Scientific Director — Synthetic Process Chemistry (Peptides & Small Molecules)
Eli Lilly and Company
6 days ago
On-site
Indianapolis, IN
Clinical Research and Development
Top Candidates For This Position Will Be Expected To
- Serve as a hands-on scientific leader: conduct bench-level LPPS and condensation chemistry development while leading and mentoring a team of peptide chemists.
- Lead internal technology development and coordinate transfer of early-phase processes to Lilly’s Medicines Foundry (Lebanon, Indiana) for Phase 1/2 (and potentially Phase 3) clinical supply; for late-phase programs, collaborate with internal/external Manufacturing groups for process validation at internal facilities or external CMO partners.
- Educate and guide CMO partners on best practices for greener peptide development and manufacture.
- Engage with Lilly Development and Manufacturing organizations to drive continuous improvement in scientific processes.
- Implement green chemistry and engineering solutions across process development (solvent selection, reagent optimization, PMI benchmarking, and publication of sustainability innovations).
- Present findings at internal/external conferences; publish in peer-reviewed journals.
- Communicate technical and business implications to scientific and non-scientific audiences.
Basic Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Chemistry (or closely related) with 7+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience in peptide/synthetic process chemistry; or M.S. with 10+ years equivalent experience.
- Demonstrated leadership managing scientists and cross-functional project teams.
- Experience with SPPS, LPPS, and/or hybrid peptide synthesis at scale.
- Experience with tech transfer into manufacturing operations (including CMOs).
- Track record of external publication and presentation.
- Strong communication skills to technical and business audiences.
Additional Preferences
- Hybrid SPPS/LPPS and TA-LPPS expertise.
- Continuous flow/process intensification/novel coupling reagents.
- Regulatory CMC familiarity for peptide drug substances.
- Global CMO experience (Asia and/or Europe).
- Collaborative style; initiative and ability to lead through ambiguity.
- Active participation in relevant professional societies/consortia (e.g., ACS, TIDES, ACS GCI Pharmaceutical Roundtable, IQ Consortium).
Additional Information
- Position Location: Indianapolis, IN. Physical demands consistent with a laboratory environment. Travel: 0–10%.
Benefits
- Eligible for company bonus (depending on performance) and comprehensive benefits including 401(k), pension, vacation, medical/dental/vision/prescription, flexible benefits, life insurance, time off/leave, and well-being benefits (e.g., EAP, fitness benefits).
- Serve as a hands-on scientific leader: conduct bench-level LPPS and condensation chemistry development while leading and mentoring a team of peptide chemists.
- Lead internal technology development and coordinate transfer of early-phase processes to Lilly’s Medicines Foundry (Lebanon, Indiana) for Phase 1/2 (and potentially Phase 3) clinical supply; for late-phase programs, collaborate with internal/external Manufacturing groups for process validation at internal facilities or external CMO partners.
- Educate and guide CMO partners on best practices for greener peptide development and manufacture.
- Engage with Lilly Development and Manufacturing organizations to drive continuous improvement in scientific processes.
- Implement green chemistry and engineering solutions across process development (solvent selection, reagent optimization, PMI benchmarking, and publication of sustainability innovations).
- Present findings at internal/external conferences; publish in peer-reviewed journals.
- Communicate technical and business implications to scientific and non-scientific audiences.
Basic Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Chemistry (or closely related) with 7+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience in peptide/synthetic process chemistry; or M.S. with 10+ years equivalent experience.
- Demonstrated leadership managing scientists and cross-functional project teams.
- Experience with SPPS, LPPS, and/or hybrid peptide synthesis at scale.
- Experience with tech transfer into manufacturing operations (including CMOs).
- Track record of external publication and presentation.
- Strong communication skills to technical and business audiences.
Additional Preferences
- Hybrid SPPS/LPPS and TA-LPPS expertise.
- Continuous flow/process intensification/novel coupling reagents.
- Regulatory CMC familiarity for peptide drug substances.
- Global CMO experience (Asia and/or Europe).
- Collaborative style; initiative and ability to lead through ambiguity.
- Active participation in relevant professional societies/consortia (e.g., ACS, TIDES, ACS GCI Pharmaceutical Roundtable, IQ Consortium).
Additional Information
- Position Location: Indianapolis, IN. Physical demands consistent with a laboratory environment. Travel: 0–10%.
Benefits
- Eligible for company bonus (depending on performance) and comprehensive benefits including 401(k), pension, vacation, medical/dental/vision/prescription, flexible benefits, life insurance, time off/leave, and well-being benefits (e.g., EAP, fitness benefits).