Lead Scientist, Peptide Chemistry & Chemical Biology

Eli Lilly and Company; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 141,000 - 231,000; Full time

Job summary

Eli Lilly and Company is seeking a PhD-level chemist to lead insulin engineering and peptide framework efforts within Protomer. You will design and drive chemical biology programs, manage strategic milestones, and mentor junior scientists in a highly integrated team.

The role emphasizes scientific leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and advancing peptide medicines from discovery toward early clinical development, with travel as needed.

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, synthetic chemistry, chemical biology or peptide chemistry with significant experience and proven research success.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects in insulin engineering, chemical biology or peptide frameworks.
• Initiate and lead new projects, formulate strategy and execute on deep technical development.
• Collaborate with the group to achieve goals and provide independent rationale.
• Balance science and business by delivering peptide portfolios through planning and execution.
• Lead molecule engineering from lead identification to lead optimization and contribute to clinical stages.

Skills

Peptide chemistry

Chemical biology

Insulin engineering

Leadership

Team collaboration

Problem-solving

Learning agility

Communication

Education

PhD in chemistry, synthetic chemistry, chemical biology or peptide chemistry

Tools

Computational chemistry

AI/ML for peptide design

Job description

Eli Lilly and Company is seeking a PhD-level chemist to lead insulin engineering and peptide framework efforts within Protomer. You will design and drive chemical biology programs, manage strategic milestones, and mentor junior scientists in a highly integrated team.

The role emphasizes scientific leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and advancing peptide medicines from discovery toward early clinical development, with travel as needed.