Advisor/Sr. Advisor - Macrocycles Chemical Biology

Role Summary

The Advisor/Sr. Advisor - Macrocycles Chemical Biology role is focused on deep technology development in chemical biology, specifically peptides and macrocycles with a focus on peptide libraries and oral macrocyclic peptides. The candidate will help develop strategy, direct scientific milestones, and mentor junior scientists within the Protomer group. The position requires leading integrated, agile, cross-functional efforts and interacting with multiple therapeutic areas to advance medicines.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to projects in oral macrocycles, chemical biology or peptide frameworks, combining molecule design and conjugation at the interface of small molecules and peptides.
• Lead molecule engineering efforts from lead identification to lead optimization and contribute through phase 1b and beyond.
• Lead display screening efforts from lead finding to lead optimization of oral macrocyclic peptide discovery projects.
• Learn about and enhance Protomer platform technology to accelerate lead finding and optimization.
• Collaborate within the group to achieve goals while providing independent perspective and scientific rationale to strategy and execution.
• Lead dedicated molecular engineering efforts toward high-precision targets, accelerating synthetic efforts within Protomer and Lilly groups and in collaboration with other units.
• Inspire collaboration to invent medicines by removing barriers, maintaining high-quality hypotheses, and accelerating where possible.
• Maintain safety as a top priority and foster a proactive safety culture.
• Advocate for diversity and inclusion in recruiting, retaining, and developing scientists, with commitment to coaching and development.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues at Protomer and across Lilly as a dependable teammate.

Qualifications

• PhD or post-doctoral degree in chemistry, synthetic chemistry, chemical biology or related field with significant experience and a proven track record of research success.

Skills

• Knowledge of current developments in oral macrocyclic peptides or library-based selection approaches.
• Proven track record of library-based screening or lead optimization using display technologies, OBOC libraries, DEL technologies, and experience with peptides showing understanding of biophysical and biochemical properties.
• Experience in bioinformatics, NGS analysis, and peptide library designs.
• Deep knowledge of molecular biology techniques; proficient in experimental design, assay execution, troubleshooting, data analysis, and interpretation.
• Knowledge of lab automation to streamline protocols and create workflows.
• Familiarity with computational and structural efforts for hit identification and lead optimization in macrocyclic peptides.
• Basic understanding of computational and AI/machine learning techniques for developing and engineering oral macrocyclic peptide medicines.
• Understanding of the whole drug discovery process including lead generation and lead optimization; ability to partner with cross-functional groups.
• Effective communication with employees, team members, and cross-functional/senior leadership.
• Strong teamwork, attention to detail, problem-solving, learning agility, and ability to lead within a globally matrixed organization.
• Strategic thinking and initiative to drive continuous improvement across Protomer.

Additional Requirements

• Some domestic and international travel is anticipated and expected.