Scientist– Oligonucleotide Chemistry Full-time

Lilly Innovation Center Scientist

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.

We serve an extraordinary purpose. For more than 140 years, we have worked diligently to discover medicines that make life better. These discoveries start in Lilly Research Laboratories, where our scientists work to create new medicines that will help solve our world's greatest health challenges. At the Lilly Innovation Center in Boston, Massachusetts, we explore how next generation therapeutics, new technologies, data analytics, and new care models can improve patient health and the healthcare system. Our Genetic Medicine team in Boston shares a passion for challenging conventional wisdom and creating an environment that embraces creative, break-through concepts. The Center offers a start-up environment with large company support. It is located in the heart of Massachusetts' exploding science and technology cluster and is within walking distance of some of the best academic and industry innovators in the world.

The successful candidate will have a strong research track record in synthetic organic chemistry/chemical biology/biotechnology and be analytically minded, systematic, and embrace data-driven decision making. The scientist will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across key Lilly therapeutic areas (e.g. neuroscience, diabetes, immunology) to perform synthesis and related experiments to aid development of RNA oligonucleotide drug candidates for the next generation of RNA therapies.

Key responsibilities include:

• Design and execution of automated workflows for synthesizing, purifying, and analyzing ASOs, siRNAs, SSOs, and related oligonucleotides across various chemistries and scales using advanced instrumentation platforms.
• Perform synthesis and chromatographic purification of innovative phosphoramidite monomers, and carry out conjugation of novel ligands—such as small molecules and peptides—to oligonucleotides for targeted delivery.
• Apply analytical techniques including UV-Vis spectroscopy, NMR, HPLC, and LC-MS to evaluate both crude and purified synthetic compounds.
• Interpret and organize analytical data and research outcomes for presentation to project teams.
• Support resolution of technical issues and contribute scientific and technical insights to ongoing projects.
• Provide strategic input into experimental planning, integrated data analysis, and effective communication of results to scientific teams and leadership.
• Maintain meticulous records of experimental procedures and key steps to ensure reproducibility, including accurate documentation in electronic lab notebooks in accordance with Lilly's quality standards.
• Assist with general lab operations such as ordering supplies, preparing reagents, and maintaining equipment.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across multiple sub-teams within the Lilly LGM group.
• Adhere strictly to all health and safety protocols.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive laboratory environment every day.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, or related scientific field.
• 1+ years of work experience in an academic laboratory, or preferably in an industrial setting.

Additional Skills/Preferences:

• Demonstrated expertise in organic synthesis and advanced chromatographic purification techniques is essential.
• Proven laboratory proficiency with analytical instruments such as HPLC and LC-MS, including the ability to analyze, interpret, and effectively communicate data.
• Hands-on experience in conjugation and bioconjugation chemistry; familiarity with solid-phase synthesis methods for oligonucleotides or peptides is highly desirable.
• Adaptable and highly motivated to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced research environment.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset, with the ability to work efficiently across interdisciplinary teams.
• Exceptional organizational abilities, attention to detail, and critical thinking skills; capable of multitasking and eager to learn new methodologies and contribute to innovation.
• Skilled in processing, structuring, analyzing, and visualizing data from diverse sources, with the ability to derive meaningful insights.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and analytical software relevant to experimental methods.

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 for further assistance.

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 $69,000 – $179,300. 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.