Scientist/Sr Scientist - Oligonucleotide Chemistry

Role Summary

Scientist/Senior Scientist - Oligonucleotide Chemistry at Lilly Genetic Medicines to accelerate RNAi therapeutics from pre-clinical to clinical development. Lead a scale-up oligosynthesis team, apply advanced oligonucleotide synthesis methodologies, and contribute to discovery and development of RNAi-based candidates.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Lilly Genetic Medicines discovery oligosynthesis scale-up team to accelerate Lilly RNAi Therapeutics from pre-clinical to clinical development
• Utilize comprehensive expertise in oligonucleotide synthesis methodologies to support Lilly Genetic Medicines and further develop internal capabilities and team growth through effective coaching, mentorship, and leadership
• Collaborate with members of the RNAi discovery chemistry teams to validate and execute requirements for oligonucleotide synthesis from 150umol to 6mmol scales including communication of relevant information and results to project leads and/or cross-functional organizations within Lilly to ensure seamless operation of the scale-up team
• Actively support our efforts toward the discovery of lead drug candidates and lead at the interface with our CMC and Development teams to provide essential materials for key studies and effectively communicate technical insights to the development team
• Demonstrate expertise in modern synthetic organic and nucleic acid chemistry, striving to improve methods, develop new technologies, and address synthetic oligonucleotide challenges across a diverse portfolio
• Oversee and prioritize the work of scale-up team members to meet critical timelines
• Value diverse perspectives and experiences for effective solutions. Motivate team members to take initiative, own outcomes, and share expertise on complex technical challenges
• Guide teams through unclear situations, adapt efficiently to changes, and evaluate and implement effective approaches to completing tasks

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry or a relevant scientific field with 5+ years of experience (synthesis, oligonucleotide experience, solid phase synthesis) OR Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry or a relevant scientific field with 8+ years of experience (synthesis, oligonucleotide experience, solid phase synthesis)
• Preferred: Strong laboratory skills and experience with analytical instrumentation such as AKTA, Agilent LC-MS and UPLC, Vanquish LTQ, Waters QDA
• Experience in supervising a team of scientists to evaluate, refine and execute synthetic routes, technologies, and practices to deliver LGM portfolio
• Experience in troubleshooting and optimizing synthetic protocols on automated solid-phase synthesis instruments
• Experience with downstream processing of oligonucleotides including use of chromatographic purification and process TFF systems
• Experience in developing new chromatographic methods (IEX/RP-HPLC, SPE, LC-MS)
• Experience in conjugation of novel ligands, including small molecules, peptides, and proteins to oligonucleotides at 5-25g scale
• Ability to function within a highly interdisciplinary environment
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, good organizational skills, the ability to multitask, and lead a team to deliver on tight deadlines
• Confident, execution-focused, and team-oriented with a desire to thrive in a fast-paced growing environment