Post-Doctoral Scientist – Materials Science

Lilly • Indianapolis, IN

1d • $58,000 - $123,200 • Onsite

About The Position

Provides research and technical support for materials and polymer science activities within the Technical Services/Manufacturing Sciences (TS/MS) organization, contributing to the characterization, evaluation, and qualification of materials used across Lilly's pharmaceutical manufacturing platforms. This Post-Doctoral Scientist position is not permanent. It is for a fixed duration (typically two years, with potential to extend up to a maximum of four years).

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Medical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated research experience in materials science and/or polymer science (e.g., through doctoral research).
• Strong understanding of material characterization techniques and structure-property relationships.
• Requires a record of publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations/posters at scientific conferences.
• Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or visas for this role, including but not limited to F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, J-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, or L-1.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with pharmaceutical materials, container closure systems, or drug delivery devices is a plus.
• Familiarity with GMP-regulated environments and regulatory considerations for pharmaceutical or medical device materials.
• Experience with polymer processing, biocompatibility assessment, or sterilization compatibility (e.g., gamma, e-beam, EtO).
• Ability to work well independently and remotely, as well as in global and multicultural teams.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and technical writing/communication skills.
• Ability to design, execute, and critically interpret scientific experiments.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research on materials and/or polymer science relevant to pharmaceutical manufacturing, container closure systems, or drug delivery devices.
• Design, execute, and interpret experiments to characterize material properties (mechanical, chemical, thermal, and surface) and structure-property relationships.
• Build and apply knowledge of materials used in Lilly's parenteral and/or device platforms, including material composition, specifications, and compatibility considerations.
• Investigate material performance, degradation mechanisms, and failure modes; support root cause analyses for material-related issues.
• Collaborate with TS/MS, R&D, and quality scientists to design and execute studies (e.g., extractables/leachable, product compatibility, sterilization compatibility) relevant to pharmaceutical materials.
• Integrate research findings into practical specifications, control strategies, and technical reports.
• Author high-quality technical reports, protocols, and scientific documentation.
• Stay current with emerging materials science research, industry trends, and regulatory expectations relevant to pharmaceutical materials.
• Present research findings to internal stakeholders and, where appropriate, contribute to peer-reviewed publications, patents, or scientific conferences.
• Mentor lab associates and/or students to enhance their technical capabilities, as opportunities arise.
• Ability to work well independently and collaboratively within global, cross-functional teams.

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