Associate Scientist - Oligo Synthesis

Lilly • Indianapolis, IN

19h • $66,000 - $171,600

About The Position

Lilly Genetic Medicines is seeking a collaborative, creative, and energetic problem solver to join a multidisciplinary team developing RNA- and oligonucleotide-based therapeutic modalities. The role uses technical expertise to advance core capabilities and the development of internal RNAi-based clinical candidates.

The Associate Scientist synthesizes therapeutic oligonucleotides at scales from 75 to 6000 µmol using automated solid-phase synthesizers, troubleshoots laboratory challenges, and improves synthesis workflows. The position works with discovery chemistry, analytical, CMC, and development teams to support molecule scale-up, characterization, and the advancement of lead therapeutic candidates. It also oversees and prioritizes supporting scientists’ work, maintains laboratory equipment and inventory, and helps implement technologies and workflows that accelerate innovation.

Requirements

• BS or MS in Organic Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• At least 2 years of relevant industry experience.
• Authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis; Lilly will not sponsor work authorization or visas for this role.

Nice To Haves

• Strong laboratory skills and experience with oligonucleotide instrumentation, including AKTA Oligosynth, AKTA OP100, Mermade 12, AKTApure, and tangential flow filtration systems.
• Experience with analytical instrumentation such as Agilent LC-MS and UPLC, and Orbitrap MX.
• Demonstrated ability and experience translating proof-of-concept chemistry to large-scale solid-phase instrumentation.
• Hands-on experience with phosphoramidite and nucleoside chemistry, particularly oligonucleotide synthesis, and understanding of reagent impurity profiles and their impact on oligonucleotide quality.
• Experience with small-molecule characterization techniques such as HPLC, LC-MS, NMR, and UV spectroscopy.
• Ability to improve synthesis efficiency through optimized methods, instrument awareness, attention to detail, and team collaboration.
• Ability to troubleshoot synthesis failures related to solubility, moisture sensitivity, or reagent degradation and apply appropriate mitigation.
• Ability to identify and implement strategies to streamline operations, reduce waste, and improve efficiency.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative laboratory environment, manage concurrent syntheses, and adapt to shifting priorities.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, including careful record keeping, independent data analysis, documentation, and process control for accurate, compliant reporting.
• Intellectual curiosity and eagerness to learn new instrumentation, techniques, and chemistries for novel platforms and modalities.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize therapeutic oligonucleotides, including ASO and siRNA, at scales from 75 to 6000 µmol using automated solid-phase synthesizers.
• Independently solve laboratory problems and continuously improve existing workflows.
• Collaborate with discovery chemistry teams to understand and validate requirements for scaling up synthesis of novel molecules.
• Collaborate with the analytical team on analysis and characterization of processed molecules.
• Oversee and prioritize the work of scientists supporting the team.
• Support discovery and development of lead therapeutic candidates and collaborate with CMC and development teams to advance innovation toward the clinic.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and manage laboratory inventory and consumables.
• Support implementation of new technologies and workflows that accelerate innovation for Lilly Genetic Medicines.

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: Entry Level