Director/Sr. Director/Exec. Director, Molecular Pharmacology (AMD)
Eli Lilly and Company
August 16, 2026
On-site
San Francisco, CA
Clinical Research and Development
Position: Molecular Pharmacology Lead (People Manager L2) — South San Francisco, CA
Key Responsibilities
- Establish robust screening cascades; lead reproducible, high-quality assays driving SAR and compound optimization.
- Guide mechanistic characterization of molecules in vitro to inform compound optimization and target product profiles.
- Make sound scientific decisions balancing speed with scientific rigor; focus on highest-impact activities.
- Design cascades enabling data-driven go/no-go decisions; act decisively and surface challenges early with transparency.
- Lead cross-functional collaboration with Medicinal Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, ADME, and others.
- Mentor scientists to adopt AI, automation, and new technologies; foster “ONE TEAM” collaboration.
- Provide coaching, feedback, and evidence-based performance assessments; develop team across deep thinking, execution & delivery, culture & teamwork, and growth mindset.
- Model safety-first laboratory practice; complete safety training, conduct risk assessments, and follow safety/environmental/regulatory compliance.
Basic Requirements
- PhD in Biochemistry/Biology/Biophysics/Molecular Biology/Pharmacology (or related) + 15+ years pharmaceutical drug discovery experience; or BS/MS (or related) + 20+ years equivalent experience.
Additional Preferences
- Track record delivering high-quality pharmacology data that drives program decisions.
- Experience leading/developing scientists in fast-paced research.
- Deep background in biochemistry/biophysics and/or cell biology; strong cross-functional collaboration.
- Experience managing direct reports; familiarity with AI/ML and lab automation; multi-modality/therapeutic area experience.
Compensation & Benefits (as stated)
- Anticipated base pay: $163,500–$281,600; eligible for company bonus; comprehensive benefits including 401(k), healthcare (medical/dental/vision/prescription), life insurance, and well-being benefits.
Key Responsibilities
- Establish robust screening cascades; lead reproducible, high-quality assays driving SAR and compound optimization.
- Guide mechanistic characterization of molecules in vitro to inform compound optimization and target product profiles.
- Make sound scientific decisions balancing speed with scientific rigor; focus on highest-impact activities.
- Design cascades enabling data-driven go/no-go decisions; act decisively and surface challenges early with transparency.
- Lead cross-functional collaboration with Medicinal Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, ADME, and others.
- Mentor scientists to adopt AI, automation, and new technologies; foster “ONE TEAM” collaboration.
- Provide coaching, feedback, and evidence-based performance assessments; develop team across deep thinking, execution & delivery, culture & teamwork, and growth mindset.
- Model safety-first laboratory practice; complete safety training, conduct risk assessments, and follow safety/environmental/regulatory compliance.
Basic Requirements
- PhD in Biochemistry/Biology/Biophysics/Molecular Biology/Pharmacology (or related) + 15+ years pharmaceutical drug discovery experience; or BS/MS (or related) + 20+ years equivalent experience.
Additional Preferences
- Track record delivering high-quality pharmacology data that drives program decisions.
- Experience leading/developing scientists in fast-paced research.
- Deep background in biochemistry/biophysics and/or cell biology; strong cross-functional collaboration.
- Experience managing direct reports; familiarity with AI/ML and lab automation; multi-modality/therapeutic area experience.
Compensation & Benefits (as stated)
- Anticipated base pay: $163,500–$281,600; eligible for company bonus; comprehensive benefits including 401(k), healthcare (medical/dental/vision/prescription), life insurance, and well-being benefits.