Advisor - Scientific Lead - Computational Chemistry, Advanced Molecular Design

Role Summary

Lilly’s Advanced Molecular Design (AMD) team is responsible for small molecule lead optimization with rapid progress toward new clinical candidates for patients in need. We are currently looking for an early career scientist dedicated to applying cutting edge computational chemistry tools in our close collaborative efforts with colleagues across medicinal chemistry and structural biology. The ideal candidate will be passionate about a holistic approach to drug discovery, where all aspects of molecular design are considered and thoughtfully anticipated up to and including clinical trials. Interactive communication and interpersonal collaboration will be essential to successfully fulfilling this important role in Lilly Small Molecule Discovery. This onsite position is located at Lilly med chem sites in San Francisco, California or Louisville, Colorado.

Responsibilities

• Structure-based design efforts for the lead/late-stage optimization of small molecule therapeutics across a range of therapeutic areas
• Play a key role in prioritizing medicinal chemistry efforts through critical analysis and effective decision-making leading to highly focused work and rapid progress
• Ensure the timely delivery of data and results to project teams to enable rapid iterative design cycles
• Maintain critical timelines and set team expectations for efficient delivery of clinical candidates
• Work closely with other discovery scientists to move our portfolio of molecules from leads to quality drug candidates that have a strong potential to become breakthrough drugs

Qualifications

• Required: PhD with 0 to 5 years of Drug Discovery research experience
• Preferred: A scientific background in computational chemistry and related technology applied to guide compound optimization for medicinal chemists
• Preferred: Proactive and effective collaboration with medicinal chemistry, structural biology, and other disciplines to achieve project goals and timelines
• Preferred: Strong core desire to help patients in need
• Preferred: Deep-thinking that leads to creative hypotheses for the optimization of lead series across multiple projects
• Preferred: A strong desire to establish a deeper understanding of all aspects of drug discovery, including small molecule-protein interactions, ADME, and toxicological considerations
• Preferred: A desire to continually stay up to date with the latest industry developments and novel techniques employed in discovery including AI and machine learning models
• Preferred: A proactive and highly engaged approach to solving challenging problems in discovery is essential
• Preferred: Knowledge of lead optimization using structure-based design and other aspects of computational chemistry
• Preferred: Agility and adaptability to change research priorities as necessary for success

Additional Requirements

• Travel may be required
• Physical demands consistent with an office environment