Advisor/Sr. Advisor – Process Engineer-Peptides/Small molecule Scientist

540 Eli Lilly Services India Pvt Ltd – Hyderabad; Hyderabad; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Lilly in Hyderabad is seeking a Process Engineer to lead design, optimization, and scale-up of lab‑based processes enabling robust drug substance manufacturing. Experience in peptide and small molecule projects is preferred.

The role partners with development scientists and cross‑functional teams to deliver high‑quality solutions, ensure smooth tech transfer, and maintain rigorous EH&S and quality documentation. Strong problem solving and independent work are essential.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Post Doc experience in Chemistry (Small molecule and Peptide) with 5–12 years.
• Experience in process development, lab-scale engineering, or manufacturing support.
• Knowledge of GMP and lab quality systems; strong communication and independence.

Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and scale-up lab‑based processes for robust drug substance manufacturing.
• Collaborate with development scientists and cross‑functional engineering groups for reliable tech transfer.
• Conduct hands-on experiments, analyze data, and document results for development decisions.
• Support process characterization, robustness studies, and process improvements.

Skills

GMP knowledge

Problem solving

Excellent communication

Independent worker

Education

Ph.D. in Biochemistry/Chemistry/Chemical Engineering

Post Doc in Chemistry (Small molecule & Peptide)

Tools

Aspen Plus

MATLAB

DOE tools

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.

Company Overview Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation is developing a growing portfolio of pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Lilly makes life better – through medicines and information – for some of the world’s most urgent medical needs. Founded over 145 years ago, the company has sustained a culture that values excellence, integrity and respect for people. This has resulted in Lilly frequently being ranked as one of the best companies in the world at which to work. Lilly knows its business has prospered because of its employees – people with a talent for innovation and a passion for making a difference by finding treatments for the most stubborn diseases; people whose talent is matched by their generosity, and people with strong values and a determination to prevail, regardless of the challenges.

Manufacturing and Quality Technical Hub Hyderabad

Lilly has made a strategic investment of more than $1B dollars to establish a Manufacturing and Quality technical hub. This hub will oversee the significant investment in contract manufacturing of starting materials and intermediates for API manufacturing in India and the technical services responsible for managing the scientific agenda for manufacturing and quality. The hub will be recruiting top talent in the areas of process engineering, chemistry, analytical and data sciences to build a cutting‑edge scientific organization supporting the exciting manufacturing portfolio of Lilly.

Job Description

Role Overview and Key Responsibilities:

Process Engineer provides technical leadership and hands‑on engineering support for the design, optimization, and scale‑up of laboratory‑based processes that enable robust manufacturing of drug substances and drug products. This role partners closely with development scientists, and cross‑functional engineering groups to deliver high‑quality technical solutions, reliable laboratory operations, and effective technology transfer.

The successful candidate should have a proven track record of driving technical agendas and influence externally in the peptide and small molecule space.

Technical Development & Support

Partner with TS/MS scientists/analytical scientist in India, US and Ireland to design, develop, and refine laboratory‑scale processes. Establish, maintain, and optimize unit operations used in the process development lab (e.g., chromatography, filtration, mixing, crystallization, upstream/downstream studies, formulation experiments, and others). Develop scale‑down models that accurately represent full‑scale operations and use them to support process characterization, robustness studies, and troubleshooting.

Conduct hands‑on laboratory experimentation, data analysis, and technical reporting to support key development and manufacturing decisions.

Process Optimization & Technology Transfer

Support tech transfer activities by preparing process documentation, generating process parameters, and enabling smooth movement of processes from lab to pilot or manufacturing scale. Support technical process issues and to implement long‑term improvements informed by lab experimentation. Apply engineering fundamentals and first‑principles thinking to develop innovative solutions, improve process understanding, and enhance robustness. Adhere to safe operation of laboratory equipment and ensure compliance with EH&S expectations. Maintain high‑quality documentation practices, including experimental protocols, batch records, and engineering analyses.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

Collaborate closely with automation, analytical, mechanical, and instrumentation engineering groups to introduce new tools, models, and technologies. Partner with Quality, TS/MS, and manufacturing to align development activities with long‑term production needs.

Education and experience Requirement:

Ph.D. in scientific disciplines of Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fields, or equivalent industry experience Ph.D., Post Doc in Chemistry (Small molecule and Peptide chemistry) with 5-12 years’ experience. Minimum 5 years of experience in process development, lab‑scale engineering, or manufacturing support in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or similar industries. Experience with process modeling software (e.g., Aspen, MATLAB, statistical design tools). Working knowledge of GMP expectations and laboratory quality systems. Demonstrated experience in technology transfer and scale‑up/scale‑down, in laboratory‑scale unit operations relevant to the role (e.g., chromatography, TFF, bioreactors, mixing systems, filtration and drying technologies). Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong problem‑solving abilities and abilities to work independently with minimal direction.

Other Information:

Some travel (domestic and international) less than 5% may be required. 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 does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

#WeAreLilly At Lilly we strive to ensure our employees are part of a team that cares about them and our shared purpose of making life better for those around the world. How do we do this? We continue to look for ways to include, innovate, accelerate and deliver while maintaining integrity, excellence and respect for people. We hope that you seek to join us on our journey as we create medicine and deliver improved outcomes for patients across the globe! #WeAreLilly