Advisor — Synthetic Chemist​/Peptide Therapeutics; Indianapolis

Job Overview

This is a lab‑based technical scientific position in the Peptide Therapeutics Team within Biotechnology Discovery Research in Indianapolis. The individual will design, synthesize, optimize, and characterize therapeutic peptides and bioconjugates as projects advance from concept through clinical candidate selection. The role requires a hands‑on scientist who will lead from the bench – independently driving structure‑activity relationship (SAR) strategies, building and maintaining critical workflows, and generating the data that shapes project decisions.

The individual will serve as a scientific anchor for the group’s chemistry efforts and integrate knowledge across peptide chemistry, bioconjugation, and pharmaceutical develop ability to propose creative solutions and future directions.

• Lead hands‑on research efforts from concept through optimization, including peptide and conjugate design, synthesis, conjugation, and characterization of biopharmaceutical properties.
• Develop and execute hypothesis‑driven SAR strategies that efficiently test key questions.
• Implement rational approaches to improve pharmaceutical properties of therapeutic peptide leads and conjugates, drawing on skills in peptide synthesis, molecular modeling, and physicochemical characterization.
• Bring a data‑driven, strategic mindset to peptide optimization, integrating information from prior SAR efforts, literature, and cross‑functional data sources to identify productive paths forward.
• Coordinate across departments to advance projects – partnering with therapeutic area scientists, ADME, develop ability, and immunogenicity teams to design and prioritize studies.
• Communicate research findings clearly to project teams and governance committees.
• Mentor and develop junior scientists, actively sharing knowledge and tools that elevate the group’s capabilities.
• Maintain a productive scientific track record through publications, patents, and/or conference presentations.

• Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related STEM discipline with a focus on peptide chemistry, bioconjugation, or synthetic organic chemistry.
• 0–3 years of industry experience in a biotechnology/pharmaceutical setting.
• A demonstrated publication or patent record reflecting hands‑on expertise in peptide, bioconjugate, or synthetic chemistry research.

• Experience designing and executing SAR campaigns for therapeutic peptides, including optimization of potency, selectivity, and develop ability properties.
• Hands‑on experience with bioconjugation chemistry (e.g., acylation, PEGylation, linker chemistry, multi‑molecular conjugation approaches).
• Familiarity with macrocyclic peptides and/or library‑based screening technologies (e.g., mRNA display, phage display, related platforms).
• Experience using modern analytical and biophysical methods to characterize peptides, proteins, and conjugates.
• Familiarity with computational or structural approaches to peptide design and optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor others and contribute to a collaborative, inclusive lab environment.
• Strong organizational, communication, and presentation skills, with an appreciation for how peptide formulation and develop ability requirements shape candidate selection.

• Anticipated salary: $126,000 – $204,600 (Full‑time equivalent).
• Eligibility for company bonus (depending on company and individual performance).
• Comprehensive benefit program including company‑sponsored 401(k), pension, vacation, medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, flexible benefits, life insurance, death benefits, time‑off and leave of absence benefits, employee assistance program, and fitness and club activities.

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.

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