Analytical Chemist

100 Eli Lilly and Company; United States; On-site; USD 65,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

Lilly in Indianapolis, IN, is seeking an analytical chemist for the Synthetic Molecule Design and Development group. In a hands‑on laboratory role (>70% bench work), you will develop analytical methods and characterize chemical processes to advance drug candidates from early development through manufacturing readiness.

Apply chromatography expertise (HPLC, GC, NMR, MS), work with synthetic chemists and process engineers, and translate analytical data into actionable insights for project teams

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master of Science degree in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Experience with chromatographic (LC, GC, IC) method development or validation in pharmaceutical, chemical, or regulated industry setting.
• Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or visas for this role, including but not limited to F‑1 CPT, F‑1 OPT, F‑1 STEM OPT, J‑1, H‑1B, TN, O‑1, E‑3, H‑1B1, or L‑1.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize analytical methods to accurately measure purity, potency, and other critical quality attributes of small molecule drug substances and synthetic intermediates.
• Select and implement appropriate analytical techniques (HPLC, GC, NMR, MS) to support chemical process development—independently generating data that elucidates reaction mechanisms, characterizes kinetic behavior, and identifies process‑related impurities.
• Assess stability of development materials under stressed conditions to evaluate potential degradation using chromatographic techniques.
• Collaborate with synthetic chemists and process engineers to ensure analytical methods are suitable for guiding development activities and can be successfully transferred to GMP laboratories for routine testing and manufacturing support.
• Perform laboratory activities with a strong emphasis on safety and technical rigor, while adhering to local policies and procedures.
• Identify and apply new scientific concepts, exhibit strong problem‑solving skills, and be self‑motivated to contribute across multiple projects.
• Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills to represent both the technical aspects and business‑related implications of your work.

Skills

Chromatography

Mass spectrometry

NMR spectroscopy

Data interpretation

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor or Master of Science in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemistry

Tools

HPLC

GC

NMR

MS

Job description

At Lilly, the work is demanding because patients are waiting. We unite caring with discovery to help make life better for people around the world, knowing that every decision, every detail, and every day matters. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, our over 50,000 employees around the globe take on complex challenges to discover and deliver life‑changing medicines, strengthen how health is understood and managed, and support the communities we serve. This is hard, urgent, selfless work—but it’s work worth doing. If you’re driven by purpose and ready to bring your best to work that truly matters for patients, we invite you to join us.

Overview

Synthetic Molecule Design and Development have an exciting opportunity for an analytical chemist to join our development group. In this hands‑on laboratory role (>70% bench work), you will develop analytical methods and characterize chemical processes to advance drug candidates from early development through manufacturing readiness. You will expand and apply your expertise in chromatographic method development and leverage complementary techniques (mass spectrometry, NMR) while partnering closely with synthetic chemists and process engineers to solve critical process development challenges. The ideal candidate brings practical chromatography experience, strong problem‑solving skills, and the ability to translate analytical data into actionable insights for project teams.

Position Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize analytical methods to accurately measure purity, potency, and other critical quality attributes of small molecule drug substances and synthetic intermediates.
• Select and implement appropriate analytical techniques (HPLC, GC, NMR, MS) to support chemical process development—independently generating data that elucidates reaction mechanisms, characterizes kinetic behavior, and identifies process‑related impurities.
• Assess stability of development materials under stressed conditions to evaluate potential degradation using chromatographic techniques.
• Collaborate with synthetic chemists and process engineers to ensure analytical methods are suitable for guiding development activities and can be successfully transferred to GMP laboratories for routine testing and manufacturing support.
• Perform laboratory activities with a strong emphasis on safety and technical rigor, while adhering to local policies and procedures.
• Identify and apply new scientific concepts, exhibit strong problem‑solving skills, and be self‑motivated to contribute across multiple projects.
• Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills to represent both the technical aspects and business‑related implications of your work.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master of Science degree in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Experience with chromatographic (LC, GC, IC) method development or validation in pharmaceutical, chemical, or regulated industry setting.
• Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or visas for this role, including but not limited to F‑1 CPT, F‑1 OPT, F‑1 STEM OPT, J‑1, H‑1B, TN, O‑1, E‑3, H‑1B1, or L‑1.

Additional Skills/Preferences

• Working knowledge of mass spectrometry (LC‑MS, GC‑MS) and NMR spectroscopy
• Familiarity with chemical process development, synthetic organic chemistry, and rationales for establishing material specifications and testing plans.
• Experience troubleshooting and maintaining analytical instrumentation.
• Demonstration of scientific leadership and the ability to influence others.
• Ability to balance multiple responsibilities, prioritize activities, and navigate ambiguity.

Additional Information

• Travel: 0 to 10%
• Potential exposure to chemicals, allergens, and loud noises

Lilly is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate based on race, gender, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Position Local: Onsite Monday through Friday, 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.

Employee Resource Groups

• Africa, Middle East, Central Asia (AMECA)
• Black Employees at Lilly (BE@Lilly)
• Chinese Culture Network (CCN)
• EnAble
• Evolve
• Lilly Indian Network (LIN)
• Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA)
• Pride (LGBTQ+ Allies)
• Veterans Leadership Network (VLN)
• Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL)

Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location.

The anticipated wage for this position is $65,250 - $169,400. Full‑time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance).

Benefits

• 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
• 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 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!