Senior Principal Scientist, Analytical Sciences

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.; Watertown (MA); On-site; USD 71,250 - 187,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Pension

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Job summary

Lilly is seeking a Senior Principal Scientist to drive analytical characterization of circular RNA and lipid nanoparticle-based therapeutics with a focus on mass spectrometry. The candidate will develop and qualify LC-MS/MS assays and lead method transfer to partners in a fast-paced setting.

The role requires extensive LC-MS/MS experience, method development, data interpretation, and collaboration across Discovery, Platform Science, and CMC teams, with emphasis on regulatory alignment and

Qualifications

• 7+ years’ LC-MS experience with MS degree.
• 10+ years’ LC-MS experience with BS.
• Ability to develop and qualify bioanalytical methods.
• Experience with regulatory expectations for biologics.

Responsibilities

• Implement analytical testing strategies for circular RNA and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations.
• Develop and optimize LC‑MS/MS assays for quantification and characterization.
• Troubleshoot complex hardware and software on high-resolution MS platforms.
• Lead method transfer activities to external partners with oversight.
• Author and review methods, reports, and SOPs for regulatory alignment.
• Generate data packages; present findings to cross functional R&D teams.
• Foster a positive, innovative, entrepreneurial team culture and contribute to strategy.

Skills

LC-MS/MS analysis

Mass spectrometry

Analytical characterization

Data interpretation

Regulatory compliance

Education

M.S. or B.S. in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or chemistry

PhD not considered for this level

Tools

QTOF

Orbitrap

Triple quadrupole mass spectrometers

LC-MS/MS instruments

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.

Overview

At Lilly, we serve an extraordinary purpose. We make a difference for people around the globe by discovering, developing and delivering medicines that help them live longer, healthier, more active lives. Not only do we deliver breakthrough medications, but you also can count on us to develop creative solutions to support communities through philanthropy and volunteerism.

Position Summary

We are seeking an exceptional Senior Principal Scientist to join our growing team. In this role, you will partner closely with Platform Science, Discovery, and CMC groups to drive analytical characterization of circular RNA and lipid nanoparticle-based therapeutics with a focus on mass spectrometry. The ideal candidate is a highly motivated scientist who is creative, hardworking, results focused, driven and has extensive prior experience in LC‑MS/MS analysis of biologics, RNA, and Lipids. The ideal candidate will contribute to method development, method qualification, and product characterization while operating in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Implement and refine analytical testing strategies for circular RNA and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations.
• Develop and optimize drug substance and drug product LC‑MS/MS assays for quantification, characterization; perform in-depth characterization studies for lead candidates and pipeline programs.
• Troubleshoot complex hardware and software issues on high-resolution MS platforms.
• Lead method transfer activities to external partners, providing technical oversight, troubleshooting, and ensuring assay robustness and compliance.
• Author and review methods, reports, and SOPs to ensure alignment with regulatory expectations.
• Generate high‑quality data packages; analyze, interpret, and present findings to cross functional R&D teams.
• Foster a positive, innovative, and entrepreneurial team culture; contribute to scientific strategy and continuous improvement initiatives.

Basic Requirements

• M.S. or B.S. degree in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or chemistry plus assay development experience and the following: 7+ years’ LC-MS and relevant industry experience (M.S.), or 10+ years’ LC-MS and relevant industry experience (B.S.)
• PhD will not be considered at this job level.
• Full competency in all aspects of bioanalysis by LC-MS/MS including method development, execution of quantitative assays, critical review of data, and communication of scientific results.
• Hands‑on expertise with complex LC-MS operations, method development, troubleshooting, and maintenance of advanced platforms including QTOF, Orbitrap or triple quadrupole mass spectrometers.
• Experience with various techniques such as IP-RP, AEX, SEC-MALS, and LC-CAD for characterization and release testing for quantifying RNA, Lipids and proteins in complex biological matrices.
• 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 Preferences

• Experience in RNA biology or RNA therapeutics is preferred but not required.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly present complex data.
• Knowledge of CMC and regulatory requirements for biologics, including ICH Quality Guidelines and appropriate cGMP authority guidelines and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast‑moving research environment with strong problem‑solving and interpersonal skills.

Additional Information:

Physical Demands/Travel:

The physical demands of this job are consistent with lab environment.

The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of the characteristics an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

*To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the role and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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 $71,250 - $187,000. Full‑time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance).

• 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
• 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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