Associate Vice President/Fellow, Research, Oligonucleotide Chemistry

Lilly • Boston, MA

3d • $240,000 - $385,000

About The Position

Lilly Research Laboratories scientists work to create medicines that address major health challenges. The successful candidate will bring a strong research record in oligonucleotide chemistry and experience advancing candidates to clinical evaluation. They will apply analytical skills, a systematic approach, and data-driven decision-making while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across therapeutic areas such as Neuroscience, Pain/Neuronal Health, Diabetes and Complications, and Immunology to advance oligonucleotide drug candidates for next-generation RNA therapies.

The role includes developing and supervising a team of Ph.D.- and associate-level scientists, leading oligonucleotide design and optimization, integrating AI/ML into oligonucleotide strategy, and advancing technical capabilities. The candidate will also partner with legal on intellectual property strategy and demonstrate inclusive leadership, mentorship, and a commitment to individual and team development. Safety is a top priority.

The position requires a Ph.D. in chemistry or a related field and more than 10 years of industry experience in oligonucleotide discovery and development. The anticipated wage is $240,000–$385,000. Eligible full-time employees may receive a company bonus and benefits that include a company-sponsored 401(k), pension, vacation, medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits, flexible spending accounts, life insurance and death benefits, time-off and leave benefits, and well-being benefits.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in chemistry or a related field.
• More than 10 years of industry experience in oligonucleotide discovery and development.
• Strong research track record in oligonucleotide chemistry.
• Demonstrated experience advancing candidates to clinical evaluation.
• Strong analytical skills, a systematic approach, and consistent use of data-driven decision-making.
• Demonstrated commitment to people development through inclusive leadership, mentorship, and fostering individual growth and team excellence.
• Excellent oral and written communication, organizational, collaboration, emotional intelligence, and leadership skills.

Nice To Haves

• Recognized leader in oligonucleotide therapeutics with an established network and a track record of delivering drugs to the clinic.
• Experience with extra-hepatic delivery of oligonucleotides and conjugates.
• Skills in data-driven study design, timeline and partner management, competitive intelligence, and resource planning.
• Clear and defined management style.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a team-player mentality.
• Demonstrated initiative and appropriate risk-taking.
• High level of organization and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Hire, develop, and supervise a team of Ph.D.- and associate-level scientists supporting a diverse portfolio of oligonucleotide medicines, in close partnership with therapeutic-area thought leaders.
• Lead screening, design, and structure-activity relationship (SAR) optimization of oligonucleotide constructs, including siRNA, ASOs, and conjugates, to advance differentiated clinical candidates.
• Lead integration of AI/ML into oligonucleotide strategy.
• Partner with legal to develop a comprehensive intellectual property strategy for novel oligonucleotide medicines.
• Present and summarize results clearly to team members and internal teams.
• Develop the vision and drive advancement of technical capabilities for enterprise impact.
• Apply learning agility to new scientific concepts and technologies and use insights across oligonucleotide discovery challenges.
• Use communication, organizational, collaboration, emotional intelligence, and leadership skills.
• Keep safety a top priority and strive toward an interdependent safety culture.

Benefits

• Company bonus, depending in part on company and individual performance.
• Eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k).
• Pension.
• Vacation benefits.
• 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: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree