Director - Oligonucleotide Chemistry

Eli Lilly and Company • Us, IN

3d • Onsite

About The Position

At Lilly, the work is demanding because patients are waiting. We unite caring with discovery to help make life better for people around the world, knowing that every decision, every detail, and every day matters. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, our over 50,000 employees around the globe take on complex challenges to discover and deliver life-changing medicines, strengthen how health is understood and managed, and support the communities we serve. This is hard, urgent, selfless work—but it’s work worth doing. If you’re driven by purpose and ready to bring your best to work that truly matters for patients, we invite you to join us. We serve an extraordinary purpose. For more than 150 years, we have worked diligently to discover medicines that make life better. These discoveries start in Lilly Research Laboratories, where our scientists work to create new medicines that will help solve our world's greatest health challenges. The successful candidate will have a strong research track record in oligonucleotide chemistry, with demonstrated experience advancing candidates to clinical evaluation. Additionally, they should exhibit strong analytical skills, maintain a systematic approach, and consistently apply data-driven decision-making practices. The scientist will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across key Lilly therapeutic areas (e.g. Neuroscience, Pain/Neuronal Health, Diabetes and Complications, Immunology) to perform experiments to aid development of oligonucleotide drug candidates for the next generation of RNA therapies. They will also have a demonstrated track record of prioritizing people development through inclusive leadership, mentorship, and a commitment to fostering individual growth and team excellence.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in chemistry, or related field, with 7–10+ years of industry experience in oligonucleotide discovery and development

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated track record of delivering drugs to the clinic
• Experience with extra-hepatic delivery of oligonucleotides and conjugates
• Demonstrated skills for data-driven study design, timeline and partner management, competitive intelligence, and resource planning
• Clear and defined management style
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and 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
• Lead the screening, design, and SAR optimization of innovative oligonucleotide constructs—including siRNA, ASOs, and conjugates—to advance differentiated clinical candidates
• Support the integration of AI/ML into oligonucleotide discovery efforts
• Partner with legal to support IP strategy for assigned programs
• Clearly present and summarize results to team members and internal teams
• Contribute to the advancement of technical capabilities within the team, embracing new technologies and applying insights across oligonucleotide discovery challenges
• Demonstrate learning agility by quickly absorbing new scientific concepts, embracing new technologies, and applying insights across diverse oligonucleotide discovery challenges
• Leverage strong communication (oral, written), organizational, collaboration, EQ, and leadership skills
• Keep safety as a top priority at all times, striving toward an interdependent safety culture

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: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree