Senior Director, Focused Ultrasound Drug Delivery
Eli Lilly and Company
August 20, 2026
On-site
Boston, MA
Clinical Research and Development
Job Description Title
Director/Sr Director, Focused Ultrasound Drug Delivery
Job Position Overview
- Lead ultrasound-mediated drug delivery strategy to enhance delivery of biologics and gene therapies using focused ultrasound (FUS) and non-focused ultrasound approaches (e.g., sonoporation, reversible barrier permeabilization), translating mechanistic science into IND- and design-control-ready platforms.
Key Responsibilities
- Define scientific vision and multi-year strategy; align with portfolio bets and enterprise R&D priorities, including build-vs-buy/external innovation decisions.
- Act as technical authority on ultrasound bioeffects, cavitation dynamics, and barrier permeabilization; lead cross-functional/cross-company teams; use AI/ML-enabled simulation and data tools.
- Build external network of academic collaborators, consortia, and regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA, IEC/AIUM); represent work in publications, conferences, and regulatory/standards discussions.
- Design and oversee preclinical safety/bioeffect and efficacy study strategy with CRO/academics to de-risk IND-enabling and design-control decisions.
- Mentor/coach engineers and scientists (including beyond direct reports); drive scientific/process improvements.
Basic Requirements
- PhD in biomedical/mechanical engineering, bioacoustics, biophysics, or related field.
- 8+ years industry/translational experience in ultrasound-mediated bioeffects and drug/gene delivery.
- Deep knowledge of FUS physics (cavitation dynamics/nucleation; microbubble/nanobubble behavior; sonoporation/permeability mechanisms).
- Hands-on AI/ML-enabled tools for research and translational planning.
- Proven leadership/mentoring ability.
- Publication/patent record and excellent scientific communication.
- Ability to bridge preclinical mechanisms into IND/design-control plans; knowledge of design controls/quality systems in regulated industries.
Additional Preferences
- Experience building external scientific relationships and comfort representing technically.
- CAD/simulation/acoustic modeling tools (e.g., k-Wave, COMSOL) a plus.
Additional Information
- Location: Boston, MA; Travel: 10–15%.
Director/Sr Director, Focused Ultrasound Drug Delivery
Job Position Overview
- Lead ultrasound-mediated drug delivery strategy to enhance delivery of biologics and gene therapies using focused ultrasound (FUS) and non-focused ultrasound approaches (e.g., sonoporation, reversible barrier permeabilization), translating mechanistic science into IND- and design-control-ready platforms.
Key Responsibilities
- Define scientific vision and multi-year strategy; align with portfolio bets and enterprise R&D priorities, including build-vs-buy/external innovation decisions.
- Act as technical authority on ultrasound bioeffects, cavitation dynamics, and barrier permeabilization; lead cross-functional/cross-company teams; use AI/ML-enabled simulation and data tools.
- Build external network of academic collaborators, consortia, and regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA, IEC/AIUM); represent work in publications, conferences, and regulatory/standards discussions.
- Design and oversee preclinical safety/bioeffect and efficacy study strategy with CRO/academics to de-risk IND-enabling and design-control decisions.
- Mentor/coach engineers and scientists (including beyond direct reports); drive scientific/process improvements.
Basic Requirements
- PhD in biomedical/mechanical engineering, bioacoustics, biophysics, or related field.
- 8+ years industry/translational experience in ultrasound-mediated bioeffects and drug/gene delivery.
- Deep knowledge of FUS physics (cavitation dynamics/nucleation; microbubble/nanobubble behavior; sonoporation/permeability mechanisms).
- Hands-on AI/ML-enabled tools for research and translational planning.
- Proven leadership/mentoring ability.
- Publication/patent record and excellent scientific communication.
- Ability to bridge preclinical mechanisms into IND/design-control plans; knowledge of design controls/quality systems in regulated industries.
Additional Preferences
- Experience building external scientific relationships and comfort representing technically.
- CAD/simulation/acoustic modeling tools (e.g., k-Wave, COMSOL) a plus.
Additional Information
- Location: Boston, MA; Travel: 10–15%.