Chemist, Oligonucleotide Chemistry

Eli Lilly and • Indianapolis, IN

154d • $63,000 - $162,800

About The Position

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We're looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world. Lilly is passionate about the discovery, development and commercialization of potential new medicines that will impact and improve the lives of patients. Lilly Genetic Medicines (LGM) is an innovation-focused organization striving to identify, develop and apply the most cutting-edge technologies to deliver maximum benefit to our patients. Our agile and diverse team strives to operate as an autonomous 'biotech-like' company within the walls of Lilly. The Lilly Genetic Medicines Team is looking for a collaborative, creative and energetic problem solver to join a multidisciplinary team at the front edge of innovation. You will join our fast-paced, interdisciplinary team as we utilize novel RNA/oligonucleotide based therapeutic modalities to enhance the Lilly portfolio. The successful applicant will utilize their knowledge and technical expertise to accelerate the core capabilities and development of internal RNAi-based clinical candidates.

Requirements

• Bachelors and/or Masters in Organic Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field with 1+ years of experience in synthetic organic and/or oligonucleotide chemistry.

Nice To Haves

• Strong laboratory skills and experience with analytical instrumentation such as AKTA, Agilent LC-MS and UPLC, Vanquish LTQ, Water's QDA, etc.
• Proven ability to deliver on critical deadlines within a highly interdisciplinary group.
• Strong hands-on experience with phosphoramidite chemistry, particularly in the context of oligonucleotide synthesis.
• Hands on experience with nucleoside chemistry is strongly desired.
• Deep understanding of impurity profiles in phosphoramidite reagents and their impact on oligonucleotide quality.
• Experience with analytical techniques such as HPLC, LC-MS, NMR, and UV spectroscopy for monitoring synthesis and characterizing impurities.
• Ability to troubleshoot synthesis failures due to solubility, moisture sensitivity, or reagent degradation.
• Proven ability to improve reactions from proof-of-concept to larger scales.
• Confident, execution-focused with a strong desire to thrive within a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to function well within a team.
• Possess strong communication and organizational skills regarding accurate record keeping, independent data analysis, and reporting of data in compliance with company standards.
• Ability to identify and implement strategies that streamline operations, reduce waste, and enhance overall efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Help lead the discovery oligosynthesis scale-up group within LGM.
• Collaborate with members of the LGM discovery chemistry teams to understand and validate requirements for synthesis scaleup.
• Collaborate with our analytical team for the proper analysis and characterization of processed molecules.
• Actively support our efforts toward the discovery of lead drug candidates and collaborate with CMC and development teams to drive high-speed innovation.
• Oversee and prioritize the work of contractors to meet critical timelines.
• Synthesize therapeutic oligonucleotides (ASO, siRNA, and others) from 150-6000 umol scales using automated solid-phase synthesizers.
• Independently problem-solve in the laboratory setting to overcome synthetic challenges and improve upon existing workflows.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and manage laboratory inventory/consumables.
• Support the implementation of new technologies and workflows.

Benefits

• Eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension.
• Vacation benefits.
• Eligibility for 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: Entry Level
• Industry: Chemical Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree