Scientific Director, Process Chemistry - Oligonucleotides
Eli Lilly and Company
August 23, 2026
On-site
Indianapolis, IN
Clinical Research and Development
Responsibilities:
- Provide oligonucleotide CMC technical leadership; coach/mentor and build internal capability across complex single strands, siRNA, and oligonucleotide conjugates (AOC/PRC).
- Apply modern synthetic organic and nucleic acid chemistry to improve methods, define new manufacturing technologies, and solve CMC challenges across the LGM portfolio.
- Develop impurity control strategies aligned with global regulatory expectations; answer CMC regulatory questions for clinical studies and marketing authorization; validation experience preferred.
- Lead route design, process development, equipment selection, and scale-up; partner with Lilly Medicine Foundry and external CMOs for robust clinical/commercial supply.
- Use automated reactor platforms and purification technologies across the oligonucleotide portfolio.
- Collaborate across CMC networks (Drug Product Delivery, Project Management, Quality, Manufacturing, Regulatory) to deliver materials/documentation for trials and submissions.
- Integrate external chemistry innovations; present at symposia/consortia and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
- Drive novel chemical design and mechanism-based problem solving (e.g., total synthesis, methodology development, oligonucleotide synthesis).
Basic Qualifications:
- PhD with 5+ years industry experience (synthesis, oligonucleotides, solid-phase synthesis, CMC); or MS with 8+ years.
- Pharmaceutical sector experience from mid-development (proof of concept) through commercialization; development and CMC with quality/regulatory interactions; tech transfer into manufacturing.
Additional Preferences:
- Strong interpersonal/collaborative skills; initiative and risk-taking; ability to manage technical projects and ambiguity; leadership, influence, persuasion/negotiation.
Compensation/Benefits:
- Anticipated wage: $148,500–$257,400; possible company bonus; eligible for comprehensive benefits including 401(k), pension, medical/dental/vision, flexible benefits, life insurance, time off, and well-being benefits.
Location/Travel:
- Indianapolis, IN (LTC-N); lab environment; 0–10% travel.
- Provide oligonucleotide CMC technical leadership; coach/mentor and build internal capability across complex single strands, siRNA, and oligonucleotide conjugates (AOC/PRC).
- Apply modern synthetic organic and nucleic acid chemistry to improve methods, define new manufacturing technologies, and solve CMC challenges across the LGM portfolio.
- Develop impurity control strategies aligned with global regulatory expectations; answer CMC regulatory questions for clinical studies and marketing authorization; validation experience preferred.
- Lead route design, process development, equipment selection, and scale-up; partner with Lilly Medicine Foundry and external CMOs for robust clinical/commercial supply.
- Use automated reactor platforms and purification technologies across the oligonucleotide portfolio.
- Collaborate across CMC networks (Drug Product Delivery, Project Management, Quality, Manufacturing, Regulatory) to deliver materials/documentation for trials and submissions.
- Integrate external chemistry innovations; present at symposia/consortia and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
- Drive novel chemical design and mechanism-based problem solving (e.g., total synthesis, methodology development, oligonucleotide synthesis).
Basic Qualifications:
- PhD with 5+ years industry experience (synthesis, oligonucleotides, solid-phase synthesis, CMC); or MS with 8+ years.
- Pharmaceutical sector experience from mid-development (proof of concept) through commercialization; development and CMC with quality/regulatory interactions; tech transfer into manufacturing.
Additional Preferences:
- Strong interpersonal/collaborative skills; initiative and risk-taking; ability to manage technical projects and ambiguity; leadership, influence, persuasion/negotiation.
Compensation/Benefits:
- Anticipated wage: $148,500–$257,400; possible company bonus; eligible for comprehensive benefits including 401(k), pension, medical/dental/vision, flexible benefits, life insurance, time off, and well-being benefits.
Location/Travel:
- Indianapolis, IN (LTC-N); lab environment; 0–10% travel.