Synthetic Chemist - Automation and Robotic Synthesis

About your role

We are looking for an experienced synthetic chemist to join our Medicinal Chemistry function and take a key role in operating and developing our robotic synthesis platform and solving synthetic chemistry challenges via route scouting and route optimization in discovery projects.

The position is permanent and includes a six-month probationary period. The work is conducted in Espoo during regular daytime hours from Monday to Friday with flexible working hours.

Your key responsibilities

• Develop, operate and maintain our synthesis robot to support drug discovery projects.
• Develop and optimize workflows and methods for robotic synthesis.
• Design and execute organic synthesis using both automated and manual techniques.
• Analyze reaction outcomes, purify and characterize products using various techniques.
• Solve synthetic chemistry challenges via route scouting and route optimization in discovery projects.
• Support compound scale up to a larger scale.
• Utilize machine learning possibilities and taking part e.g. in retrosynthesis tool evaluations.
• Collaborate closely with research assistants, medicinal chemists, and automation experts to ensure efficient and high-quality synthesis support.

You will be supported by an experienced medicinal chemist familiar with the robotic system and work alongside a dedicated research assistant.

What we offer

• A dynamic and multidisciplinary research environment where you can see the full journey of a molecule from idea to production.
• Opportunities to develop and implement cutting-edge automation technologies.
• A supportive team culture that values innovation, learning, and collaboration.

At Orion, your work creates true impact and well-being for our customers, patients and society at large. Our culture of friendliness, respect, mutual appreciation and diversity creates a safe working environment where you can strive for excellence. We offer a wealth of career paths and development opportunities that support the development of innovative solutions and improving the quality of life.

Our expectations

We are looking for candidates with:

• A PhD in organic chemistry
• Strong hands-on experience in synthetic organic chemistry, synthesis method development and green chemistry principles, preferably in an industrial setting.
• Knowledge of analytical techniques such as HPLC, LC-MS, and NMR.
• Experience with laboratory automation, liquid handling systems, or synthesis robots is highly valued.
• A proactive and collaborative mindset with a desire to develop new technologies and support diverse research projects.
• Experience in machine learning applications in synthetic chemistry is highly valued.
• Excellent collaboration skills and oral and written communication skills in English; Finnish is considered an asset.

We expect from all scientists the ability to work both independently and in a multidisciplinary team of medicinal chemists, modelers, pharmacologists, biologists and external collaborators.

How to apply and additional information

Please apply at the latest on September 7th, 2025. For additional information on the position, please contact Sirpa Rasku (Laboratory Manager) tel Preferred contact times (EEST, Finnish time) are Wednesday August 20th at 14-16, Friday August 29th at 8-10 and Thursday September 4th at 13-15.

We typically review applications already during the application period and may start interviewing candidates before the application deadline. Therefore, we invite you to send your application as soon as possible.

Approved medical examination which also includes drug testing is required prior to the employment. We will also carry out a security clearance prior to the employment for the selected person.

Unit description

Orion's pharmaceutical innovations are created within its R&D organization. We employ around 400 top professionals in the field of drug discovery and development. We work globally: in Espoo and Turku in Finland, in Nottingham in England and in New York, NY, USA. Orion R&D and the Innovative Medicines business division are dedicated to making a transformation to become a global player in the pain and oncology therapy areas.

Medicine Design is responsible for translating new drug targets to the biomolecule therapeutics together with other line functions. Our scientist in biology and chemistry are key players of the DMTA cycle of multiple research programs. You will be part of Medicinal Chemistry function with other synthetic medicinal chemists and research associates.

About Us Orion Pharma is a globally operating Nordic pharmaceutical company - a builder of well-being for over a hundred years.

We're home to more than 4,000 Orionees around the world, and we're proud to be known as a responsible employer and a great place to work. At Orion Pharma, people are truly valued and trusted, encouraged to grow, and supported by a culture where every voice is heard. We appreciate each other, strive for excellence, and build the future.

Together we develop, manufacture, and market human and veterinary pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Our extensive portfolio includes proprietary and generic medicines as well as consumer health products. The core therapy areas of our pharmaceutical R&D are oncology and pain. Proprietary products developed by Orion Pharma are used to treat cancer, neurological diseases, respiratory diseases, and more.

We offer careers with a clear purpose: empowering people to live their lives to the fullest.