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. This role involves leading peptide commercialization projects, championing greener process design, and coordinating the transfer of processes to Lilly's Medicines Foundry.

Responsibilities

• Lead internal technology development and coordinate the transfer of early-phase processes to Lilly’s Medicines Foundry (Lebanon, Indiana).
• Collaborate 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.
• 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

• Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance).
• 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

$148,500 - $257,400

Schedule

Full-time