Advisor, Drug Product Process Development

About the role

At Lilly, we serve an extraordinary purpose. We make a difference for people around the globe by discovering, developing and delivering medicines that help them live longer, healthier, more active lives. Orna Therapeutics, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, is an innovative biotechnology startup based in Watertown, MA, committed to developing groundbreaking therapies for diseases that current approaches cannot address. With our pioneering circular RNA technology, developed at MIT, we are at the forefront of advancing the next generation of RNA therapeutics.

The successful candidate will design, execute, and oversee experiments for the technical development and scale-up of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) drug product processes. This role offers a unique opportunity to independently drive LNP platform science within Orna, identify knowledge gaps, and translate cutting-edge formulation science into robust, scalable manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and oversee experiments for the technical development and scale-up of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) drug product processes.
• Independently drive LNP platform science within Orna, identify knowledge gaps, and translate cutting-edge formulation science into robust, scalable manufacturing processes.
• Proactively identify scientific knowledge gaps and propose structured plans to address them.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, analytical development, and formulation development.
• Present complex technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Requirements

• PhD, MS, or BS degree in chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, biology, or a related field with the following years of industry experience: PhD 0-5 years, MS 7+ years, or BS 10+ years.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in formulation and process development particularly in carrier-based or complex drug product systems (e.g., lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, emulsions, microspheres, or other advanced delivery platforms).
• Working knowledge of fluid mixing dynamics, particle self-assembly, and surface chemistry concepts, including common characterization methods (e.g., DLS, Ribogreen, Cryo-EM).
• Track record of independently designing and executing experiments.

Skills

• Experience with multiple filtration technologies such as TFF hollow fibers, flat sheets, and depth filtration (a plus).
• Experience working within a matrixed CMC environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Organized, collaborative, and able to effectively partner with a diverse group of scientists, engineers, and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work on cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and enthusiastic about taking on new scientific and technical challenges.

Additional Information

The physical demands of this job are consistent with a lab environment. Travel is less than 5%.

This position’s work environment is in a laboratory setting.

Pay

The anticipated wage for this position is $141,000 - $206,800. Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance).

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit program including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits.
• Eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k) and pension.
• Vacation benefits.
• Flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts).
• Life insurance and death benefits.
• Certain time off and leave of absence benefits.
• Well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).