Analytical Chemistry Research Advisor - Synthetic Molecule Design and Development (SMDD)

Company: Eli Lilly and Company
Location: Indianapolis
Posted on: July 19, 2025

Job Description:

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world. Organization Overview: 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 exciting portfolio that includes small molecules, peptides, oligonucleotides, and other emerging therapeutic modalities. By cultivating a hardworking, culturally diverse workforce that exhibits deep technical expertise, SMDD delivers on these responsibilities and helps bring the next generation of life-changing medicines to patients. SMDD has an exciting opportunity for an Analytical Chemistry Research Advisor to join our multidisciplinary team of chemists, engineers, and formulation scientists. Empowered by access to world-class capabilities and extensive pharmaceutical development experience, you will help deliver technical solutions that enable deeper understanding of processes and products across the portfolio. Ideal candidates will possess experience across multiple analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, mass spectrometry, NMR), demonstrate an aptitude in technical problem-solving, and be motivated to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment. Position Responsibilities: Analytical scientists in SMDD enable the comprehensive characterization of materials and processes necessary to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of Lilly’s medicines. This responsibility requires direct contribution to the development of analytical methodology, design of experiments to generate key data, and preparation of regulatory documents (e.g., IND, NDA). Scientists in this position are expected to: Drive the design, development, and implementation of product control strategies for oligonucleotide, peptide, and/or small molecule programs. Demonstrate proficiency in multiple analytical technologies, with an emphasis on chromatography and mass spectrometry. Develop analytical methods, justify specifications, design stability studies, establish starting material rationales for synthetic processes, identify impurities, and test drug product performance characteristics (e.g., dissolution/disintegration). Support internal process development efforts through hands-on laboratory research in a fast-paced development environment. This includes experimental design, sample analysis, instrument troubleshooting, and data interpretation. Provide technical guidance for analytical activities executed within the external network. Ensure methods are technically sound, well developed, and fit for purpose. Execute technology transfer to CRO/CMO organizations and Lilly manufacturing sites. Identify and implement innovative solutions to development challenges, monitor emerging trends in analytical chemistry, and maintain familiarity with applicable regulatory requirements. Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills; effectively convey both the technical and business implications of data and decisions; productively collaborate with internal and external development partners; author internal technical reports and regulatory submission documents. Basic Qualifications: PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field Additional Skills/Preferences: Previous experience in the pharmaceutical industry or with analytical techniques that are directly applicable to pharmaceutical development (e.g., HPLC, MS). Deep fundamental understanding of and experience with reversed-phase, ion exchange, size-exclusion, chiral, and/or gas chromatography. Working knowledge of optical spectroscopy (e.g., Raman, FTIR), NMR, structure elucidation, and powder characterization techniques (e.g., XRPD, particle size distribution). Demonstration of learning agility, prioritization of workload, and aptitude in navigating ambiguity. Additional Information: • Possible exposure to chemicals, allergens, and loud noises • Occasional travel (0 to 10%) • Position Local: Indianapolis, IN; Lilly Technology Center-North (LTC-N) Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form ( https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation ) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response. Lilly is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia Network, Black Employees at Lilly, Chinese Culture Network, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), PRIDE (LGBTQ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN), Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL), enAble (for people with disabilities). Learn more about all of our groups. Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $121,500 - $198,000 Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for 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; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly’s compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees. WeAreLilly

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