Advisor/Sr. Advisor - Macrocycles Chemical Biology

Role Summary

Advisor/Sr. Advisor - Macrocycles Chemical Biology focusing on deep technology development in chemical biology, specifically peptides and macrocycles with a focus on peptide libraries and oral macrocyclic peptides. Lead and manage scientific group milestones, contribute to strategy, and mentor junior scientists within the Protomer group at Lilly. Collaborate across therapeutic areas to advance preclinical and clinical pipelines into medicines.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to projects in oral macrocycles, chemical biology or peptide frameworks combining design and conjugation at the interface of small molecules and peptides.
• Lead molecule engineering efforts from lead identification to lead optimization and contribute to 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 common goals, provide independent perspective, and contribute to strategy and execution.
• Lead dedicated molecular engineering efforts toward high-conviction targets and accelerate synthesis across Protomer and Lilly groups, including cross-functional collaboration with LRL.
• Inspire collaboration to invent medicines by removing barriers, upholding high-quality hypotheses, and accelerating where possible.
• Maintain safety as a top priority and promote a proactive safety culture.
• Advocate for diversity and inclusion in recruiting, retention, and development of scientists; coach and develop staff.
• Be a good teammate and work professionally with colleagues at Protomer and across Lilly.

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.
• Additional Skills: Knowledge of developments in oral macrocyclic peptides or library-based selection approaches; track record in library-based screening or lead optimization using display technologies/OBOC/DEL; experience in bioinformatics, NGS analysis, peptide library designs; deep knowledge of molecular biology techniques; proficiency in experimental design, assay execution, troubleshooting, data analysis and interpretation; familiarity with lab automation; exposure to computational/structural efforts for hit identification and lead optimization; basic understanding of computational and AI/ML techniques for oral macrocyclic peptide medicines; understanding of the drug discovery process and cross-functional partnerships; strong communication and leadership in a global matrixed organization; strategic thinking and initiative for continuous improvement.

Skills

• Library-based screening and lead optimization for peptides/macrocycles
• Biophysical/biochemical property understanding for macrocyclic peptides
• Molecular biology techniques; experimental design and data interpretation
• Lab automation and workflow creation
• Computational/AI/machine learning awareness for peptide development
• Cross-functional collaboration and effective communication with leadership
• Strategic thinking and initiative to drive continuous improvement

Education

• PhD or post-doctoral degree in chemistry, synthetic chemistry, chemical biology or related field

Additional Requirements

• Some domestic and international travel is anticipated and expected.