Synthesis Chemist
Also known as: R&D Chemist · Research Chemist · Medicinal Chemistry Associate
Makes new molecules and intermediates in an R&D lab for pharma, agrochemical or specialty chemical work.
What you’d do
A synthesis chemist carries out chemical reactions in a research lab to make new compounds, drug intermediates or specialty chemicals. Employers include contract research organisations, pharmaceutical and agrochemical companies, and specialty chemical makers. Days are spent at the fume hood setting up reactions, working up and purifying products, and recording results.
- Run reactions following lab procedures
- Purify and isolate products
- Record experiments in a lab notebook
- Support analysis with TLC, HPLC and NMR data
How you get in
Some contract research organisations hire B.Sc Chemistry graduates as trainee or junior chemists; many R&D roles ask for an M.Sc in Organic Chemistry. Strong practical lab skills and safe handling of chemicals matter in interviews.
Salary in India
Fresher salary over the years
middle of the 0–1 yr range, ₹ lakh a year
Fewer than two years of fresher data so far — the trend shows once there are two.
Skills you’ll use
From our guide · a curated list is coming
- Organic synthesis techniques
- Purification and isolation
- Lab safety and handling of hazardous chemicals
- Accurate lab-notebook records
- Reading analytical data
About this field · for freshers
Job openings by year
Is demand growing?
Not added yet.
Competition4
How many graduates enter each year?
B.Sc (all subjects) graduates in 2023-24 at institutions that reported to AISHE — everyone finishing that degree, not only those entering this role.
Who hires
IT firms, banks, government, startups?
Not added yet.
Where the jobs are
Which cities?
Not added yet.
Women in the field4
Is it diverse?
Share of women among B.Sc (all subjects) graduates in 2023-24 — the entry degree, not people already working in this role.
At a glance
- Many B.Sc entrants complete an M.Sc to move into core R&D posts.
- Next roles: senior research chemist, team leader, or process R&D.
- Work involves hazardous chemicals and strict safety rules.
Stay safe
No legitimate employer ever asks you to pay to get a job.