Scientist Jobs in Pennsylvania
Scientist jobs in Pennsylvania are consistently active, concentrated in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental consulting, and academic research, with openings at every level from entry-level research associate through principal and senior scientist. Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs anchor the largest share of hiring, home to major employers like GSK, Merck, and the University of Pennsylvania, while Pittsburgh draws life sciences and materials science talent through institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University and UPMC. The most in-demand specialties across the state include analytical chemistry, environmental science, and cell biology. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 123+ Scientist jobs
Date: Aug 13, 2026
Location: Tyrone, PA, US, 16686
Company: W. R. Grace & Co.
Annual Wage Range: $123,600.00 - $169,950.00
Other Compensation: Eligibility for the Short-Term Incentive program and other applicable bonuses
Benefits: U.S. Employee Benefits Summary (grace.com)
Grace, a Standard Industries company, is a leading global supplier of catalysts, engineered materials and fine chemicals. We provide innovative products, technologies and services which our customers use to manufacture everyday products like renewable fuels, pharmaceuticals, toothpaste, cosmetics, food packaging, beer, edible oils and more. Our thousands of employees help shape a better future at our global headquarters in Columbia, MD and locations worldwide.
Job Description
Grace is a leader in the production of small molecules used in the life sciences and pharmaceutical industries.
The R&D Scientist has a strong foundation in organic synthesis and is part of a highly motivated, creative R&D team.
The Scientist designs and optimizes the synthesis of organic compounds with the goal of producing routes of manufacture which can be scaled up on location.
This exciting specialty has a high potential for career growth by driving innovation using advanced synthetic & analytical techniques. The Scientist contributes to a cross-functional team of chemists, engineers, analytical experts, Health, Safety and Environmental and marketing teams to bring processes from the bench to commercial production.
The R&D Scientist is in Tyrone, PA.
Responsibilities
- Define, develop, and demonstrate commercially viable processes for custom products with a focus on developing economical and robust processes while minimizing waste streams.
- Support production of new chemical entities during initial scale-up and process validation.
- Perform experiments needed to evaluate and optimize a potential synthetic route in terms of its overall yield, purity, cost, and safety.
- Develop and share ideas for synthesizing sophisticated organic molecules, with an emphasis on applying innovative synthetic chemistry strategies and techniques.
- Explore crystallization conditions to create the desired crystal habit for optimal filtration rate, yield, and impurities rejection.
- Work collaboratively with other departments including safety, engineering, analytical, and sourcing to introduce new chemical processes into full-scale production.
- Write detailed development reports documenting the laboratory research.
- Devise literature searches and utilize other resources that are needed in evaluating projects in terms of their costs, toxicity, safety, and relevant patent data.
Physical Requirements and Environment
- Ability to follow safety protocols and standards working in a laboratory environment with highly hazardous materials
- Must be willing to wear PPE (Personal Protective equipment) including but not limited to hard hat, protective eyewear, steel-toed boots, hearing protection, Level A suit, full face respirator
Required Qualifications
- PhD in organic chemistry OR
- Master’s in chemistry with 7+ years of experience in organic chemistry.
- Experience interpreting data and spectra derived from laboratory instrumentation (NMR, HPLC, GC)
- Experience with amino acids and peptide synthesis
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with synthetic organic chemistry fundamentals, technical knowledge, and multi-step organic synthesis.
- Experience designing and developing novel synthetic routes which can be scaled to plant assets. Experience with process scale-up
- Experience working independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team environment.
- Experience generating and implementing original ideas and solutions which contribute materially to the success of product manufacturing.
- Education or experience using approved AI/ML tools to accelerate innovation and improve productivity.
To be considered for this position, candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future employer-sponsored work authorization. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or visa transfer.
#LI-SK1
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance and Disability
- Grace Wellness Program
- Flexible Workplace
- Retirement Plans
- 401(k) Company Match
- Paid Vacation and Holidays
- Parental Leave (salaried only)
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Company Donation Match Program
- U.S. Employee Benefits Summary
Grace is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Grace via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Grace. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Grace as a result of the referral or through other means.
Nearest Major Market: Altoona
Nearest Secondary Market: Johnstown
Date: Aug 13, 2026
Location: Tyrone, PA, US, 16686
Company: W. R. Grace & Co.
Annual Wage Range: $123,600.00 - $169,950.00
Other Compensation: Eligibility for the Short-Term Incentive program and other applicable bonuses
Benefits: U.S. Employee Benefits Summary (grace.com)
Grace, a Standard Industries company, is a leading global supplier of catalysts, engineered materials and fine chemicals. We provide innovative products, technologies and services which our customers use to manufacture everyday products like renewable fuels, pharmaceuticals, toothpaste, cosmetics, food packaging, beer, edible oils and more. Our thousands of employees help shape a better future at our global headquarters in Columbia, MD and locations worldwide.
Job Description
Grace is a leader in the production of small molecules used in the life sciences and pharmaceutical industries.
The R&D Scientist has a strong foundation in organic synthesis and is part of a highly motivated, creative R&D team.
The Scientist designs and optimizes the synthesis of organic compounds with the goal of producing routes of manufacture which can be scaled up on location.
This exciting specialty has a high potential for career growth by driving innovation using advanced synthetic & analytical techniques. The Scientist contributes to a cross-functional team of chemists, engineers, analytical experts, Health, Safety and Environmental and marketing teams to bring processes from the bench to commercial production.
The R&D Scientist is in Tyrone, PA.
Responsibilities
- Define, develop, and demonstrate commercially viable processes for custom products with a focus on developing economical and robust processes while minimizing waste streams.
- Support production of new chemical entities during initial scale-up and process validation.
