Post-Doctoral Scientist – Materials Science

About the role

Provides research and technical support for materials and polymer science activities within the Technical Services/Manufacturing Sciences (TS/MS) organization, contributing to the characterization, evaluation, and qualification of materials used across Lilly's pharmaceutical manufacturing platforms.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research on materials and/or polymer science relevant to pharmaceutical manufacturing, container closure systems, or drug delivery devices.
• Design, execute, and interpret experiments to characterize material properties (mechanical, chemical, thermal, and surface) and structure-property relationships.
• Build and apply knowledge of materials used in Lilly's parenteral and/or device platforms, including material composition, specifications, and compatibility considerations.
• Investigate material performance, degradation mechanisms, and failure modes; support root cause analyses for material-related issues.
• Collaborate with TS/MS, R&D, and quality scientists to design and execute studies (e.g., extractables/leachable, product compatibility, sterilization compatibility) relevant to pharmaceutical materials.
• Integrate research findings into practical specifications, control strategies, and technical reports.
• Author high-quality technical reports, protocols, and scientific documentation.
• Stay current with emerging materials science research, industry trends, and regulatory expectations relevant to pharmaceutical materials.
• Present research findings to internal stakeholders and, where appropriate, contribute to peer-reviewed publications, patents, or scientific conferences.
• Mentor lab associates and/or students to enhance their technical capabilities, as opportunities arise.
• Ability to work well independently and collaboratively within global, cross-functional teams.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Medical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated research experience in materials science and/or polymer science (e.g., through doctoral research).
• Strong understanding of material characterization techniques and structure-property relationships.
• Record of publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations/posters at scientific conferences.
• Authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with pharmaceutical materials, container closure systems, or drug delivery devices.
• Familiarity with GMP-regulated environments and regulatory considerations for pharmaceutical or medical device materials.
• Experience with polymer processing, biocompatibility assessment, or sterilization compatibility (e.g., gamma, e-beam, EtO).
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and technical writing/communication skills.
• Ability to design, execute, and critically interpret scientific experiments.

Other Information

This Post-Doctoral Scientist position is for a fixed duration (typically two years, with potential to extend up to a maximum of four years).

Benefits

• Company bonus (depending on company and individual performance).
• Comprehensive benefit program including 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.
• Well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).
• Eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k) and pension.
• Vacation benefits.

Pay

The anticipated wage for this position is $58,000 - $123,200.