Scientist Small Molecule SMDD

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. If you’re driven by purpose and ready to bring your best to work that truly matters for patients, we invite you to join us.

Synthetic Molecule Design and Development (SMDD) is a critical function within Lilly Product Research & Development (PRD) responsible for the development of synthetic drug substances and drug products from the pre-clinical phase through commercialization. Process chemistry is crucial to establishing a robust and sustainable supply chain of the synthetic active ingredients that make up Lilly’s portfolio. Our chemists and engineers develop key technical and business solutions across the portfolio using their expertise to accelerate drug development. SMDD delivers on these responsibilities by recognizing diverse talent and cultures are vital to bring the next generation of medicines to patients.

About the role

In the synthesis of pharmaceutical candidate compounds, this role is to develop chemical processes, which minimize the cost of production while maximizing manufacturing capacity. The position requires a high degree of synthetic organic chemistry skill and excellent problem-solving capability. The ability to collaborate with multi-functional teams and effectively communicate the appropriate level of scientific data is important.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to a healthy, supportive work culture and maintain a highly organized laboratory area with a strong focus on all aspects of chemical and occupational safety.
• Plan and execute laboratory experiments, analyze outcomes, optimize conditions, and document and communicate experimental findings.
• Prepare various quantities of materials (milligrams to grams) for use by the program/project team customers, and interface with other chemists, analysts, and engineers for the successful scale-up of the chemical process.
• Apply working knowledge of analytical techniques such as HPLC, GC, and TLC; skilled in purification techniques such as flash chromatography and crystallization.
• Demonstrate good spectroscopy skills (the ability to operate and interpret results from NMR and mass spectroscopy, for example).

Requirements

• BS/MS in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related organic chemistry STEM degree.
• Authorization 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, including but not limited to F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, J-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, or L-1.

Skills

• Good interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset; excellent ability to communicate and understand customer expectations.
• Demonstrated self-initiative and appropriate risk-taking.
• Ability to prioritize multiple activities and manage ambiguity.
• An active scientific curiosity and interest for complementary disciplines within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Attention to detail and an ability to diagnose problems.
• Proficiency in ChemDraw, Excel, and other software for managing and viewing data.
• Knowledge of and experience using analytical techniques such as NMR and LC-MS.

Additional Information

• This is a lab-based role.
• Potential exposure to chemicals, allergens, and loud noises.
• Travel: 0 to 10%.
• Position location: Indianapolis, IN; Lilly Technology Center-North (LTC-N).

Pay

The anticipated wage for this position is $65,250 - $169,400. Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance).

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit program including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k) and 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.
• Well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).

Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. Employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia (AMECA), Black Employees at Lilly (BE@Lilly), Chinese Culture Network (CCN), EnAble, Evolve, Lilly Indian Network (LIN), Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), Pride (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN), and Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL).