Scientific Director, Process Chemistry - Oligonucleotides

About the role

The Synthetic Molecule Design and Development (SMDD) organization is responsible for the development of synthetic drug substances and drug products from the pre-clinical phase through commercialization. Our scientists and engineers develop innovative technical solutions to advance an existing portfolio that includes small molecules, synthetic peptides, oligonucleotides, and other emerging therapeutic modalities to help bring the next generation of life-changing medicines to patients.

Responsibilities

• Bring extensive oligonucleotide CMC expertise to SMDD and grow internal capability through coaching, mentorship, and technical leadership across a diverse portfolio — complex single strands, siRNA, and oligonucleotide conjugates (AOC and PRC).
• Apply modern synthetic organic and nucleic acid chemistry to challenge existing methods, define new manufacturing technologies, and address key CMC challenges across the LGM portfolio.
• Develop and apply impurity control strategies aligned with the current global regulatory climate; address CMC regulatory questions enabling clinical studies and marketing authorization applications.
• Prior experience in validation activities preferred.
• Provide technical leadership across route design, process development, equipment selection, and scale-up — from laboratory plans through demonstration on development- and commercial-scale equipment, partnering with internal manufacturing (Lilly Medicine Foundry) and external CMOs to deliver robust processes for clinical and commercial supply.
• Develop and apply impurity control strategies aligned with the current global regulatory climate; address CMC regulatory questions enabling clinical studies and marketing authorization applications.
• Collaborate across internal CMC networks (Drug Product Delivery, Project Management, Quality, Manufacturing, and Regulatory) to deliver materials and documentation for clinical trials and regulatory submissions.
• Identify and integrate external chemistry innovations to complement internal capabilities; represent Lilly externally through presentations at symposia and consortia and publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Contribute novel chemical design and mechanism-based problem solving (e.g., total synthesis, methodology development, oligonucleotide synthesis), reflected in a strong peer-reviewed publication record.
• Lead through ambiguity and change; encourage initiative, accountability, and diverse perspectives across the team.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant scientific discipline with 5+ years of relevant industry experience (synthesis, oligonucleotides, solid-phase synthesis, CMC); or
• MS in a relevant scientific discipline with 8+ years of relevant industry experience (synthesis, oligonucleotides, solid-phase synthesis, CMC).
• Experience within the pharmaceutical sector: active ingredient development and associated formulated products; developing chemical processes from mid-development (proof of concept) through commercialization.
• Experience in development and CMC including quality and regulatory interactions.
• Experience with tech transfer of processes into manufacturing operations.

Additional Preferences

• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative working style.
• Demonstrated initiative and appropriate risk-taking.
• Demonstrated technical proficiency and ability to create ideas for future work plans.
• Knowledge and experience with management of a technical project.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, especially in a team environment.
• Ability to prioritize multiple activities and manage ambiguity.
• Ability to influence others to promote a positive work environment.
• Demonstrated success in persuasion, influence, and negotiation.