Post-Doctoral Scientist - Technical Services and Manufacturing Science

At Lilly, the work is demanding because patients are waiting. We unite caring with discovery to help make life better for people around the world, knowing that every decision, every detail, and every day matters. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, our over 50,000 employees around the globe take on complex challenges to discover and deliver life-changing medicines, strengthen how health is understood and managed, and support the communities we serve. This is hard, urgent, selfless work—but it’s work worth doing.

About the role

This Post-Doctoral Scientist position in the Technical Services/Manufacturing Science (TS/MS) organization will provide technical and scientific support within a dynamic manufacturing environment for the development of commercial processes (synthesis and purification) for biomolecules including proteins, peptides, and oligonucleotides. The successful candidate will design and execute experiments to advance process knowledge, process optimization, and production technical transfer as needed. Scientists actively contribute to the TS/MS organization and have extensive opportunities for involvement in cross-functional teams. This position allows for development of a comprehensive understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), regulatory requirements, and the essential role scientists play in making medicine and creating real-world solutions.

The position will be available beginning November 1, 2026, and is for a fixed duration of two years with potential to extend to 3 years and for a maximum of up to 4 years. You will have opportunities to apply for full-time positions after your duration is complete.

Responsibilities

• Ensure reliability of manufacturing systems.
• Search for and implement continuous improvements.
• Drive technical projects.
• Maintain processes in a state of compliance with US and global regulations.
• Design and develop drug processes and delivery systems.
• Understand the scientific principles required for manufacturing intermediates, drug substances, and drug products, including the interaction of chemistry and equipment.
• Understand the chemistry and stability of small molecules, peptides, and/or biomolecules.
• Develop appropriate laboratory-scale models for key process steps in synthesis and/or purification of biomolecules.
• Design, conduct, and analyze statistically-designed experiments to deepen process understanding and optimize processing conditions.
• Understand scale-up requirements and partner with the pilot plant to conduct appropriate scale-up work.
• Provide technical support for process development areas if needed.
• Demonstrate strong technical writing and documentation of all work in an appropriate manner.
• Mentor lab associates to enhance their technical capabilities.
• Participate in technology transfer as needed.
• Work well independently and collaboratively.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in scientific disciplines of Biochemistry, Biology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Chemistry, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience and proficiency in the areas of protein, oligonucleotide, and peptide chemistry and/or purification.
• 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; Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or visas for this role.

Benefits

• Eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k) and pension plan.
• Vacation benefits.
• 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, in part, on company and individual performance).

Pay

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

Location

Indianapolis, IN