Post-Doctoral Scientist – Mechanistic Modeling & Simulation(SMDD)

About the Role

As part of Lilly Research Laboratories, Synthetic Molecule Design and Development (SMDD), this postdoctoral position offers the opportunity to build a predictive mechanistic model of enzymatic ligation kinetics, generate process understanding that has previously been limited to qualitative trends, and accelerate enzymatic ligation (EL) process development. The project will leverage high-throughput experimentation capabilities at the Lilly Seaport Innovation Center in Boston to parameterize thermodynamic and kinetic models of oligonucleotide assembly and ligation.

This role collaborates with a growing multidisciplinary team, including synthetic chemists, pharmaceutical scientists, analytical chemists, and engineers, to develop groundbreaking technologies for delivering maximum benefit to patients. The position provides the chance to work across SMDD, discovery, and development teams on multiple genetic medicine modalities at both Boston and Indianapolis sites.

The prestigious Lilly Research Laboratories (LRL) postdoctoral program funds innovative projects in the pre-competitive space with the expectation of external publication and presentation. Postdocs receive mentorship from leading scientists at Lilly and the opportunity to network with other scientists in the program. The project is expected to result in scientific publications as well as computational workflows for internal process development.

Responsibilities

• Develop a predictive mechanistic model of enzymatic ligation kinetics to enable scalable and versatile synthesis of genetic medicines.
• Generate process understanding to move beyond qualitative trends and accelerate EL process development.
• Leverage high-throughput experimentation at the Lilly Seaport Innovation Center to parameterize thermodynamic and kinetic models of oligonucleotide assembly and ligation.
• Collaborate across SMDD, discovery, and development teams on multiple genetic medicine modalities.
• Initiate collaborations across and beyond the SMDD organization to pioneer a multidisciplinary approach to accelerating process optimization via computational tools.
• Understand and prioritize key challenges in process development through interactions with diverse talent across the organization.
• Present findings at conferences and publish in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.
• Apply the scientific method through ambiguity, adapt to change, and drive superior methods to accomplish tasks.

Requirements

• PhD in chemical engineering, chemistry, or a related field with experience in modeling and simulation.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; Lilly will not provide sponsorship for work authorization or visas for this role.

Skills

• Experience with biocatalytic reaction systems and their kinetic modeling.
• Proficiency in programming and modeling and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
• Familiarity with nucleic acid structure/thermodynamics prediction tools.
• Experience with lab automation and high-throughput experimentation.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple activities and handle ambiguity.
• Ability to influence others and promote a positive work environment.
• Understanding of the external scientific and regulatory landscape.
• Demonstrated technical proficiency and ability to create ideas for future work plans.
• Established external publication record.
• Strong communication (oral and written), organizational, and leadership skills.
• High learning agility and ability to grasp and exploit new scientific concepts and methods.
• Embrace diversity of thought, background, and experience to deliver innovative solutions.

Benefits

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

Pay

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

Schedule

• This is a fixed-term position up to a maximum of 3 years.
• Travel: 0 to 10%.
• Position location: Lilly Seaport Innovation Center, Boston, MA.