Advisor - RNA Chemistry

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.

The Lilly Genetic Medicine group is at the forefront of oligonucleotide medicinal chemistry research and synthetic chemistry innovation, with the goal of establishing Lilly as a leader in genetic medicine. Our group is engaged in a broad range of scientific efforts spanning the full arc of oligonucleotide drug discovery: from the design and synthesis of siRNA and antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) molecules on active drug discovery projects, to fundamental platform science aimed at making better medicines. This includes investigating novel chemical modifications to enhance the potency, selectivity, and durability of siRNA molecules, as well as pioneering new delivery strategies using a variety of ligands to direct oligonucleotide medicines to specific tissues and cell types. We work in close collaboration with in vitro and in vivo biology, ADME and toxicology scientists to translate chemical innovation into meaningful therapeutic impact.

We are seeking a synthetic chemist who is passionate about applying their expertise to this exciting and rapidly evolving field. In this role, you will contribute to both active drug discovery projects and broader platform science efforts, working alongside a multidisciplinary team to advance the design, synthesis, and profiling of oligonucleotide molecules. The successful candidate will independently identify key scientific questions, apply innovative solutions, and contribute meaningfully to data-driven decision-making across the portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize oligonucleotides and novel nucleotide analogs for incorporation into siRNA and ASO platforms to support portfolio drug discovery efforts
• Independently identify critical scientific questions and develop well-reasoned chemistry strategies for enhancing the potency, safety, and durability of oligonucleotide drug molecules
• Collaborate with in vitro and in vivo biologists to evaluate new biological targets of interest, integrating cross-functional information to support data-driven decisions
• Design and implement chemistry strategies for delivery of oligonucleotide medicines to tissues and cell types of interest, anticipating and managing risk to minimize impact on project timelines
• Develop and test new ideas and apply innovative solutions that significantly advance scientific and/or project understanding across multiple drug modalities, including oligonucleotides, antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates, and peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates
• Build a diverse cross-functional and external network to understand how different fields contribute to oligonucleotide research and development
• Focus on defining clear scientific hypotheses, goals, critical success factors, and timelines in support of advancing the portfolio
• Mentor and develop junior scientists, providing constructive feedback and encouraging a culture of excellence and knowledge sharing
• Bring authentic scientific perspective and create a safe environment for colleagues to share ideas and contribute
• Represent genetic medicine project teams in presentations to departmental and cross-functional senior leadership teams

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. in organic chemistry, or a related field with 0–5+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry or relevant postdoctoral training

Additional Skills/Preferences

• Strong proficiency in synthetic organic chemistry, including design and execution of multistep synthetic routes to small molecule targets
• Expertise in characterization of small molecules using NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and HPLC
• Experience with oligonucleotide synthesis using automated synthesizers (e.g., Mermade or K&A platforms) and downstream oligonucleotide processing is desirable but not required
• Experience with conjugation of biomolecules is desirable but not required
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively, try new ideas, and apply findings in a fast-paced discovery environment
• Familiarity with ChemDraw, electronic notebook software, and Microsoft Office

Additional Information

• Travel: 0–10%
• Location: On-site, Indianapolis, IN – Lilly Corporate Center (LCC)

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

$126,000 - $204,600

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