental findings and guide research decisions.
• Lead assigned project activities, coordinating technical work and managing competing priorities to meet project milestones.
• Design research activities that build on the team’s collective expertise and advance project objectives.
• Prepare technical reports, proposal sections, and presentations that clearly communicate research methods, findings, and recommendations.
• Present research findings to clients, collaborators, and audiences at professional meetings.
• Contribute to project development and proposal activities by communicating RTI’s technical capabilities to internal and external stakeholders.
• Review colleagues’ scientific work and provide constructive technical feedback.
• Mentor junior staff through technical guidance, performance feedback, and support for professional development.
• Maintain accurate, complete research records and follow applicable laboratory safety and quality requirements.
• Perform scheduled instrument maintenance independently and participate in internal and external audits, as needed.

• PhD in chemistry or a directly related discipline, plus at least…