Senior Director, Macrocycle Medicinal Chemistry

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 149,000 - 257,000; Full time

Job summary

Lilly in Indianapolis is seeking a senior research scientist with a strong macrocycle background to drive hit-finding and lead optimization in the Early Molecule Design group.

Collaborate with Biology, DMPK, and Computation; apply SAR and ADME/DMPK to advance orally bioavailable macrocycles across therapeutic areas.

The role offers cross-functional interaction across sites and opportunities to influence program strategy and scientific growth.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required with 8+ years in drug discovery or related field.
• Experience in macrocycle hit-finding and design preferred.
• Strong background in ADME/DMPK and PK/PD concepts.

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME in macrocyclic small molecules and macrocyclic peptides; drive hit-finding strategy.
• Design and synthesize macrocyclic compounds for hit-to-lead progression.
• Apply SAR to balance potency, selectivity, and drug-like properties.
• Collaborate with Biology, DMPK, and Computational Chemistry to develop design strategies.
• Leverage ADME/DMPK to optimize oral bioavailability and metabolic stability.
• Contribute to program strategy discussions and decision frameworks.
• Communicate findings to stakeholders and maintain ELN documentation.
• Mentor junior scientists and foster collaborative culture.

Skills

Macrocycle design

Hit-finding

ADME/DMPK

Mentorship

Cross-functional collaboration

Medicinal chemistry

Education

Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Peptide chemistry, Chemical Biology, or related field

Job description

Lilly in Indianapolis is seeking a senior research scientist with a strong macrocycle background to drive hit-finding and lead optimization in the Early Molecule Design group.

Collaborate with Biology, DMPK, and Computation; apply SAR and ADME/DMPK to advance orally bioavailable macrocycles across therapeutic areas.

The role offers cross-functional interaction across sites and opportunities to influence program strategy and scientific growth.