ExploR&D Program Lead (EPL)

Role: The ExploR&D Program Lead (EPL) is responsible for managing external collaboration projects across discovery, preclinical, and clinical proof-of-concept within Lilly’s ExploR&D organization. Responsibilities include defining program strategy, developing timelines and budgets, leading cross-functional teams, and overseeing program execution from discovery through clinical stages. The EPL serves as the technical and alliance leader, collaborating with internal teams, external biotech partners, regulators, and other stakeholders to drive complex, high-risk programs forward. Core tasks involve synthesizing scientific data, guiding study design, managing scope and resources, and ensuring operational excellence through process improvements. Qualifications: Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in biology or a STEM field, with 5+ years’ experience in pharmaceutical preclinical and clinical drug development across modalities such as cell and gene therapies, biologics, peptides, oligonucleotides, vaccines, or small molecules. Preferred candidates hold advanced degrees (PhD, PharmD, MS, or MBA) and possess 10+ years of industry experience. Key skills include deep scientific expertise, influence and leadership in matrixed environments, stakeholder management, and project management proficiency (e.g., PMP). High-value biopharma specifics: cross-modality drug development, early-stage clinical programs, collaboration with biotech partners, and work across multiple therapeutic areas. Travel requirements are 10-25%, depending on program needs. The position reports within Lilly’s centralized Catalyze360 Project Management structure.