Director/Sr. Director/Exec. Director Computational Biophysics, Advanced Molecular Design (AMD)

About the role

The Lilly Small Molecule Discovery group is an organization purpose-built to create molecules that make life better for people. We focus on using cutting edge science to unlock new approaches that can treat people suffering from diseases with poor treatment options. We continually challenge ourselves to deliver molecules that can provide breakthrough efficacy with the highest possible safety margins. We are dedicated to optimizing our mindset, technology, and processes for faster, more nimble execution. Our success is built on a culture that empowers innovative problem solving through open collaboration and individual accountability.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deploy advanced physics-based algorithms to characterize biophysical processes and their application across a range of therapeutic areas
• Play a key role in prioritizing computational methods and workflows to efficiently and effectively enable drug discovery efforts leading to highly focused work and rapid progress
• Ensure the timely delivery of data and results to project teams to enable rapid iterative design cycles
• Maintain critical timelines and set team expectations for the efficient delivery of computational technologies with strong impact on therapeutic programs
• Work closely with other AMD and therapeutic area leaders to move our portfolio of molecules from leads to quality drug candidates that have a strong potential to become breakthrough drugs
• Contribute to the ongoing evaluation of external technologies

Requirements

• Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science or related discipline
• 10 or more years of research experience

Qualifications

• A deep scientific background in theoretical and computational biophysics
• Proven track record of leadership and success applying computational biophysics toward a deeper understanding of structure-function relationships in human health
• Proactive and effective collaboration with computational chemists, medicinal chemists, structural biologists, and other disciplines to achieve project goals and timelines
• A strong desire to establish a deeper understanding of all aspects of drug discovery, including conformational ensembles of biological systems, small molecule-protein interactions, physicochemical properties, and ADME
• A proactive and highly engaged approach to solving challenging problems in drug discovery
• A desire to stay continually up to date with the latest industry developments and novel techniques employed in discovery, including statistical mechanics, free-energy and enhanced sampling methods, AI, and machine learning models
• Excellent communication of goals and priorities to discovery teams
• Agility and adaptability to change research priorities as necessary for success
• A commitment to mentoring earlier career scientists
• Strong core desire to help patients in need

Skills

• Thinking at the level of first principles
• Building whatever tools are necessary
• Measuring success not by workflows delivered but by scientific understanding created

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit program including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug 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; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities)

Pay

$193,500 - $338,800

Schedule

Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance).