Advisor/Sr. Advisor Formulation Development

About the Role

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to create life-changing medicines and improve global health. The Bioproduct Research and Development (BR&D) organization focuses on developing and commercializing parenteral formulations for small and large molecules, including monoclonal antibodies, therapeutic proteins, peptides, and genetic medicines. We are investing in new platforms for complex formulations such as lipid nanoparticles, antibody-drug conjugates, and AAV delivery systems. We seek a highly motivated Scientist to support parenteral drug product development through clinical stages, build new therapeutic platforms, and explore innovative formulation and drug delivery strategies.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Drug Product team in CM&C teams and support formulation and process development of proteins, peptides, oligonucleotides, and novel modalities in clinical development.
• Conduct hands-on experimental activities to support clinical development of parenteral drug products and complex formulations.
• Build process capabilities for lab scale, early-phase clinical scale, and scale-up technologies for parenteral drug products and complex formulations.
• Support tech transfer of processes and formulations to clinical manufacturing sites.
• Collaborate with synthetic chemistry, toxicology, ADME, analytical, and device teams to develop stable, patient-centric drug products.
• Support monoclonal antibody, protein, and peptide programs across various development stages.
• Provide technical expertise in formulation and drug delivery.
• Partner with discovery, drug product delivery, and device teams to develop innovative, patient-focused solutions.
• Collaborate with Discovery teams to establish seamless asset handoffs from discovery to clinical development.
• Innovate or assess cutting-edge formulation methodologies for complex or unstable bioproducts (e.g., peptides, proteins, fusion proteins, drug conjugates).
• Identify and lead research on new drug delivery technologies, including targeted delivery, and establish proof of concept for assets under development.
• Establish and leverage strategic relationships with academia and start-ups to access emerging innovation.
• Drive a strong innovation agenda, leading to publications, presentations, and industry influence.
• Manage multiple functional responsibilities to provide rapid, localized input across project components.

Requirements

• Earned Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of pharmaceutical or biotech industry experience.
• Prior experience developing processes and understanding analytical techniques for characterizing large molecules or biological materials.
• Knowledge of parenteral drug formulation development, manufacturing, aseptic technologies, and/or drug product process development.
• Ability and desire to communicate and collaborate cross-functionally.

Qualifications (Preferred)

• Earned PhD in a relevant field with up to 5 years of industry experience.
• Background in innovation and technical development of oligonucleotides, proteins, peptides, viral, or cell therapeutics, supported by publications.
• Knowledge and hands-on experience with lab automation and high-throughput formulation screening.

Additional Information

Location: Indianapolis, IN. This is an in-office/lab position requiring daily attendance. The work environment is primarily laboratory-based.

Pay

The anticipated wage for this position is $151,500 - $244,200. Full-time employees are also eligible for a company bonus based on performance, as well as a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

• Company-sponsored 401(k) and pension plans.
• Vacation and leave benefits.
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and dependent day care flexible spending accounts).
• Life insurance and death benefits.
• Well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, employee clubs, and activities).