Post-Doctoral Scientist - Technical Services and Manufacturing Science

Eli Lilly and Company; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 58,000 - 123,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis, IN, is seeking a Post-Doctoral Scientist to design and execute experiments advancing process knowledge for biomolecule production, including proteins, peptides, and oligonucleotides, in a dynamic TS/MS manufacturing environment. The role emphasizes scale-up, process transfer, and strong technical writing, with collaboration across cross-functional teams.

A PhD in a relevant field and published work are required; the position is fixed-term for two years with

Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry, Biology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Chemistry or related field.
• Proven proficiency in protein, oligonucleotide, and peptide chemistry and/or purification.
• Publication record in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.

Responsibilities

• Understand the scientific principles for manufacturing intermediates, drug substances and drug products, including chemistry and equipment interactions.
• Understand the chemistry and stability of small molecules, peptides and/or biomolecules.
• Develop laboratory-scale models for key process steps in synthesis and/or purification of biomolecules.
• Design, conduct and analyze statistically-designed experiments to deepen process understanding and optimize processing conditions.
• Understand scale-up requirements and partner with the pilot plant for scale-up work as needed.
• Provide technical support for process development areas and mentor lab associates to enhance capabilities.

Skills

Protein chemistry

Oligonucleotide chemistry

Peptide chemistry

Purification

Education

PhD in Biochemistry, Biology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Chemistry or related field

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.

Company Overview

Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation is developing a growing portfolio of pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Lilly makes life better – through medicines and information – for some of the world’s most urgent medical needs. Founded over 145 years ago, the company has sustained a culture that values excellence, integrity and respect for people. This has resulted in Lilly frequently being ranked as one of the best companies in the world at which to work. Lilly knows its business has prospered because of its employees – people with a talent for innovation and a passion for making a difference by finding treatments for the most stubborn diseases; people whose talent is matched by their generosity, and people with strong values and a determination to prevail, regardless of the challenges. Join our team – and make a difference in improving health for people all over the world!

Post-Doctoral Scientists At Lilly Are Responsible For

• Ensuring reliability of our manufacturing systems
• Searching for and implementing continuous improvements
• Driving technical projects
• Maintaining our processes in a state of compliance with US and global regulations
• Designing and developing drug processes and delivery systems

The position is a Post-Doctoral scientist position in the Technical Services/Manufacturing Science (TS/MS) organization. The position will be made available beginning Nov 1, 2026, and will provide technical and scientific support within a dynamic manufacturing environment for development of commercial processes (synthesis and purification) for biomolecules including proteins, peptides, and oligonucleotides. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and executing experiments to advance process knowledge, process optimization and production technical transfer, as needed.

Scientists actively contribute to the TS/MS organization and have extensive opportunities for involvement in cross-functional teams. This position allows for development of a comprehensive understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), regulatory requirements, and the essential role scientists play in making medicine and creating real-world solutions.

Key Objectives/Deliverables

• Understanding the scientific principles required for manufacturing intermediates, drug substances and drug products, including the interaction of chemistry and equipment.
• Understand the chemistry and stability of small molecules, peptides and/or biomolecules.
• Develop appropriate laboratory-scale models for key process steps in synthesis and/or purification of biomolecules.
• Design, conduct, and analyze statistically-designed experiments to deepen process understanding and optimize processing conditions.
• Understand scale-up requirements and, as needed, partner with the pilot plant to conduct appropriate scale-up work.
• Provide technical support for process development areas if needed.
• Strong technical writing and documentation of all work in an appropriate manner.
• Mentor lab associates to enhance their technical capabilities.
• Participate in technology transfer as needed.
• Ability to work well independently and collaboratively.

Basic Requirements

• Ph.D. in scientific disciplines of Biochemistry, Biology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Chemistry or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience and proficiency in the areas of protein, oligonucleotide, and peptide chemistry and/or purification.
• Requires a record of publication in peer reviewed journals and presentations / posters at scientific conferences.
• 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 Information

• This Post-Doctoral Scientist position is not permanent. It is for a fixed duration of two years with potential to extend to 3 years and for maximum of up to 4 years. You will have opportunities to apply for full-time positions after your duration is complete.
• 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.

LOCATION

• Indianapolis, IN

Eli Lilly And Company Is An Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: 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) and 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

$58,000 - $123,200

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.

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