Advisor / Sr. Advisor - Discovery Process Chemistry

Lilly • Louisville, CO

9d • $141,000 - $231,000 • Onsite

About The Position

This is a laboratory-facing scientific role on Lilly Small Molecule Discovery’s Discovery Process Chemistry team in Louisville, Colorado. The scientist designs and executes multistep synthetic routes to deliver drug intermediates and candidate molecules on discovery timelines, applying process chemistry principles to optimize yield, purity, safety, and scalability. The role uses Lilly’s facilities, scientific network, and enabling technologies, and may involve collaboration with CRO partners to advance molecules toward the clinic. It is part of a collaborative, growth-oriented team that values individual accountability and collaboration.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a closely related discipline, with all requirements met no later than August 2027; alternatively, an M.S. with 8 or more years of relevant industry experience; or a B.S. with 10 or more years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong background in synthetic organic chemistry, including route scouting, reaction optimization, process chemistry, and scale-up; extensive working knowledge of modern methodologies, isolation and purification techniques, and structural characterization.
• Ability to independently design and execute multistep synthetic routes in a drug discovery or process chemistry setting.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Active engagement with current synthetic chemistry literature and discernment regarding the limitations and scalability of new transformations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, ChemDraw, SciFinder, Reaxys, and other scientific data tools.
• Strong organizational skills and a record of delivering high-quality results under competing timelines.
• Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with flow chemistry, photochemistry, electrochemistry, or automated synthesis platforms.
• Familiarity with early-stage developability concepts, including synthetic feasibility, cost of goods, and regulatory starting material designation.
• Experience managing or coordinating work with CRO partners in a discovery or process chemistry context.
• A track record of contributing to peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Working familiarity with data science tools or AI/ML applications relevant to synthetic chemistry workflows.
• Ability to mentor junior scientists and contribute to a collaborative, inclusive team culture.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute multistep synthetic routes for drug intermediates and candidates, using literature precedent creatively to develop differentiated strategies for assigned targets.
• Optimize reactions for yield, purity, safety, and scalability, anticipating future scale-up requirements.
• Use flow chemistry, photochemistry, electrochemistry, and automated synthesis platforms to accelerate synthesis, improve process robustness, and share learnings to expand these capabilities.
• Conduct thermal risk assessments, including DSC and reaction calorimetry, and hazard evaluations; complete risk assessments before experiments and promptly escalate concerns.
• Assess synthetic feasibility, route complexity, reagent availability, and estimated cost of goods early, and communicate synthetic risk and developability flags to project teams.
• Provide scientific direction to CRO partners, critically review deliverables, give actionable feedback, and escalate scientific or quality issues to the project lead as appropriate.
• Prepare experimental reports, synthetic procedures, and data packages; support technology transfer through process documentation and knowledge transfer with CMC colleagues.
• Integrate AI/ML tools, predictive modeling, data-driven approaches, and data visualization into synthetic planning, reaction optimization, and analysis of experimental data.
• Collaborate with toxicology, ADME, analytical, and CMC colleagues; prioritize competing demands independently; and mentor and develop team members.
• Identify opportunities for internal or external publications, posters, and presentations.
• Follow site safety, environmental, documentation, and regulatory requirements, and reinforce a safety-first team culture.

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