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Postdoctoral Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry

Eli Lilly and Company
12 hours ago
On-site
San Francisco, CA
Clinical Research and Development
Position Summary
This Postdoctoral Scientist position works on drug discovery programs with Lilly’s Medicinal Chemistry organization in South San Francisco within the Lilly Small Molecule Discovery (LSMD) team, applying synthetic expertise to design and prepare novel medicinal chemistry targets.

Responsibilities
- Synthesize and design medicinal chemistry targets to optimize potency, ADME, and physicochemical properties
- Plan and execute multi-step synthetic routes to access structurally complex targets (ring systems, stereocenters, heterocyclic scaffolds)
- Purify starting materials, intermediates, and final compounds
- Characterize products using analytical techniques including LCMS, NMR, etc.
- Troubleshoot and optimize challenging reactions
- Implement enabling synthetic methods (e.g., C–H activation, photoredox, asymmetric catalysis)
- Collaborate on methodologies for rapidly screening relevant reactions
- Review assay data, communicate results, and discuss project impact
- Uphold laboratory safety standards and safe chemical handling practices
- Generate accurate lab records; present findings in team meetings
- Maintain and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation and equipment

Basic Requirements
- PhD in organic chemistry, chemistry, biochemistry, or related field; all requirements completed by October 2026

Additional Preferences
- Self-motivated, continuous learner; excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Parallel reaction design/DoE/high-throughput synthesis experience
- Complex molecule synthesis background (e.g., cross-coupling, C–H functionalization, asymmetric reactions)
- Ability to thrive in fast-paced, project-driven environments
- Data science familiarity
- Medicinal chemistry/drug design software familiarity (LiveDesign, Maestro, MOE, PyMOL, ELN, etc.)
- Strong organization, analytical/documentation, and multitasking skills

Benefits/Compensation
- Anticipated wage: $58,000 - $123,200
- Full-time employees may be eligible for a company bonus and comprehensive benefits (e.g., 401(k), pension, vacation, medical/dental/vision, flexible benefits, life insurance, time off/leave, well-being benefits).