Senior Director, Immunometabolic Health and Immunology Research

Eli Lilly and Company • San Diego, MA

6d

About The Position

The Senior Director will lead scientific research into the biology of gut-brain axis hormones at the intersection of metabolism, neurobiology, and immunology. The role develops and executes a strategy spanning internal discovery work and external scientific collaborations. It calls for a hands-on scientific leader who can define key biological questions, generate and interpret evidence across in vitro, in vivo, and human or translational systems, and translate mechanistic insights into a strategy relevant to Lilly’s portfolio.

The position also contributes to the Immunology Discovery Research Lead team by helping shape the scientific portfolio and develop talent through thoughtful review of projects across the Immunology portfolio.

Requirements

• Ph.D. and relevant postdoctoral training in immunology, neuroscience, immunometabolism, or a related field.
• At least 8 years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical and/or biotechnology companies.
• Experience in both gut-brain axis hormone and peptide biology, such as incretins and amylin, and chronic immunologic disease biology, demonstrated through peer-reviewed manuscripts and/or patents.

Nice To Haves

• Experience collaborating with internal and external partners across geographies to build and advance strategies and deliver business outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to build high-performing scientific teams and lead in a matrix environment, emphasizing innovation and teamwork.
• Ability to positively influence team culture and demonstrate flexibility in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail and critical thinking in complex environments.
• Ability to prioritize team work and meet target timelines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative team spirit.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in AI applications for business.
• Experience in external innovation, business development, and due diligence.
• Hands-on experience and demonstrated success in drug discovery and development across multiple autoimmune diseases.

Responsibilities

• Develop scientific strategy exploring the biological and mechanistic links between gut-brain axis hormones and peptides and metabolism, neurobiology, and immunology.
• Build and lead the scientific team executing the strategy, including a matrixed, multidisciplinary team conducting bench research.
• Identify and manage external collaborations that support the scientific strategy.
• Provide scientific and operational leadership for external partnerships, ensuring lab-based studies meet their scientific objectives and remain aligned with immunology strategy and portfolio needs.
• Evaluate external opportunities with External Innovation colleagues, assessing scientific merit and strategic fit, particularly in immunometabolic health and immunology.
• Partner across research and development groups to communicate discovery biology activities regularly to translational and clinical development teams.
• Help shape the Immunology scientific portfolio and develop talent by reviewing projects across the portfolio and identifying development opportunities aligned with scientists’ interests.

Benefits

• Company bonus, depending in part on company and individual performance.
• Eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k).
• Pension.
• Vacation benefits.
• Eligibility for medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits.
• Flexible benefits, including healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts.
• Life insurance and death benefits.
• Time-off and leave-of-absence benefits.
• Well-being benefits, including an 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