Advisor - Analytical Chemistry

Lilly • Indianapolis, IN

2d • $129,000 - $211,200 • Onsite

About The Position

Lilly’s Synthetic Molecule Design and Development (SMDD) organization develops synthetic drug substances and products from preclinical stages through commercialization. The Advisor, Analytical Chemistry is an individual-contributor scientist in a primarily laboratory-based role, working hands-on across oligonucleotide, peptide, and small-molecule modalities. The role supports pharmaceutical development from bench to bedside through analytical characterization, method development, experimental work, and contributions to regulatory submissions.

The scientist uses analytical platforms, especially chromatography and mass spectrometry, to support product control strategies and the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines. Responsibilities span experimental design, sample preparation and analysis, instrument operation and troubleshooting, data interpretation, analytical testing, and technical support for internal and external development activities. The position is based at Lilly Technology Center - North in Indianapolis, Indiana, with occasional travel of 0–10%. It is laboratory-based and may involve exposure to chemicals, allergens, and loud noises.

Requirements

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Materials Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related STEM discipline; or a master’s degree in one of these fields with at least 8 years of pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical development experience; or a bachelor’s degree in one of these fields with at least 12 years of such experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to perform hands-on laboratory work and contribute to analytical method development, experiments, and data interpretation.

Nice To Haves

• Experience across multiple analytical techniques such as HPLC, mass spectrometry, and NMR, with strong hands-on laboratory skills and technical problem-solving abilities.
• For PhD candidates, more than 2 years of post-PhD hands-on laboratory experience in pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical development or closely related analytical chemistry roles.
• A track record of hands-on laboratory contributions to pharmaceutical development projects, including regulatory submission support (IND/NDA), method development and validation, and analytical testing strategies.
• Previous hands-on laboratory experience in the pharmaceutical industry or experience with analytical techniques directly applicable to pharmaceutical development, such as HPLC or mass spectrometry.
• Fundamental knowledge and practical hands-on experience with reversed-phase, ion-exchange, size-exclusion, chiral, and/or gas chromatography.
• Working knowledge and practical laboratory experience with optical spectroscopy such as Raman or FTIR, NMR, structure elucidation, and powder characterization techniques such as XRPD and particle-size distribution.
• Strong technical skills, learning agility, ability to prioritize laboratory workload, and aptitude for navigating experimental challenges.
• Motivation to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic laboratory environment.
• Interest in applying hands-on analytical chemistry to pharmaceutical development challenges and patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on laboratory work to support the design, development, and implementation of product control strategies for oligonucleotide, peptide, and/or small-molecule programs.
• Use analytical technologies in daily laboratory work, particularly chromatography and mass spectrometry; operate advanced instrumentation and apply emerging analytical techniques.
• Develop analytical methods, generate data to justify specifications, conduct stability studies, test starting materials for synthetic processes, identify and characterize impurities, and test drug-product performance characteristics such as dissolution and disintegration.
• Conduct laboratory research supporting internal process development, including experimental design, sample preparation and analysis, instrument operation and troubleshooting, and data interpretation.
• Provide technical input on analytical activities conducted within external networks; review methods for technical soundness and fitness for purpose.
• Support technology transfer to CRO/CMO organizations and Lilly manufacturing sites.
• Identify and implement laboratory solutions to development challenges, monitor analytical chemistry trends, and maintain familiarity with applicable regulatory requirements.
• Communicate technical results and implications of laboratory data; collaborate with regulatory, clinical, and manufacturing partners; and contribute to internal technical reports and regulatory submissions.
• With experience, informally mentor junior scientists and contribute technical expertise to cross-functional project teams while maintaining individual-contributor laboratory responsibilities.

Benefits

• Company bonus, depending in part on company and individual performance.
• Eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k).
• Pension.
• Vacation benefits.
• Eligibility for medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits.
• Flexible benefits, including 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, including an employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree