Lilly Research Laboratories TDA - 2027 Fall Doctoral Internship

Eli Lilly and Company • Us, IN

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Lilly Research Laboratories is seeking doctoral interns for its Fall 2027 internship program in Drug Discovery or Development. The program gives science students the opportunity to gain technical expertise, learn about the drug development process, experience Lilly’s culture, and explore career paths at the company. The internship starts during the third week of August 2027 and is based at Lilly’s corporate headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana, with possible positions in Boston, Massachusetts; New York, New York; and Louisville, Colorado.

Each intern will be assigned a project and contribute to the Discovery or Development organization while gaining a broader understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and the role Lilly scientists play in delivering medicines to patients. Potential project areas include AI/ML, analytical and bioassay development, biological testing of compounds, organic and peptide synthesis, chemical modalities, computational biology and chemistry, delivery devices, molecular biology, protein expression, purification and characterization, analytical methods and formulation, flow chemistry, and drug product design and performance.

Interns will have opportunities to build fluency with AI tools used across the business. They are expected to use curiosity and critical thinking and to prioritize accuracy, confidentiality, and ethical standards. Interns receive one-to-one mentoring from an experienced professional, and Lilly organizes activities such as sporting events, dinners, lunch-and-learns, and volunteer activities. Compensation is anticipated to be $43,000–$123,200 on a full-time-equivalent basis. Lilly also describes benefits for eligible employees, including company-sponsored retirement and health plans.

Requirements

• Be enrolled in a Ph.D. or PharmD program concentrated in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.

Nice To Haves

• Team-player abilities and excellent communication skills.
• Previous laboratory or pharmaceutical research experience in one or more of the listed areas, including AI/ML, analytical or bioassay development, biological testing, synthesis, computational biology or chemistry, delivery devices, molecular biology, protein expression, purification, characterization, analytical methods, formulation, flow chemistry, or drug product design and performance.
• Prior experience using AI tools, such as generative AI platforms, automation tools, or AI-assisted research or analytics tools, in an academic, project, or work setting.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to an assigned project in Lilly’s Drug Discovery or Development organization.
• Perform work in one or more potential research areas, including AI/ML, analytical development, bioassay development, biological testing of compounds, synthesis, computational science, molecular biology, protein expression, formulation, flow chemistry, or drug product design and performance.
• Use AI tools with critical thinking and prioritize accuracy, confidentiality, and ethical standards.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Free parking at the work site.
• Access to Lilly’s LIFE fitness center and bike garage.
• Discounts.
• Subsidized housing if the internship requires a move from another location.
• One-to-one mentoring from an experienced professional.
• Intern activities and events, including sporting events, dinners, lunch-and-learns, and volunteer activities.
• For eligible employees: access to a company-sponsored 401(k), pension, vacation benefits, medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits, flexible spending accounts, life insurance and death benefits, time-off and leave benefits, and well-being benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree