Advisor - RNA Chemistry
Eli Lilly and Company
August 23, 2026
On-site
Indianapolis, IN
Clinical Research and Development
Responsibilities:
- Design and synthesize oligonucleotides and novel nucleotide analogs for incorporation into siRNA and ASO platforms to support portfolio drug discovery.
- Independently identify critical scientific questions and develop chemistry strategies to enhance potency, safety, and durability of oligonucleotide drugs.
- Collaborate with in vitro and in vivo biologists to evaluate targets and integrate cross-functional information for data-driven decisions.
- Design and implement chemistry strategies for delivery of oligonucleotide medicines to tissues and cell types, anticipating and managing risk to minimize impact on timelines.
- Develop and test new ideas to advance scientific/project understanding across oligonucleotides and related modalities (e.g., antibody-oligonucleotide and peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates).
- Build cross-functional and external networks to understand contributions to oligonucleotide R&D.
- Define scientific hypotheses, goals, critical success factors, and timelines to advance the portfolio.
- Mentor and develop junior scientists; provide feedback and support excellence and knowledge sharing.
- Create a safe environment for idea sharing and contribution.
- Represent genetic medicine project teams in presentations to senior leadership.
Basic Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in organic chemistry (or related field) with 0–5+ years pharmaceutical industry experience or relevant postdoctoral training.
Additional Skills/Preferences:
- Strong synthetic organic chemistry skills, including multistep route design and execution.
- Expertise characterizing small molecules via NMR, mass spectrometry, and HPLC.
- Oligonucleotide synthesis with automated synthesizers (e.g., Mermade or K&A) and downstream processing desirable (not required).
- Biomolecule conjugation experience desirable (not required).
- Creative, fast-paced discovery mindset; proficiency with ChemDraw, electronic notebooks, and Microsoft Office.
Additional Information:
- Travel: 0–10%.
- Location: On-site, Indianapolis, IN – Lilly Corporate Center (LCC).
- Design and synthesize oligonucleotides and novel nucleotide analogs for incorporation into siRNA and ASO platforms to support portfolio drug discovery.
- Independently identify critical scientific questions and develop chemistry strategies to enhance potency, safety, and durability of oligonucleotide drugs.
- Collaborate with in vitro and in vivo biologists to evaluate targets and integrate cross-functional information for data-driven decisions.
- Design and implement chemistry strategies for delivery of oligonucleotide medicines to tissues and cell types, anticipating and managing risk to minimize impact on timelines.
- Develop and test new ideas to advance scientific/project understanding across oligonucleotides and related modalities (e.g., antibody-oligonucleotide and peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates).
- Build cross-functional and external networks to understand contributions to oligonucleotide R&D.
- Define scientific hypotheses, goals, critical success factors, and timelines to advance the portfolio.
- Mentor and develop junior scientists; provide feedback and support excellence and knowledge sharing.
- Create a safe environment for idea sharing and contribution.
- Represent genetic medicine project teams in presentations to senior leadership.
Basic Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in organic chemistry (or related field) with 0–5+ years pharmaceutical industry experience or relevant postdoctoral training.
Additional Skills/Preferences:
- Strong synthetic organic chemistry skills, including multistep route design and execution.
- Expertise characterizing small molecules via NMR, mass spectrometry, and HPLC.
- Oligonucleotide synthesis with automated synthesizers (e.g., Mermade or K&A) and downstream processing desirable (not required).
- Biomolecule conjugation experience desirable (not required).
- Creative, fast-paced discovery mindset; proficiency with ChemDraw, electronic notebooks, and Microsoft Office.
Additional Information:
- Travel: 0–10%.
- Location: On-site, Indianapolis, IN – Lilly Corporate Center (LCC).