Advisor – Synthetic Chemist / Peptide Therapeutics (Indianapolis)

Location: Indianapolis
Posted on: June 23, 2025

Job Description:

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world. This is a technical scientific position in the Peptide Therapeutics Team within Biotechnology Discovery Research in Indianapolis. The individual will have the responsibility to identify, optimize, evaluate, and advance to clinical development of biotherapeutic peptides and conjugates as projects move from concept to clinical development. To accomplish selection and execution of appropriate optimization strategies, the individual will lead and influence projects in the areas of peptide design, SAR, synthesis, conjugation, and characterization. The individual will propose strategies and future directions to meet broader portfolio goals and effectively communicate progress to management and governance committees. Also, will interact cross-functionally within Biotechnology Discovery Research, and across Discovery Chemistry, Genetic Medicines, Therapeutic Area Teams, Drug Disposition, Bioproduct Development and Regulatory Affairs. KEY OBJECTIVES/DELIVERABLES: Lead research efforts that support project teams from concept through optimization with responsibility for identification of candidate therapeutic peptides, material generation and characterization of biopharmaceutical properties using biochemical and biophysical techniques. Implement rational SAR strategies to improve pharmaceutical properties of therapeutic peptide leads and conjugates. This requires a broad repertoire of skills and knowledge including peptide synthesis and conformational analysis, molecular modeling, analytical and physicochemical characterization. Therapeutic Area Focus: Is expected to exhibit strong problem-solving abilities and be familiar with understanding and resolving issues that lie at the interface of peptide engineering, pharmaceutical developability and formulation, and biology. Leadership: In advancing the optimization of lead therapeutic molecules, will be required to lead/co-lead multidisciplinary teams. Accordingly, strong communication and presentation skills in sharing research findings and team plans, and effective teamwork will be required. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: A Ph.D. degree in the chemical or biological sciences with a focus on peptide chemistry or synthetic organic chemistry. 0-5 years of experience in a biotechnology/pharmaceutical company, or academia ADDITIONAL PREFERENCES: Demonstrated leadership in peptide engineering and a track record of advancing biotherapeutics, from concept to clinical development. Experience in multi-molecular conjugation chemistry. Experience using state of the art analytical methods to characterize peptides, proteins and conjugates as demonstrated by publications or patents. Technical knowledge as well as mastery of the latest developments in macrocyclic peptides with good understanding of the challenges to accelerate from hit identification and lead optimization towards candidate declaration. Significant knowledge in macrocyclic peptides, based on library-based screening technologies including at least one of OBOC, solution-phase, AS/MS, mRNA display or related peptide library screening technologies. Familiarity with state of the art in computational and structural efforts for hit identification and lead optimization in macrocyclic peptides. Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally, and excellent organizational, communication and presentation skills. Appreciation of peptide formulation requirements and experience incorporating pharmaceutical developability assessment in peptide optimization and candidate identification. 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 Network, Black Employees at Lilly, Chinese Culture Network, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), PRIDE (LGBTQ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN), Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL), enAble (for people with disabilities). Learn more about all of our groups. Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $121,500 - $198,000 Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, 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

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