Post-Doctoral Scientist – Materials Science

Scorpion Therapeutics; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Lilly in Indianapolis seeks a PhD-level materials scientist to conduct research and provide technical support for materials used in pharmaceutical manufacturing and device platforms.

You'll design experiments to characterize material properties, evaluate compatibility, and contribute to standards and reports. Collaboration across global teams and mentoring opportunities.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Medical Engineering, or closely related field.
• Strong understanding of material characterization and structure-property relationships.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations/posters.
• Authorization to work in the United States full-time; Lilly does not sponsor visas.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research on materials and/or polymer science relevant to pharmaceutical manufacturing, container closure systems, or drug delivery devices.
• Design, execute, and interpret experiments to characterize material properties (mechanical, chemical, thermal, surface) and structure-property relationships.
• Build knowledge of materials used in parenteral and/or device platforms, including composition, specifications, and compatibility.
• Investigate material performance, degradation mechanisms, and failure modes; support root cause analyses.
• Collaborate to design and execute studies (extractables/leachables, product compatibility, sterilization compatibility).
• Integrate findings into specifications, control strategies, and technical reports.
• Author technical reports, protocols, and scientific documentation.
• Stay current with emerging materials science research, industry trends, and regulatory expectations.
• Present findings to stakeholders; contribute to publications/patents/conferences where appropriate.
• Mentor lab associates/students as opportunities arise.
• Work independently and collaboratively in global, cross-functional teams.

Skills

Materials research

Polymer science

Characterization methods

Publications

Presentations

Work authorization (US)

Education

PhD in Materials Engineering or related field

Job description

Position Brand Description

Provides research and technical support for materials and polymer science activities within the Technical Services/Manufacturing Sciences (TS/MS) organization, contributing to the characterization, evaluation, and qualification of materials used across Lilly's pharmaceutical manufacturing platforms.

Key Objectives/Deliverables

• Conduct independent and collaborative research on materials and/or polymer science relevant to pharmaceutical manufacturing, container closure systems, or drug delivery devices.
• Design, execute, and interpret experiments to characterize material properties (mechanical, chemical, thermal, surface) and structure-property relationships.
• Build and apply knowledge of materials used in parenteral and/or device platforms, including composition, specifications, and compatibility.
• Investigate material performance, degradation mechanisms, and failure modes; support root cause analyses.
• Collaborate to design and execute studies (extractables/leachables, product compatibility, sterilization compatibility).
• Integrate findings into specifications, control strategies, and technical reports.
• Author technical reports, protocols, and scientific documentation.
• Stay current with emerging materials science research, industry trends, and regulatory expectations.
• Present findings to stakeholders; contribute to publications/patents/conferences where appropriate.
• Mentor lab associates/students as opportunities arise.
• Work independently and collaboratively in global, cross-functional teams.

Basic Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Medical Engineering, or closely related field.
• Demonstrated research experience in materials science and/or polymer science.
• Strong understanding of material characterization and structure-property relationships.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations/posters.
• Authorization to work in the United States full-time; Lilly does not sponsor visas.

Additional Preferences

• Experience with pharmaceutical materials, container closure systems, or drug delivery devices.
• GMP and regulatory familiarity.
• Polymer processing, biocompatibility assessment, or sterilization compatibility (gamma, e-beam, EtO).
• Strong problem-solving, analytical skills, and technical writing/communication.

Education Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Medical Engineering, or related field.

Other Information

• Fixed duration (typically two years), potentially extendable up to four years.