Advisor, Drug Product Process Development

Lilly • Watertown, MA

5d • $141,000 - $206,800 • 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:
The successful candidate will design, execute, and oversee experiments for the technical development and scale-up of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) drug product processes. This role offers a unique opportunity to independently drive LNP platform science within Orna, identify knowledge gaps, and translate cutting-edge formulation science into robust, scalable manufacturing processes.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in carrier-based drug product development, process optimization, scale-up, and technical transfer. They will possess excellent oral and written communication capabilities, demonstrate strong collaboration and interpersonal skills, and be adept at problem solving in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.

Requirements

• PhD, MS, or BS degree in chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, biology, or a related field with the following years of industry experience: PhD 0-5 years, MS 7+ years, or BS 10+ years.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in formulation and process development particularly in carrier-based or complex drug product systems (e.g., lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, emulsions, microspheres, or other advanced delivery platforms).
• Working knowledge of fluid mixing dynamics, particle self-assembly, and surface chemistry concepts, including common characterization methods (e.g. DLS, Ribogreen, Cryo-EM etc.)
• Track record of independently designing and executing experiments; ability to proactively identify scientific knowledge gaps and propose structured plans to address them.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with multiple filtration technologies such as TFF hollow fibers, flat sheets, and depth filtration a plus.
• Experience working within a matrixed CMC environment, including cross-functional collaboration with manufacturing, analytical development, and formulation development teams.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to present complex technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Organized, collaborative, and able to effectively partner with a diverse group of scientists, engineers, and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work on cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and enthusiastic about taking on new scientific and technical challenges.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and oversee experiments for the technical development and scale-up of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) drug product processes.
• Independently drive LNP platform science within Orna, identify knowledge gaps, and translate cutting-edge formulation science into robust, scalable manufacturing processes.
• Possess excellent oral and written communication capabilities.
• Demonstrate strong collaboration and interpersonal skills.
• Be adept at problem solving in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.

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: Senior