Research Advisor

Eli Lilly and Company • Us, IN

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) Group provides enterprise leadership for environmental risk assessments (ERAs) that support global regulatory submissions, environmental stewardship commitments, and strategic management of issues related to pharmaceuticals in the environment (PiE). Positioned within Lilly’s research and development organization, the group applies scientific judgment to design fit-for-purpose testing strategies for portfolio assets and to anticipate evolving regulatory expectations. This scientific role leads the ERA Group and is accountable for the strategy, quality, and timely delivery of environmental studies and risk assessments that characterize the interaction of Lilly therapeutics with the environment. The group leader serves as a people leader, scientific leader, strategic consultant, and technical expert for PiE-related issues across Lilly’s portfolio, manufacturing network, regulatory functions, and external engagement forums.

Requirements

• PhD in environmental or natural sciences, or related field
• 15 years experience in chemical environmental risk assessment in pharmaceutical or pesticide industry and/or as consultant to such industries
• Research experience in environmental toxicology and/or environmental fate
• Experience with OECD environmental studies and GLPs
• Confirmed skills in scientific communication via published papers and presentations

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated effective cross functional and external influencing skills
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills and an ability to interpret data from environmental studies
• Ability to organize and lead task teams to consensus deliverable
• Strong understanding of the scientific method
• Broad understanding of global environmental policies/issues and potential business implications especially those that impact pharmaceutical environmental risk assessment
• Familiarity with pharmaceutical or pesticide risk assessment processes
• Previous Pharma or Industry experience

Responsibilities

• Lead the ERA Group by setting scientific direction, developing environmental scientists, and building environmental risk assessment capability across the portfolio.
• Own portfolio ERA testing, prioritization, study governance, and submission-ready delivery for global regulatory registrations.
• Direct execution of environmental studies that meet regulatory expectations through fit-for-purpose CRO partnerships that ensure GLP compliance, data quality, and reliable report delivery.
• Advance Lilly’s diverse portfolio and ERA science by identifying and fostering innovative solutions and cross-functional collaboration.
• Communicate ERA strategy, risks, decisions, and regulatory implications to Lilly leadership, project teams, and regulatory functions.
• Advise manufacturing on pharmaceutical discharge limits and implementation strategies that protect people, ecosystems, and business continuity.
• Lead PiE governance by assessing internal and external developments, framing business implications, and driving mitigation strategies through cross-functional partnership with GHSE, Governmental Affairs, R&D.
• Represent Lilly externally to benchmark guidelines, influence regulatory expectations, shape industry positions, and guide external research engagement.

Benefits

• company bonus
• company-sponsored 401(k)
• pension
• vacation benefits
• medical benefits
• dental benefits
• vision benefits
• prescription drug benefits
• flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts)
• life insurance
• 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: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree