Peptide Process Development Chemist - SMDD at Eli Lilly and Company

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.

Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location.  The anticipated wage for this position is

Job Description

The Synthetic Molecule Design and Development (SMDD) organization at Eli Lilly and Company plays a key role in the development of synthetic drug substances and drug products, supporting a molecule’s journey from preclinical stages through to commercialization. Our scientists and engineers work together to develop innovative technical solutions to advance our exciting portfolio consisting of small molecules, peptides, oligonucleotides, and other emerging therapeutic technologies. We believe that fostering diverse talent and cultures is essential to bringing life-changing medicines to patients.

SMDD has an exciting opportunity for an innovative synthetic organic chemist to join our peptide process development team. The successful candidate will join a highly dynamic and cross-functional team pursuing sustainable synthetic peptide development and commercialization. They will be part of a diverse team of chemical engineers, synthetic chemists, and analytical chemists, delivering product and process understanding across various platforms.

Our peptide group recently commercialized Mounjaro/Zepbound (see: Tirzepatide Hybrid Synthesis), which is just one of the many exciting peptides we have in our portfolio. The peptide team is responsible for the sustainable synthesis and cost-effective commercialization of therapeutic peptides. The successful applicant will have experience with peptide synthesis and a passion for innovative solutions to peptide process development. Join our team in advancing peptide process chemistry development and delivering life-changing medicines to patients worldwide.

Position Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities are:

• To synthesize complex peptide active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) using both established and ground-breaking technologies in synthetic peptide chemistry, chemical engineering, and continuous manufacturing;
• To continuously identify and exploit new scientific concepts, employ strong problem-solving skills, and be self-motivated and adroit;
• To embrace green chemistry and engineering principles as a means of effecting a paradigm shift to reduce the environmental footprint of peptide APIs (see: Synthetic Peptide Sustainability Challenges and PMI Analysis of Current Peptide Manufacturing Processes - A Review);
• To contribute to the design, development, and implementation of sustainable, innovative, and cost-effective synthetic processes for API manufacture;
• To maintain a productive laboratory environment, including operating and maintaining peptide synthesizers and other scientific equipment.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS/MS in Chemistry or related field

Additional Skills/Preferences:

• Have strong oral and written communication skills.
• Hands-on experience with peptide synthesis in both solid- and solution-phase
• Experience with various synthetic organic chemistry methods and techniques
• Familiarity with reversed-phase chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, size exclusion chromatography, chiral chromatography
• Familiarity with high-resolution mass spectrometry in the characterization of synthetic peptides and experience with MS data interpretation

Additional Information:

• Travel: 0 to 10%
• Possible exposure to chemicals, allergens, and loud noises
• Position Location: Indianapolis, IN; Lilly Technology Center-North (LTC-N)

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 an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, 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 help our company develop talented individuals for future leadership roles. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia Network, African American Network, Chinese Culture Network, Early Career Professionals, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinos at Lilly, PRIDE (LGBTQ + Allies), Veterans Leadership Network, Women’s Network, Working and Living with Disabilities. Learn more about all of our groups.

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.

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