Scientist - Small Molecule (SMDD)

ACS; Indianapolis, Northern (IN, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Lilly's Synthetic Molecule Design and Development (SMDD) team in Indianapolis seeks an experienced chemist to develop chemical processes that minimize production cost while maximizing manufacturing capacity.

The role requires strong synthetic organic chemistry skills, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to communicate scientific data effectively. This is a lab-based position with potential exposure to chemicals and travel up to 10%.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or closely related organic chemistry STEM degree.
• Authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; Lilly will not sponsor visas.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute laboratory experiments, analyze outcomes, optimize conditions, and document and communicate results.
• Prepare materials (mg–g) for program/project teams and enable scale-up with chemists, analysts, and engineers.
• Work with analytical techniques such as HPLC, GC, TLC; purify via flash chromatography and crystallization.
• Demonstrate spectroscopy skills in interpreting NMR and MS data.

Education

BS/MS in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or closely related organic chemistry STEM degree

Tools

ChemDraw

Excel

LC-MS

NMR

GC

HPLC

Job description

Synthetic Molecule Design and Development (SMDD) is a critical function within Lilly Product Research & Development (PRD) responsible for the development of synthetic drug substances and drug products from the pre-clinical phase through commercialization. Process chemistry is crucial to establishing a robust and sustainable supply chain of the synthetic active ingredients that make up Lilly’s portfolio. Our chemists and engineers develop key technical and business solutions across the portfolio using their expertise to accelerate drug development. SMDD delivers on these responsibilities by recognizing diverse talent and cultures are vital to bring the next generation of medicines to patients.

Our team is looking for creative candidates to drive solutions to scientific problems contributing to our synthetic molecule route design and development portfolio.

Job Position Overview

In the synthesis of pharmaceutical candidate compounds, this role is to develop chemical processes, which minimize the cost of production while maximizing manufacturing capacity. The position requires a high degree of synthetic organic chemistry skill and excellent problem-solving capability. The ability to collaborate with multi-functional teams and effectively communicating the appropriate level of scientific data is important.

Responsibilities:

Top candidates for this position will be expected to:

• Contribute to a healthy, supportive work culture and maintain a highly organized laboratory area with a strong focus on all aspects of chemical and occupational safety.
• Plan and execute laboratory experiments, analyze outcomes, optimize conditions, and document and communicate experimental findings.
• Preparing various quantities of materials (milligrams to grams) for use by the program/project team customers, and interfacing with other chemists, analysts, and engineers for the successful scale-up of the chemical process.
• Working knowledge of analytical techniques such as HPLC, GC, and TLC; skilled in purification techniques such as flash chromatography and crystallization.
• Good spectroscopy skills (the ability to operate and interpret results from NMR and mass spectroscopy, for example)

Basic Qualifications:

• BS/MS is Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or closely related organic chemistry STEM degree
• 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:

• Good interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset; excellent ability to communicate and understand customer expectations
• Demonstrated self-initiative and appropriate risk-taking
• Ability to prioritize multiple activities and manage ambiguity
• An active scientific curiosity and interest for complementary disciplines within the pharmaceutical industry
• Attention to detail and an ability to diagnose problems
• Proficiency in ChemDraw, Excel, and other software for managing and viewing data
• Knowledge of and experience using analytical techniques such as NMR and LC-MS.

Additional Information:

• This is a lab-based role
• Potential exposure to chemicals, allergens and loud noises
• Travel: 0 to 10%
• Position Local: Indianapolis, IN; Lilly Technology Center-North (LTC-N)