Scientist I - Discovery Chemistry
Cayman Chemical
Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Posted on May 19, 2026
Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Cayman Chemical Company supplies scientists worldwide with the resources necessary for advancing human and animal health. We offer a vast product catalog that is constantly growing to meet the needs of our clients. Additionally, we provide service programs that include comprehensive solutions to drive clients’ projects to completion.
Our mission is to make research possible. That starts by employing a talented and highly qualified group of experts that develop the tools to support research scientists.
Currently, we are looking to add a Scientist I to the team:
Responsibilities and Duties:
- Independently perform diverse organic syntheses, purifications, and characterizations of compounds for new products, custom services, and in-house production
- Propose synthetic routes and route optimizations to target compounds, optimize problematic reaction steps, elucidate compound structures using NMR, mass spec, and UV methods
- Prepare accurate and complete QC data packets prior to product submission
- Simultaneously advance multiple projects while staying within budget and timeline projections with direction from manager, prepare weekly project updates
- Independently write Cayman Standard Protocols (CSPs) and transfer standardized products across departments
- Assist in preparing custom synthesis quotes and in-house production analyses
- Propose new catalog products
- Read scientific literature with accuracy and understanding - may attend and report on relevant scientific conferences and webinars
- Assist with general lab upkeep and maintenance of laboratory equipment, may assist in training of new staff, junior members, and interns
Requirements:
- Education: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Chemistry or relevant field
- Experience: Relevant lab experience – 8yrs (with Bachelor’s), 5yrs (with Master’s), 0yrs (with PhD)
- Computer Skills: Functional knowledge of D365, SharePoint, ChemDraw, SciFinder, and Microsoft Office
- A diverse and developed understanding of chemistry, including familiarity with standard organic reactions, reaction mechanisms and retrosynthetic analysis
- Demonstrates critical thinking with respect to reaction setup and workup, paths to optimization, purification techniques, and analytical methods to determine chemical identity and purity
- High proficiency with lab techniques, including thin layer chromatography, column chromatography, recrystallization, MPLC, and HPLC
- Ability to perform and interpret analytical data, including 1H and 13C NMR, mass spec, UV, and HPLC
- Availability to work on-site in Ann Arbor during normal business hours
- Demonstrate Cayman’s Core Values – Integrity, Collaboration, People, Learning, and Excellence
What we Provide:
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- Competitive compensation
- Medical, dental and vision insurance
- Generous paid time-off (4 weeks) for vacations, sick and/or personal reasons
- Over 10 paid holidays per year, including the week of 12/24 through 1/1
- 401(k) plan
- Tuition Reimbursement and Student Debt Payment Program
- Life and disability insurance plans
- Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care (FSA)
- Fun employee events all year long
- Flexible work schedules
- Employee assistance program
- Casual dress
- Onsite Gym Facility