Advisor — Synthetic Chemist​/Peptide Therapeutics; Indianapolis

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.

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. This 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.

To accomplish this, the individual will integrate knowledge across peptide chemistry, bioconjugation, and pharmaceutical develop ability to propose creative solutions and future directions. They will collaborate cross‑functionally within Biotechnology Discovery Research and across such areas as Discovery Chemistry, Genetic Medicines, Therapeutic Area teams, ADME, and Bioproduct Development, building the inclusive and effective relationships expected of scientists at this level.

• Bench Leadership & SAR Execution:
  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.
• Innovation & Problem‑Solving:
  Bring a data‑driven, strategic mindset to peptide optimization. Integrate information from prior SAR efforts, literature, and cross‑functional data sources to identify productive paths forward. Challenge existing approaches when warranted and champion novel solutions to scientific problems at the interface of peptide engineering, develop ability, formulation, and biology.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Influence:
  Coordinate effectively across departments to advance projects — partnering with therapeutic area scientists, ADME, develop ability, and immunogenicity teams to ensure the right studies are designed and prioritized. Communicate research findings clearly to project teams and governance committees. Contribute to an inclusive team environment by mentoring and developing junior scientists and by actively sharing knowledge and tools that elevate the group’s collective capabilities.
• Scientific Productivity & External Engagement:
  Maintain a productive scientific track record through publications, patents, and/or conference presentations. Stay current with advances in the field and bring external knowledge into Lilly’s research efforts.

• Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related 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…