Advisor/Senior Advisor - Process Chemistry - Synthetic Peptide Chemistry (SMDD)

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 121,000 - 198,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an innovative synthetic organic chemist to join a dynamic peptide process development team. This role focuses on sustainable peptide development and commercialization, requiring expertise in peptide synthesis and problem-solving skills. The ideal candidate will work in a collaborative environment, utilizing cutting-edge technologies to create cost-effective synthetic processes. With a commitment to work-life balance and employee advancement, this opportunity offers a chance to make a significant impact in the healthcare field while enjoying flexible working arrangements and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

flexible working hours

remote work opportunities

comprehensive parental leave

401(k) participation

medical benefits

dental benefits

vision benefits

fitness benefits

employee assistance program

vacation benefits

Qualifications

• Strong background in synthetic organic and peptide chemistry.
• Experience with characterization of organic/peptide products.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize complex peptide APIs using innovative technologies.
• Collaborate with external organizations to support technology transfer.

Skills

synthetic organic chemistry

peptide synthesis

problem-solving

green chemistry

interpersonal skills

communication skills

Education

PhD in Chemistry

MS in Chemistry

Tools

NMR

HPLC

MS

reversed-phase chromatography

ion exchange chromatography

size exclusion chromatography

chiral chromatography

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.

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

The Synthetic Molecule Design and Development (SMDD) organization at Eli Lilly and Company has an exciting opportunity for an innovative synthetic organic chemist! Join our peptide process development team within a highly dynamic and cross-functional department, focused on sustainable synthetic peptide development and commercialization. The selected candidate will be part of a diverse team of chemical engineers, synthetic chemists, and analytical chemists, delivering product and process understanding across various platforms.

Our peptide group recently commercialized Mounjaro/Zepbound (see: Tirzepatide Hybrid Synthesis), one of the many exciting peptides in our portfolio. The team is responsible for the sustainable synthesis and cost-effective commercialization of therapeutic peptides. We are looking for a candidate with experience in peptide synthesis, decoding problematic reactions, process optimization, and isolation.

Position Responsibilities:

• Synthesize complex peptide active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) using both established and ground-breaking technologies in synthetic peptide chemistry, chemical engineering, and continuous manufacturing.
• Identify and exploit new scientific concepts, employ strong problem-solving skills, and be self-motivated and adaptable.
• Embrace green chemistry and engineering principles to reduce the environmental footprint of peptide APIs (see: Synthetic Peptide Sustainability Challenges and PMI Analysis of Current Peptide Manufacturing Processes - A Review).
• Design, develop, and implement sustainable, innovative, and cost-effective synthetic processes for API manufacture.
• Collaborate with external development and manufacturing organizations to support technology transfer, develop new initiatives, and improve existing scientific processes.
• Generate data for regulatory filings.
• Present research findings at internal forums, relevant external conferences, and in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in Chemistry or related field or MS in Chemistry or related field with 7+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong background in synthetic organic and/or peptide chemistry.
• Experience with characterization of organic/peptide products by NMR, HPLC, and MS.

Desirable Skills/Preferences:

• Understanding of various modes of peptide synthesis such as Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis, Solution-Phase Peptide Synthesis, Liquid/Tag-Assisted Peptide Synthesis, Semi-Synthesis, and enzymatic approaches, with familiarity with peptide automation.
• Knowledge of fundamental structural/molecular properties of organic molecules/peptides, equilibrium and kinetic principles, and their application in reaction development and improvement.
• Ability to prioritize work to achieve scientific, professional, and business goals.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience in collaborative, multidisciplinary team environments.
• Ability to meet deadlines on multiple assignments and efficiently prioritize project needs.
• Strong technical problem-solving ability and initiative.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Hands-on experience with peptide synthesis in both solid- and solution-phase.
• Expertise in various synthetic organic chemistry methods and techniques.
• Familiarity with reversed-phase chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, size exclusion chromatography, chiral chromatography.
• Experience with high-resolution mass spectrometry in the characterization of synthetic peptides and MS data interpretation.
• Strong publication record in organic synthesis or methodology, with peptide-related research being a plus.

Additional Information:

• Travel: 0 to 10%
• Possible exposure to chemicals, allergens, and loud noises
• Location: Indianapolis, IN. (Lilly Technology Center-North)

Work-Life Balance and Benefits:

Eli Lilly and Company values work-life balance and offers flexible working hours, remote work opportunities, and comprehensive parental leave policies. Our supportive work environment includes various employee resource groups, including those dedicated to employee advancement in science.

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.

Lilly is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and 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.

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).

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