Senior Scientist​/Principal Scientist, RNA-LNP Formulation and Process Development

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.

This position is responsible for designing and executing formulation and process development studies for RNA-lipid nanoparticle (RNA-LNP) drug products, and for supporting technology transfer and manufacture of early-phase clinical trial supplies for assigned projects. The scientist will work closely with other scientists as part of multidisciplinary teams driving product/process development as well as platform innovation, interacting with Discovery, API Development, Analytical Development, Bioproduct Research & Development, CT Operations, and Manufacturing.

• Plan, design, and execute experiments with increasing independence; analyze and interpret data and propose next steps. Manage multiple priorities and collaborate effectively across CMC functions and across the discovery-development interface.

• Develop and scale LNP manufacturing processes, including rapid-mixing nanoprecipitation (e.g., microfluidic or impinging-jet mixing), buffer exchange, conjugation, tangential flow filtration (TFF), and sterile filtration.

• Characterize relationships between process parameters and LNP critical quality attributes (e.g., particle size, polydispersity, encapsulation efficiency, RNA integrity, lipid content), using design of experiments and statistical approaches where appropriate.

• Perform RNA-LNP characterization using methods such as dynamic light scattering (DLS), Ribo Green encapsulation assays, UPLC/HPLC lipid analysis, and RNA integrity methods (gel electrophoresis); interpret results in the context of product quality.

• Keep abreast of relevant new technologies and help evaluate/implement new laboratory capabilities. Actively follow the scientific literature and bring forward new ideas and approaches to the team. Work closely with senior scientists, with growing independence, on platform innovation initiatives.

• Present data at team meetings, internal technical forums, and external conferences as needed.

• Support technology transfer of RNA-LNP formulations and manufacturing processes to internal or external (CDMO) sites for early-phase clinical trial (CT) manufacture, including preparation of transfer documentation and on-site support as needed.

• Recognize technical issues and elevate them to the project lead or management in a timely manner.

• Author technical reports, protocols, and development summaries; provide supporting data and technical input to CMC documentation when requested.

• Support organizational initiatives as required (e.g., laboratory operations, equipment ownership, safety programs).

• Interact with external partners (e.g., CDMOs, vendors, research collaborators) in support of project activities.

• Train and mentor junior scientists, associates, and interns.

• Ensure work is aligned with all relevant PR& D Development Quality, regulatory, and HSE requirements; maintain complete and timely laboratory records.

• Approach technical challenges with curiosity and creative problem solving and be open to trying new methods rather than relying solely on established procedures.

• Demonstrate good communication skills, the ability to follow procedures and…