Senior Principal Scientist, Analytical Sciences

BioSpace; Watertown (MA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 187,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Pension

Vacation benefits

Medical benefits

Flex spending accounts

Life insurance

Job summary

Orna Therapeutics, Inc. seeks a Senior Principal Scientist to drive analytical characterization of circular RNA and lipid nanoparticle therapeutics, focusing on mass spectrometry.

You will collaborate with Platform Science, Discovery, and CMC to advance method development and product characterization in a fast-paced environment. The role requires 7+ years of LC-MS experience or 10+ years for BS holders, with hands-on MS platform expertise and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Experience with LC-MS/MS method development and quantitative assays.
• Hands-on expertise with high-resolution MS platforms (QTOF/Orbitrap/triple quad).
• Ability to lead method transfer and regulatory-aligned documentation.

Responsibilities

• Implement analytical testing strategies for circular RNA and LNP formulations.
• Develop and optimize LC-MS/MS assays for drug substance and product.
• Troubleshoot complex hardware/software on MS platforms.
• Lead method transfer activities to external partners with oversight.
• Author/review methods, reports, and SOPs for regulatory alignment.
• Generate and interpret data; present findings to cross-functional teams.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative team culture.

Skills

LC-MS/MS analysis

Mass spectrometry troubleshooting

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

MS or BS in molecular biology/biochemistry/chemistry

Tools

QTOF MS

Orbitrap

Triple quadrupole 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.

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.

Orna Therapeutics, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, is an innovative biotechnology startup based in Watertown, MA, committed to developing groundbreaking therapies for diseases that current approaches cannot address. With our pioneering circular RNA technology, developed at MIT, we are at the forefront of advancing the next generation of RNA therapeutics. Our state-of-the-art expression and delivery platform positions us to tackle complex diseases, including B cell-driven autoimmune disorders, B cell malignancies, sickle cell disease, and beyond.

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.

Work Environment

This position’s work environment is in a laboratory environment.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those 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).

• 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.

#WeAreLilly