Sr. Scientist Technical Services/Manufacturing Science API-EM

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 66,000 - 171,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefit program

Company bonus eligibility

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Initial Therapeutics, Inc. is seeking a Technical Services / Manufacturing Science Scientist to oversee biologics manufacturing processes. The role requires strong technical expertise and experience in handling cGMP standards in a fast-paced environment. The candidate will interact with internal and external partners to ensure adherence to compliance and quality assurance standards.

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline and have at least 3 years of hands-on experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The position is located onsite in Indianapolis, IN, and no remote work is available.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of demonstrated hands-on experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Proficiency in understanding cGMP and regulatory guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical oversight for biologics manufacturing processes.
• Lead resolution of technical issues related to manufacturing.
• Ensure processes are compliant and maintained in a validated state.

Skills

Technical oversight of biologics manufacturing processes

Regulatory requirements understanding

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biotech, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Pharmacy, or Engineering

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.

Organization Overview

Join the energetic and growing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient - External Manufacturing Organization (API-EM) that delivers a diverse portfolio of medicines essential to our patients around the world. The API-EM TS/MS (Technical Services / Manufacturing Science) Scientist will provide technical and scientific expertise within a dynamic external manufacturing environment. The Scientist is responsible for providing technical support to achieve the reliable and compliant manufacture of API drug substance at external contract manufacturing groups to predetermined global quality standards. This person interacts daily with a wide variety of people, primarily external partners team members and site management. The candidate will be responsible for supporting ongoing manufacturing at our External Partners through tasks such as process monitoring, response to issues, and improvements where necessary. A strong understanding of manufacturing principles and Lilly systems is required to ensure those same standards are applied to the external contract manufacturers.

This is a Biologics (Mabs, Recombinant Enzymes, ADC) position. The position requires knowledge of cGMPs, applicable global regulatory manufacturing guidance, and the corporate/industry standards. The position requires working cross‑functionally within the site and other functions to deliver on technical objectives.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical oversight for biologics manufacturing processes, leveraging a strong technical foundation and previous experience supporting these processes.
• Lead resolution of technical issues including those related to control strategy and manufacturing.
• Employ excellent communication skills to manage internal and external relationships.
• Build and maintain relationships with development and central technical organizations.
• Ensure proper characterization of processes and products and ensure effective documentation of the process description, measures, acceptable ranges, and specifications (and the justification of these measures, acceptable ranges, and specifications).
• Ensure that processes are compliant, capable, in control, and maintained in a validated or qualified state.
• Understand, justify and document the state of validation with data that evaluate the capability of the manufacturing process to meet its stated purpose.
• Influence and implement the network technical agenda and drive continuous improvement.
• Maintain biologic processes in a state of compliance with US and global regulations.
• Understand the scientific principles required for manufacturing intermediates and drug substances, including the interaction of the process and equipment.
• Operate with ‘Team Lilly’ in mind.

Basic Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline of Biotech, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Pharmacy, or Engineering (Biotech/Biochemistry strongly preferred).
• 3+ years of demonstrated hands‑on working experience and proficiency with pharmaceutical manufacturing and working knowledge of regulatory expectations.
• 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

• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and their application in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in data management practices across manufacturing operations.
• Demonstrates adaptability, a collaborative mindset, and a positive attitude toward change.
• Proven ability to effectively communicate and influence across diverse technical and business teams.
• Skilled in managing and delivering complex, cross‑functional initiatives.
• Demonstrated project management expertise with a track record of coordinating and executing multifaceted projects.

Additional Information

• Some travel (<25%) is required.
• Some off‑shift work (night/weekend) may be required to support 24/7 operations.
• This position is located onsite in Indianapolis, IN and is not approved for remote work. Relocation will be provided.

Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions.

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.

Compensation and Benefits

Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $66,000 - $171,600. Full‑time employees will also be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company‑sponsored 401(k), pension, vacation benefits, medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits such as healthcare and dependent day‑care flexible spending accounts; life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well‑being benefits such as an 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.