Scientist - Analytical Method Development SMDD Foundry Readiness

Eli Lilly and Company; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 65,250 - 169,400; Full time

Job summary

Lilly in Indianapolis, IN is seeking an analytical chemist to join the Synthetic Molecule Design and Development group. This hands-on role focuses on chromatographic method development, MS/NMR applications, and collaboration with process engineers to advance drug candidates to manufacturing readiness.

The ideal candidate has practical chromatography experience, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to translate data into actionable project insights.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; Lilly will not sponsor work authorization or visas for this role.
• Experience with chromatographic method development or validation in pharmaceutical, chemical, or regulated industry setting.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize analytical methods to measure purity, potency, and other critical quality attributes of small molecule drug substances and intermediates.
• Select and implement analytical techniques (HPLC, GC, NMR, MS) to support chemical process development—generating data to elucidate mechanisms and impurities.
• Collaborate with synthetic chemists and process engineers to ensure methods are transferable to GMP laboratories for routine testing and manufacturing support.
• Perform laboratory activities with a strong emphasis on safety and technical rigor, adhering to local policies and procedures.
• Identify and apply new scientific concepts, demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, and contribute across multiple projects.
• Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication to represent technical and business implications of your work.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Problem solving

Written/verbal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Analytical Chemistry or related field

Tools

HPLC

GC

NMR

MS

LC-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.

Synthetic Molecule Design and Development has 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.
• 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’s degree in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related field with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• 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

• Experience with chromatographic (LC, GC, IC) method development or validation in pharmaceutical, chemical, or regulated industry setting.
• 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

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

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 $65,250 – $169,400.

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.