Advisor - Analytical Chemistry

About the role

The Synthetic Molecule Design and Development (SMDD) organization at Lilly is responsible for the development of synthetic drug substances and drug products from the pre-clinical phase through commercialization. Our scientists and engineers develop innovative technical solutions to advance an exciting portfolio that includes small molecules, peptides, oligonucleotides, and other emerging therapeutic modalities spanning oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and metabolic diseases.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on laboratory work to support the design, development, and implementation of product control strategies for oligonucleotide, peptide, and/or small molecule programs, directly enabling clinical milestones and regulatory submissions.
• Demonstrate proficiency in multiple analytical technologies through daily laboratory work, with an emphasis on chromatography and mass spectrometry.
• Operate cutting-edge instrumentation and apply emerging analytical techniques.
• Execute analytical method development, generate data to justify specifications, conduct stability studies, perform starting material testing for synthetic processes, identify and characterize impurities, and test drug product performance characteristics (e.g., dissolution/disintegration).
• Conduct hands-on laboratory research to support internal process development in a fast-paced environment. This includes experimental design, sample preparation and analysis, instrument operation and troubleshooting, and data interpretation.
• Provide technical input for analytical activities executed within the external network. Review methods to ensure they are technically sound, well developed, and fit for purpose.
• Support technology transfer to CRO/CMO organizations and Lilly manufacturing sites.
• Identify and implement innovative laboratory solutions to development challenges, monitor emerging trends in analytical chemistry, and maintain familiarity with applicable regulatory requirements.
• Communicate technical results and implications of laboratory data effectively; collaborate with development partners across regulatory, clinical, and manufacturing functions; contribute to internal technical reports and regulatory submission documents.
• With experience, provide informal mentorship to junior scientists and contribute technical expertise to cross-functional project teams while maintaining focus on individual contributor laboratory responsibilities.

Requirements

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field
• Master’s degree in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field with >8 years relevant experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field with >12 years relevant experience

Qualifications

• Experience across multiple analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, mass spectrometry, NMR, etc)
• Strong hands-on laboratory skills and technical problem-solving abilities
• PhD Candidates with >2 years of post-PhD hands-on laboratory experience in pharmaceutical development or related analytical chemistry roles
• Previous hands-on laboratory experience in the pharmaceutical industry or with analytical techniques directly applicable to pharmaceutical development (e.g., HPLC, MS)
• Deep fundamental understanding of and hands-on experience with reversed-phase, ion exchange, size-exclusion, chiral, and/or gas chromatography
• Working knowledge and practical laboratory experience with optical spectroscopy (e.g., Raman, FTIR), NMR, structure elucidation, and powder characterization techniques (e.g., XRPD, particle size distribution)
• Strong hands-on technical skills, learning agility, ability to prioritize laboratory workload, and aptitude in navigating experimental challenges
• Motivated to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic laboratory environment
• Passion for applying analytical chemistry through hands-on laboratory work to solve real-world pharmaceutical development challenges and improve patient outcomes