- Perform experiments needed to evaluate and optimize a potential synthetic route in terms of its overall yield, purity, cost, and safety.
- Develop and share ideas for synthesizing sophisticated organic molecules, with an emphasis on applying innovative synthetic chemistry strategies and techniques.
- Explore crystallization conditions to create the desired crystal habit for optimal filtration rate, yield, and impurities rejection.
- Work collaboratively with other departments including safety, engineering, analytical, and sourcing to introduce new chemical processes into full-scale production.
- Write detailed development reports documenting the laboratory research.
- Devise literature searches and utilize other resources that are needed in evaluating projects in terms of their costs, toxicity, safety, and relevant patent data.
Physical Requirements and Environment
- Ability to follow safety protocols and standards working in a laboratory environment with highly hazardous materials
- Must be willing to wear PPE (Personal Protective equipment) including but not limited to hard hat, protective eyewear, steel-toed boots, hearing protection, Level A suit, full face respirator
Required Qualifications
- PhD in organic chemistry OR
- Master’s in chemistry with 7+ years of experience in organic chemistry.
- Experience interpreting data and spectra derived from laboratory instrumentation (NMR, HPLC, GC)
- Experience with amino acids and peptide synthesis
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with synthetic organic chemistry fundamentals, technical knowledge, and multi-step organic synthesis.
- Experience designing and developing novel synthetic routes which can be scaled to plant assets. Experience with process scale-up
- Experience working independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team environment.
- Experience generating and implementing original ideas and solutions which contribute materially to the success of product manufacturing.
- Education or experience using approved AI/ML tools to accelerate innovation and improve productivity.
To be considered for this position, candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future employer-sponsored work authorization. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or visa transfer.
#LI-SK1
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance and Disability
- Grace Wellness Program
- Flexible Workplace
- Retirement Plans
- 401(k) Company Match
- Paid Vacation and Holidays
- Parental Leave (salaried only)
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Company Donation Match Program
- U.S. Employee Benefits Summary
Grace is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Grace via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Grace. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Grace as a result of the referral or through other means.
Nearest Major Market: Altoona
Nearest Secondary Market: Johnstown
See All 123+ Scientist Jobs in Pennsylvania
Find roles in Pennsylvania that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Scientist JobsScientist Jobs by City in Pennsylvania
Where Pennsylvania roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Scientist Job Market in Pennsylvania
A snapshot from current Pennsylvania openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Resolian10
- Merck8
- Geisinger5
- The Wistar Institute5
- GSK4
Top Industries Hiring
- Science & Research
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Medical Devices
- Staffing & Recruiting
What Pennsylvania Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in scientist jobs across Pennsylvania.
- Bachelor's or advanced degree in a relevant natural science, biology, chemistry, or engineering discipline
- Hands-on laboratory experience with standard techniques relevant to the specific scientific discipline
- Proficiency with scientific instrumentation, data analysis software, or discipline-specific tools
- Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practice regulations and documentation standards in regulated environments
- Strong written communication skills for preparing technical reports, protocols, and study summaries
- Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with research, regulatory, or clinical teams on defined projects
Scientist Jobs in Pennsylvania: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a scientist in Pennsylvania?
Most scientist roles in Pennsylvania require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline such as biology, chemistry, environmental science, or a related field, with graduate degrees expected for senior or independent research positions. Pennsylvania does not issue a general scientist license, but certain specialties carry credential requirements: environmental scientists working on state-regulated assessments may need Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection registration, while laboratory directors in clinical settings must meet CLIA qualification standards. Building experience through Pennsylvania university research programs or co-op placements strengthens early candidacy.
Which companies hire scientists in Pennsylvania?
Employers hiring scientists in Pennsylvania right now include Resolian, Merck, and Geisinger, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Pennsylvania's dense concentration of pharmaceutical and biotech firms in the Philadelphia region, combined with research universities and federal laboratories in the Pittsburgh corridor, means hiring is distributed across both large multinational companies and specialized mid-size research organizations.
Which Pennsylvania cities have the most scientist jobs?
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Malvern have the most scientist job openings in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia dominates due to its large pharmaceutical and biotech corridor anchored by companies like GSK and Merck in nearby Montgomery and Chester counties, while Pittsburgh draws scientists through its university research ecosystem and health system employers, and smaller cities like King of Prussia and Lansdale benefit from their proximity to major suburban campus locations.
Are there remote scientist jobs in Pennsylvania?
Yes, but they're rare. About 50% of scientist openings tied to Pennsylvania are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting that most scientific work requires physical presence in a laboratory, field site, or regulated facility. The portions of the role most likely to be conducted remotely are data analysis, scientific writing, regulatory documentation, and computational modeling positions within larger research organizations.
How can I get hired as a scientist in Pennsylvania with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for research associate or laboratory technician roles, which large Pennsylvania employers like GSK, Merck, and UPMC post specifically for candidates without significant independent experience. Many Philadelphia-area pharmaceutical companies run structured new-graduate development programs, and Pennsylvania's research universities such as Penn State and Drexel frequently hire entry-level staff scientists. Completing a co-op or internship through a Pennsylvania university partnership, or earning a relevant certification such as a Registered Environmental Scientist credential for environmental roles, meaningfully strengthens applications from candidates with limited work history.
Where can I find and apply to scientist jobs in Pennsylvania?
You can find and apply to scientist jobs in Pennsylvania on Migrate Mate, which lists current Pennsylvania openings across industries including pharmaceuticals, environmental consulting, biotechnology, and academic research. Find roles that fit your background and experience level, then apply directly to each position through the listing.
See All 123+ Scientist Jobs in Pennsylvania
Find roles in Pennsylvania that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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