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Director- Purification- Process Translation and Execution

Eli Lilly and Company
August 11, 2026
On-site
Indianapolis, IN
Operations
Position Summary:
Experienced technical leader to join the PTE team as a group leader, building a high-performing culture rooted in collaboration and innovation.

Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, mentor, and develop PTE scientists in downstream bioprocessing (chromatography, TFF/UFDF, viral inactivation, viral filtration) across biologics and mixed modalities (mAb, ADC, ARC, peptides, oligonucleotides).
- Foster performance through coaching, one-on-ones, feedback; promote psychological safety and professional growth.
- Provide technical oversight for clinical DS purification and conjugation technology transfers (Process Development to Foundry cGMP), including fit assessments, risk analyses, and scale-up for right-first-time execution.
- Act as primary SME on the manufacturing floor; lead deviation investigations, root cause analysis, and drive CAPAs to closure.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to streamline tech transfer and digitize technical documentation/workflows.
- Define and lead purification/conjugation technology strategy; assess and industrialize next-gen capabilities.
- Serve as liaison across Process Development, Process Engineering, Analytical, Quality, Supply Chain, HSE, and Operations; represent PTE in inspections/audits.

Basic Qualifications:
- PhD in Biology/Biochemistry/Biological Engineering/Chemical/Biochemical Engineering (or related).
- 12+ years industry experience in biologics DS development/manufacturing; 8+ years purification process experience.
- Expertise in chromatography (affinity, ion exchange, mixed-mode), TFF/UFDF, viral inactivation (low pH, detergent), viral filtration.
- Column packing, resin lifetime management, and bench-to-clinical scale-up.
- Proven leadership/coaching and development of direct reports.

Preferred Skills:
- Bioconjugation experience (ADC/ARC or related), including conjugation optimization, DAR control, and post-conjugation purification.
- Single-use downstream systems (skids/SUMs/single-use TFF) and knowledge of PCC/continuous chromatography.
- PAT knowledge (inline UV, conductivity, pressure monitoring).
- Process innovation/continuous improvement; deviation investigations, RCA, CAPA.
- Familiarity with emerging purification modalities; strong cGMP/quality/regulatory knowledge.

Additional Information:
- Initial: Indianapolis, IN; Permanent: Lilly Medicines Foundry, Lebanon, Indiana.
- Travel: 5–10%; work in manufacturing and laboratory environments.
- Compensation: $151,500–$264,000; bonus eligibility; comprehensive benefits (401(k), pension, vacation, medical/dental/vision, flexible benefits, life insurance, time off/leave, well-being).