Advisor​/Senior Advisor - Oligonucleotide Chemistry

Overview

The Lilly Genetic Medicines (LGM) Team is seeking a collaborative, creative, energetic problem solver to join a multidisciplinary team at the front edge of innovation. This role focuses on large‑scale oligonucleotide synthesis of internal RNAi‑based clinical candidates.

• Lead the Lilly Genetic Medicines discovery oligosynthesis scale‑up team to accelerate Lilly RNAi Therapeutics from pre‑clinical to clinical development.
• Utilize comprehensive expertise in oligonucleotide synthesis methodologies to support Lilly Genetic Medicines and further develop internal capabilities; coach, mentor, and lead team growth.
• Collaborate with the RNAi discovery chemistry teams to validate and execute requirements for oligonucleotide synthesis from 150 µmol to 6 mmol scales and communicate results to project leads and cross‑functional organizations.
• Support discovery of lead drug candidates and interface with CMC and Development teams to provide essential materials for key studies and convey technical insights.
• Demonstrate expertise in modern synthetic organic and nucleic acid chemistry, continually improving methods, developing new technologies, and addressing synthetic challenges across a diverse portfolio.
• Oversee and prioritize the work of scale‑up team members to meet critical timelines.
• Value diverse perspectives and motivate team members to take initiative, own outcomes, and share expertise on complex technical challenges.
• Guide teams through unclear situations, adapt efficiently to change, and evaluate and implement effective approaches to completing tasks.

• PhD degree in a relevant scientific discipline with 2+ years of experience in oligonucleotide synthesis (solid‑phase synthesis) OR an MS degree with 5+ years of experience in oligonucleotide synthesis.

• Experience supervising a team of scientists to evaluate, refine, and execute synthetic routes and technologies to deliver the LGM portfolio.
• Experience troubleshooting and optimizing synthetic protocols on automated solid‑phase synthesis instruments.
• Experience with downstream processing of oligonucleotides including chromatographic purification and TFF systems.
• Ability to function within a highly interdisciplinary environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, strong organizational skills, the ability to multitask, and lead a team under tight deadlines.
• Confident, execution‑focused, and team‑oriented with a desire to thrive in a fast‑paced, growing environment.
• Strong laboratory skills and experience with analytical instrumentation such as AKTA, Agilent LC‑MS, UPLC, Vanquish LTQ, and Water’s QDA.
• Experience developing new chromatographic methods (IEX/RP‑HPLC, SPE, LC‑MS).
• Experience conjugating novel ligands—including small molecules, peptides, and proteins—to oligonucleotides at 5‑25 g scale.

Actual compensation will depend on education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage range for this position is $126,000 - $204,600. Full‑time employees are eligible for company bonuses and a comprehensive benefit program that includes a 401(k), pension, vacation, medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage; flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care; life insurance; leave of absence benefits;

and wellness benefits such as employee assistance programs, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities.

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Lilly is a proud 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.