Advisor - RNA Chemistry

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 126,000 - 204,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefit program

401(k) participation

Vacation benefits

Job summary

Initial Therapeutics, Inc. is on the forefront of oligonucleotide medicinal chemistry. We are actively searching for a synthetic chemist to contribute to drug discovery efforts. The role entails the design and synthesis of oligonucleotide molecules while mentoring junior scientists.

The ideal candidate will possess a Ph.D. in organic chemistry and demonstrate strong synthetic organic chemistry skills. Experience in oligonucleotide synthesis is a plus. We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in synthetic organic chemistry, including execution of multistep synthetic routes.
• Expertise in characterizing small molecules.
• Experience with oligonucleotide synthesis is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize oligonucleotides for drug discovery.
• Identify scientific questions and develop chemistry strategies.
• Collaborate with biologists to evaluate new biological targets.

Skills

Synthetic organic chemistry

NMR spectroscopy

Mass spectrometry

HPLC

Education

Ph.D. in organic chemistry or related field

Tools

ChemDraw

Automated synthesizers

Electronic notebook software

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Lilly Genetic Medicine group is at the forefront of oligonucleotide medicinal chemistry research and synthetic chemistry innovation, with the goal of establishing Lilly as a leader in genetic medicine. Our group is engaged in a broad range of scientific efforts spanning the full arc of oligonucleotide drug discovery: from the design and synthesis of siRNA and antisense oligonucleotide molecules on active drug discovery projects, to fundamental platform science aimed at making better medicines. This includes investigating novel chemical modifications to enhance the potency, selectivity, and durability of siRNA molecules, as well as pioneering new delivery strategies using a variety of ligands to direct oligonucleotide medicines to specific tissues and cell types. We work in close collaboration with in vitro and in vivo biology, ADME and toxicology scientists to translate chemical innovation into meaningful therapeutic impact.

We are seeking a synthetic chemist who is passionate about applying their expertise to this exciting and rapidly evolving field. In this role, you will contribute to both active drug discovery projects and broader platform science efforts, working alongside a multidisciplinary team to advance the design, synthesis, and profiling of oligonucleotide molecules. The successful candidate will independently identify key scientific questions, apply innovative solutions, and contribute meaningfully to data‑driven decision‑making across the portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize oligonucleotides and novel nucleotide analogs for incorporation into siRNA and ASO platforms to support portfolio drug discovery efforts
• Independently identify critical scientific questions and develop well‑reasoned chemistry strategies for enhancing the potency, safety, and durability of oligonucleotide drug molecules
• Collaborate with in vitro and in vivo biologists to evaluate new biological targets of interest, integrating cross‑functional information to support data‑driven decisions
• Design and implement chemistry strategies for delivery of oligonucleotide medicines to tissues and cell types of interest, anticipating and managing risk to minimize impact on project timelines
• Develop and test new ideas and apply innovative solutions that significantly advance scientific and/or project understanding across multiple drug modalities, including oligonucleotides, antibody‑oligonucleotide conjugates, and peptide‑oligonucleotide conjugates
• Build a diverse cross‑functional and external network to understand how different fields contribute to oligonucleotide research and development
• Focus on defining clear scientific hypotheses, goals, critical success factors, and timelines in support of advancing the portfolio
• Mentor and develop junior scientists, providing constructive feedback and encouraging a culture of excellence and knowledge sharing
• Bring authentic scientific perspective and create a safe environment for colleagues to share ideas and contribute
• Represent genetic medicine project teams in presentations to departmental and cross‑functional senior leadership teams

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. in organic chemistry, or a related field with 0–5+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry or relevant postdoctoral training

Additional Skills/Preferences

• Strong proficiency in synthetic organic chemistry, including design and execution of multistep synthetic routes to small molecule targets
• Expertise in characterization of small molecules using NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and HPLC
• Experience with oligonucleotide synthesis using automated synthesizers (e.g., Mermade or K&A platforms) and downstream oligonucleotide processing is desirable but not required
• Experience with conjugation of biomolecules is desirable but not required
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively, try new ideas, and apply findings in a fast‑paced discovery environment
• Familiarity with ChemDraw, electronic notebook software, and Microsoft Office

Additional Information

• Travel: 0–10%
• Location: On‑site, Indianapolis, IN – Lilly Corporate Center (LCC)

Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $126,000 - $204,600. 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.

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.