Mixed Modality (Peptide Upstream) Scientist - Process Translation and Execution
Eli Lilly and Company
August 07, 2026
On-site
Indianapolis, IN
Operations
Responsibilities:
- Perform synthetic peptide chemistry and assess synthetic routes from early phase process R&D labs.
- Conduct peptide upstream procedures such as SPPS and Cleavage & Precipitation.
- Evaluate safety of incoming procedures in collaboration with safety group and process engineering.
- Order and stage chemicals; obtain reference materials; set up analytical methods.
- Reprocess and analyze analytical data to make fact-based decisions.
- Summarize and present chemistry and challenges.
- Perform familiarization executions to ensure plant readiness (including SPPS and Cleavage & Precipitation).
- Perform use-tests of key raw materials and document Definitive Lab Trials to confirm plant readiness.
- Maintain detailed lab notebooks for accurate technical packages/transfers and replication in receiving labs.
- Author/review technical documents: tech transfer plan, SOPs, batch records, campaign summary reports, deviation reports.
- Apply scientific knowledge to identify improvements and implement new technologies/procedures.
- Support process deviations, quality events, and non-conformances; collaborate on RCA and CAPAs.
Required Qualifications:
- B.S. or M.S. in chemistry/chemical engineering or related field.
- 3+ years of experience in peptide chemistry and/or synthetic peptide API/drug substance manufacturing environments (solid phase peptide synthesis preferred).
- Authorized to work in the U.S. full-time; Lilly will not sponsor visas/work authorization.
Preferred Qualifications/Skills:
- Working knowledge of peptide chemistry/mechanisms; reaction improvement/optimization.
- Experience scaling up synthetic chemistry; process chemistry concepts a plus.
- Proficiency synthesizing peptide crude via SPPS and cleavage & deprotection.
- Comfort with larger glass equipment; strong attention to detail.
- Experience creating batch records and conducting scale-up experiments.
- Ability to prioritize multiple activities and manage ambiguity.
- Analytical techniques: HPLC/UPLC, LC-MS, GC, NMR, etc.; mass balance/process quantification.
- Experience driving projects, accepting change; excellent written/verbal communication.
- Familiarity with downstream purification (TFF, lyophilization) and safe handling of solids.
- Proven problem-solving/root cause analysis; cross-functional collaboration.
Other Information:
- Location: Initial Lilly Technology Center (Indianapolis and/or Carmel), permanent at Lilly Medicine Foundry (Lebanon, IN).
- Limited travel (<5%); manufacturing and laboratory environment work required.
- Perform synthetic peptide chemistry and assess synthetic routes from early phase process R&D labs.
- Conduct peptide upstream procedures such as SPPS and Cleavage & Precipitation.
- Evaluate safety of incoming procedures in collaboration with safety group and process engineering.
- Order and stage chemicals; obtain reference materials; set up analytical methods.
- Reprocess and analyze analytical data to make fact-based decisions.
- Summarize and present chemistry and challenges.
- Perform familiarization executions to ensure plant readiness (including SPPS and Cleavage & Precipitation).
- Perform use-tests of key raw materials and document Definitive Lab Trials to confirm plant readiness.
- Maintain detailed lab notebooks for accurate technical packages/transfers and replication in receiving labs.
- Author/review technical documents: tech transfer plan, SOPs, batch records, campaign summary reports, deviation reports.
- Apply scientific knowledge to identify improvements and implement new technologies/procedures.
- Support process deviations, quality events, and non-conformances; collaborate on RCA and CAPAs.
Required Qualifications:
- B.S. or M.S. in chemistry/chemical engineering or related field.
- 3+ years of experience in peptide chemistry and/or synthetic peptide API/drug substance manufacturing environments (solid phase peptide synthesis preferred).
- Authorized to work in the U.S. full-time; Lilly will not sponsor visas/work authorization.
Preferred Qualifications/Skills:
- Working knowledge of peptide chemistry/mechanisms; reaction improvement/optimization.
- Experience scaling up synthetic chemistry; process chemistry concepts a plus.
- Proficiency synthesizing peptide crude via SPPS and cleavage & deprotection.
- Comfort with larger glass equipment; strong attention to detail.
- Experience creating batch records and conducting scale-up experiments.
- Ability to prioritize multiple activities and manage ambiguity.
- Analytical techniques: HPLC/UPLC, LC-MS, GC, NMR, etc.; mass balance/process quantification.
- Experience driving projects, accepting change; excellent written/verbal communication.
- Familiarity with downstream purification (TFF, lyophilization) and safe handling of solids.
- Proven problem-solving/root cause analysis; cross-functional collaboration.
Other Information:
- Location: Initial Lilly Technology Center (Indianapolis and/or Carmel), permanent at Lilly Medicine Foundry (Lebanon, IN).
- Limited travel (<5%); manufacturing and laboratory environment work required.