Scientific Director — Synthetic Process Chemistry (Peptides & Small Molecules)

Lilly • Indianapolis, IN

1d • $148,500 - $257,400 • Onsite

About The Position

The Synthetic Molecule Design and Development (SMDD) organization is responsible for the development of synthetic drug substances and drug products from the pre-clinical phase through commercialization. Our scientists and engineers develop innovative technical solutions to advance an existing portfolio that includes small molecules, synthetic peptides, oligonucleotides, and other emerging therapeutic modalities to help bring the next generation of life-changing medicines to patients. This role is within the process chemistry team, supporting the development of impactful medicines and shaping future breakthroughs. The position focuses on traditional Liquid Phase Peptide Synthesis (LPPS) and applying small molecule-inspired fragment condensation chemistry for large-scale peptide manufacturing. Sustainability is a key focus, with efforts to reduce Process Mass Intensity (PMI), eliminate hazardous reagents, and publish green chemistry innovations. The role involves leading peptide commercialization projects, championing greener process design, and collaborating with chemists, analysts, and engineers. It is a hands-on scientific role operating in a highly collaborative environment with global partners. Technology developed in this role will contribute to Lilly’s Medicines Foundry, a new manufacturing facility, providing end-to-end impact from laboratory discovery to commercial production.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or a closely related field with 7+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience in peptide or synthetic process chemistry; or M.S. with 10+ years of equivalent industry experience.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing scientists and cross-functional project teams.
• Experience with SPPS, LPPS, and/or hybrid peptide synthesis strategies at scale.
• Experience with tech transfer of processes into manufacturing operations, including CMOs.
• Track record of external publication and presentation in the peptide or synthetic chemistry field.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to present to both technical and business audiences.

Nice To Haves

• Excellence in multiple modes of peptide synthesis, including hybrid SPPS/LPPS and Tag-Assisted Liquid Phase Peptide Chemistry (TA-LPPS).
• Experience with continuous flow chemistry, process intensification, or novel coupling reagent platforms.
• Familiarity with regulatory CMC requirements for peptide drug substances.
• Experience working with global CMO partners in Asia and/or Europe.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative working style.
• Demonstrated initiative, appropriate risk-taking, and ability to lead through ambiguity.
• Knowledge and experience with management of technical projects across multiple programs.
• Active participation in or awareness of professional societies and industry consortia relevant to pharmaceutical process chemistry and sustainability, including ACS, TIDES, the ACS Green Chemistry Institute Pharmaceutical Roundtable, and the IQ Consortium.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, especially in cross-functional team environments.
• Ability to prioritize multiple activities and influence others to promote a positive work environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a hands-on scientific leader, conducting bench-level LPPS and condensation chemistry development while leading and mentoring a team of peptide chemists.
• Lead internal technology development and coordinate the transfer of early-phase processes to Lilly’s Medicines Foundry.
• Collaborate with internal and external Manufacturing groups to transfer processes for validation.
• Educate and guide CMO partners in best practices for greener peptide development and manufacture.
• Engage with Development and Manufacturing organizations to develop a deep understanding of new initiatives and drive continuous improvement in existing scientific processes.
• Implement green chemistry and engineering solutions across all stages of process development, including solvent selection, reagent optimization, PMI benchmarking, and publication of sustainability innovations.
• Present research findings at internal forums and external conferences.
• Publish in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals.
• Communicate technical and business-related implications of work effectively to both scientific and non-scientific audiences.

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