Scientist​/Sr Scientist - Oligonucleotide Analytics

Position Overview

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. 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.

The LIGM RNA Group is seeking an experienced, independent, and self‑motivated scientist with extensive hands‑on experience in the analytical characterization and development of oligonucleotides and their conjugates, primarily using LCMS instruments. This is a predominantly lab‑based role. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record with liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and other advanced analytical techniques. Experience with large‑scale sample preparation and automation is a strong plus.

The candidate must demonstrate strong technical problem‑solving skills and the ability to quickly learn and apply new technologies or explore new fields. Ability to work independently while delivering high‑quality, efficient results in a fast‑paced environment is essential.

• Perform sample preparation for forced degradation and solution stability studies to support develop ability evaluation at the candidate selection stage for oligonucleotides and their conjugates, including carbohydrates, lipids, small molecules, and others.
• Characterize the solubility, and physical and chemical stability of drug candidates and formulations using various analytical techniques, including but not limited to chromatography, mass spectrometry, microscopy, thermal analysis, dynamic light scattering, pharmaceutical particle counting, and back grounded membrane imaging.
• Design and develop LC/LCMS‑based methods to elucidate impurities and degradants from API and stability samples.
• Partner with the Early Phase TIDES team and the drug discovery team to identify appropriate analytical data packages to support method and project transfers as needed.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks affecting the performance and production of drug candidates.
• Demonstrate exceptional teamwork and learning agility to solve complex technical problems and to identify and implement novel formulations based on drug delivery technologies that enhance patient benefit and add value to Lilly.
• Collaborate with, inspire, and influence the external scientific community to drive innovation, foster collaborations, and strengthen Lilly’s internal portfolio.
• Continuously refine and improve existing analytical methods and assays, and innovate as necessary to meet evolving program needs.
• Rapidly assimilate new technologies and apply cross‑disciplinary scientific concepts to address complex analytical challenges.
• Maintain thorough, accurate, and timely documentation of experiments, protocols, and results in electronic laboratory notebooks and technical reports.
• Ensure high standards of laboratory practice, including compliance with safety and quality guidelines, and promote operational excellence in all analytical activities.
• Communicate findings and progress effectively, including regular presentations in project team, department, and governance meetings.

M.S. in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biophysics, Biochemistry, or a related field with at least 5 years of experience in analytical characterization using LC/LCMS, OR a B.S. in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biophysics, Biochemistry, or a related field with at least 8 years of relevant analytical characterization experience using LC/LCMS.

• Strong understanding of biopharmaceutics and pharmacokinetic principles, phase‑appropriate formulation development and analytical characterization, pharmaceutical material sciences, and drug product factors that impact in vivo performance and manufacturing.
• Demonstrated experience in scale‑up sample preparation and analytical characterization of oligonucleotides and their conjugates, as well as biologics.
• Proficiency in biophysical and analytical characterization techniques,…