Associate Oligonucleotide Chemist

In the RNA Therapeutics team, we are building innovative expertise in major oligonucleotide-based therapeutics and delivery approaches, with an emphasis on innovative approaches with potential for breakthrough efficacy. Our agile and diverse team strives to operate as an autonomous ‘biotech-like’ company within the walls of Lilly. We are looking for an engaged and independent team member who will make impactful contributions to next‑generation preclinical drug discovery efforts.

Oligonucleotide laboratory chemists as well as experienced small molecule chemists with a desire to transition to oligonucleotide chemistry are encouraged to apply.

You will join our fast‑paced, interdisciplinary team as we discover novel RNA/oligonucleotide‑based medicines with disease‑curing potential. The successful applicant will use their knowledge and technical expertise to complement and enable core capabilities and help drive the discovery and development of RNA‑based clinical candidates. Do you have the skills for innovative applied chemistry towards drug discovery and a desire to use your skills to improve lives?

We want you on our team!

• Synthesize, purify, and analyze modified oligonucleotides, conjugates, and small molecules that efficiently advance project goals
• Champion an effective and proactive safety culture
• Independently troubleshoot synthetic challenges and drive continuous improvement of laboratory workflows
• Maintain high laboratory productivity including the operation and maintenance of an oligonucleotide synthesizer and/or other scientific equipment
• Collaborate with chemists and scientists across fields to deliver on shared project goals through focused experiment execution.
• Interpret and communicate structure‑activity relationships and generate new oligonucleotide‑based designs
• Search relevant chemical and scientific literature and implement new strategies and techniques accordingly
• Accurately document experimental procedures and communicate results via presentations and written reports

• BS/MS in Chemistry or a related field with at least 1‑2 years of experience in synthetic organic and/or oligonucleotide chemistry
• Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or visas for this role, including but not limited to F‑1 CPT, F‑1 OPT, F‑1 STEM OPT, J‑1, H‑1B, TN, O‑1, E‑3, H‑1B1, or L‑1.

• Experience in solid‑phase oligonucleotide synthesis, including operation and troubleshooting of automated solid‑phase synthesizers and optimization of synthetic protocols
• Experience in small molecule organic synthesis including design of synthetic strategies, reaction optimization, work‑up/purification techniques, and characterization (NMR, MS, etc.)
• Experience in the optimization of purification protocols for oligonucleotides
• Knowledge or experience in the areas of bioconjugation chemistry as applied to peptides or oligonucleotides
• Experience with analytical and physicochemical characterization of novel biomaterials (e.g., mass spectrometry, separation techniques and other biophysical/biochemical techniques)
• Excellent record keeping and communication skills
• Confident, execution‑focused, and team‑oriented with a desire to thrive in an entrepreneurial environment

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.

Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $65,250 - $169,400.

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.