Advisor, Analytical Sciences

Lilly • Watertown, MA

5d • $138,000 - $202,400 • Onsite

About The Position

At Lilly, we serve an extraordinary purpose. We make a difference for people around the globe by discovering, developing and delivering medicines that help them live longer, healthier, more active lives. Not only do we deliver breakthrough medications, but you also can count on us to develop creative solutions to support communities through philanthropy and volunteerism.
Orna Therapeutics, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, is an innovative biotechnology startup based in Watertown, MA, committed to developing groundbreaking therapies for diseases that current approaches cannot address. With our pioneering circular RNA technology, developed at MIT, we are at the forefront of advancing the next generation of RNA therapeutics. Our state-of-the-art expression and delivery platform positions us to tackle complex diseases, including B cell-driven autoimmune disorders, B cell malignancies, sickle cell disease, and beyond.
Position Summary:
We are seeking an exceptional Advisor, Analytical Sciences to join our growing team. In this role, you will partner closely with Platform Science, Discovery, and CMC groups to drive analytical characterization of circular RNA and lipid nanoparticle-based therapeutics with a focus on bioassays. The ideal candidate is a highly motivated scientist who can independently design and execute experiments with rigor, efficiency, and creativity. You will contribute to assay development, method qualification, and product characterization while operating in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.

Requirements

• PhD, MS, or BS degree in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related discipline plus assay development experience and the following years of relevant experience: PhD 0-2 years industry or postdoctoral experience, or MS 7+ years’ industry, or BS 10+ years’ industry experience.
• Experience with various techniques such as FACS, ELISA, Western blotting, nucleic acid sequencing, electrophoresis, and PCR‑based methods (RT‑qPCR, ddPCR) for quantifying RNA and proteins in complex biological matrices.
• Strong proficiency in cell and tissue culture techniques.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in RNA biology or RNA therapeutics is preferred but not required.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly present complex data.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast‑moving research environment with strong problem‑solving and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Implement and refine analytical testing strategies for circular RNA and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations.
• Develop and optimize drug substance and drug product bio assays; perform in‑depth characterization studies for lead candidates and pipeline programs.
• Lead method transfer activities to external partners, providing technical oversight, troubleshooting, and ensuring assay robustness and compliance.
• Author and review methods, reports, and SOPs to ensure alignment with regulatory expectations.
• Generate high‑quality data packages; analyze, interpret, and present findings to cross‑functional R&D teams.
• Foster a positive, innovative, and entrepreneurial team culture; contribute to scientific strategy and continuous improvement initiatives.

Benefits

• company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance)
• company-sponsored 401(k)
• pension
• vacation benefits
• 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)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level