Chemist, Oligonucleotide Chemistry

Company: Eli Lilly and Company
Location: Indianapolis
Posted on: November 1, 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. Chemist , Oligonucleotide Chemistry Lilly is passionate about the discovery, development and commercialization of potential new medicines that will impact and improve the lives of patients. Lilly Genetic Medicines (LGM) is an innovation-focused organization striving to identify, develop and apply the most cutting-edge technologies to deliver maximum benefit to our patients. Our agile and diverse team strives to operate as an autonomous ‘biotech-like’ company within the walls of Lilly. The Lilly Genetic Medicines Team is looking for a collaborative, creative and energetic problem solver to join a multidisciplinary team at the front edge of innovation. You will join our fast-paced, interdisciplinary team as we utilize novel RNA/oligonucleotide based therapeutic modalities to enhance the Lilly portfolio. The successful applicant will utilize their knowledge and technical expertise to accelerate the core capabilities and development of internal RNAi-based clinical candidates. Key Responsibilities include: Help lead the discovery oligosynthesis scale-up group within LGM. Collaborate with members of the LGM discovery chemistry teams to understand and validate requirements for synthesis scaleup. Collaborate with our analytical team for the proper analysis and characterization of processed molecules. Actively support our efforts toward the discovery of lead drug candidates and collaborate with CMC and development teams to drive high-speed innovation. Oversee and prioritize the work of contractors to meet critical timelines. Synthesize therapeutic oligonucleotides (ASO, siRNA, and others) from 150-6000 umol scales using automated solid-phase synthesizers. Independently problem-solve in the laboratory setting to overcome synthetic challenges and improve upon existing workflows. Maintain laboratory equipment and manage laboratory inventory/consumables. Support the implementation of new technologies and workflows. Basic Qualifications: Bachelors and/or Masters in Organic Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field with 1 years of experience in synthetic organic and/or oligonucleotide chemistry. Additional Skills/Preferences: Strong laboratory skills and experience with analytical instrumentation such as AKTA, Agilent LC-MS and UPLC, Vanquish LTQ, Water’s QDA, etc. Proven ability to deliver on critical deadlines within a highly interdisciplinary group. Strong hands-on experience with phosphoramidite chemistry, particularly in the context of oligonucleotide synthesis. Hands on experience with nucleoside chemistry is strongly desired. Deep understanding of impurity profiles in phosphoramidite reagents and their impact on oligonucleotide quality Experience with analytical techniques such as HPLC, LC-MS, NMR, and UV spectroscopy for monitoring synthesis and characterizing impurities Ability to troubleshoot synthesis failures due to solubility, moisture sensitivity, or reagent degradation. Proven ability to improve reactions from proof-of-concept to larger scales. Confident, execution-focused with a strong desire to thrive within a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated ability to function well within a team. Possess strong communication and organizational skills regarding accurate record keeping, independent data analysis, and reporting of data in compliance with company standards. Ability to identify and implement strategies that streamline operations, reduce waste, and enhance overall efficiency. 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 $63,000 - $162,800 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

Keywords: Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis , Chemist, Oligonucleotide Chemistry, Science, Research & Development , Indianapolis, Indiana