Scientific Director — Synthetic Process Chemistry (Peptides & Small Molecules)

About the role

The Synthetic Molecule Design and Development (SMDD) organization at Eli Lilly and Company is seeking a highly skilled and experienced scientist with expertise in synthetic process chemistry to join our team. This role is part of a dynamic, cross-functional department supporting one of the most productive peptide portfolios in the industry, spanning Discovery through Commercial phase, at the forefront of sustainable peptide development and commercialization.

Responsibilities

• Lead peptide commercialization projects built on the proven platform of traditional Liquid Phase Peptide Synthesis (LPPS).
• Champion greener process design at every stage of synthetic route development and condensation chemistry optimization.
• Work closely with a growing team of chemists, analysts, and engineers to design synthetic routes, optimize condensation chemistry, and set a new standard for responsible peptide manufacturing.
• Collaborate with key partners across the United States, Asia, and Europe to ensure smooth technology transfer of processes into manufacturing operations, including CMOs.
• Engage with Lilly’s Development and Manufacturing organizations to develop a deep understanding of new initiatives and drive continuous improvement in existing scientific processes.
• Implement green chemistry and engineering solutions across all stages of process development, from solvent selection and reagent optimization to Process Mass Intensity (PMI) benchmarking and publication of sustainability innovations in peer-reviewed journals and industry forums.
• Present research findings at internal forums and external conferences; publish in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals.
• Communicate technical and business-related implications of your work effectively to both scientific and non-scientific audiences.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or a closely related field with 7+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience in peptide or synthetic process chemistry; or M.S. with 10+ years of equivalent industry experience.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing scientists and cross-functional project teams.
• Experience with SPPS, LPPS, and/or hybrid peptide synthesis strategies at scale.
• Experience with tech transfer of processes into manufacturing operations, including CMOs.
• Track record of external publication and presentation in the peptide or synthetic chemistry field.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to present to both technical and business audiences.

Qualifications

• Basic Qualifications: Ph.D. in Chemistry or a closely related field with 7+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience in peptide or synthetic process chemistry; or M.S. with 10+ years of equivalent industry experience.
• Additional Preferences: Excellence in multiple modes of peptide synthesis, including hybrid SPPS/LPPS and Tag-Assisted Liquid Phase Peptide Chemistry (TA-LPPS); experience with continuous flow chemistry, process intensification, or novel coupling reagent platforms; familiarity with regulatory CMC requirements for peptide drug substances; experience working with global CMO partners in Asia and/or Europe; strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative working style; demonstrated initiative, appropriate risk-taking, and ability to lead through ambiguity; knowledge and experience with management of technical projects across multiple programs; active participation in or awareness of professional societies and industry consortia relevant to pharmaceutical process chemistry and sustainability, including ACS, TIDES, the ACS Green Chemistry Institute Pharmaceutical Roundtable, and the IQ Consortium; demonstrated leadership capabilities, especially in cross-functional team environments; ability to prioritize multiple activities and influence others to promote a positive work environment.

Skills

• Excellence in multiple modes of peptide synthesis, including hybrid SPPS/LPPS and Tag-Assisted Liquid Phase Peptide Chemistry (TA-LPPS).
• Experience with continuous flow chemistry, process intensification, or novel coupling reagent platforms.
• Familiarity with regulatory CMC requirements for peptide drug substances.
• Experience working with global CMO partners in Asia and/or Europe.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative working style.
• Demonstrated initiative, appropriate risk-taking, and ability to lead through ambiguity.
• Knowledge and experience with management of technical projects across multiple programs.
• Active participation in or awareness of professional societies and industry consortia relevant to pharmaceutical process chemistry and sustainability, including ACS, TIDES, the ACS Green Chemistry Institute Pharmaceutical Roundtable, and the IQ Consortium.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, especially in cross-functional team environments.
• Ability to prioritize multiple activities and influence others to promote a positive work environment.

Benefits

Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, 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

The anticipated wage for this position is $148,500 - $257,400.

Schedule

This role operates in a highly collaborative environment with key partners across the United States, Asia, and Europe. It is a hands-on scientific role — the successful candidate will be expected to work at the bench alongside their team, not only direct from the sidelines.

Additional Information

• Position Location: Indianapolis, IN
• Travel: 0 to 10% (domestic and international, including CMO and conference travel)
• Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions.
• Lilly is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages applicants with disabilities to apply for available positions.
• Lilly is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.