Advisor​/Senior Advisor, Purification Development

At Lilly, the work is demanding because patients are waiting. We unite caring with discovery to help make life better for people around the world, knowing that every decision, every detail, and every day matters. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, our over 50,000 employees around the globe take on complex challenges to discover and deliver life‑changing medicines, strengthen how health is understood and managed, and support the communities we serve.

This is hard, urgent, selfless work—but it’s work worth doing.

The Bioproduct Research and Development organization strives to deliver creative medicines to patients through the development and commercialization of insulins, monoclonal antibodies, novel therapeutic proteins, peptides, oligonucleotide therapies and gene therapy systems. This organization is a multidisciplinary group that works collaboratively with our discovery and manufacturing colleagues. Located in Indianapolis, scientists have full access to our scientific excellence and engineering capabilities.

If you enjoy downstream drug substance processes including purifying and filtering monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, viral vectors, bioconjugates and peptides, and have experience with process development and tech transfer, the role of Purification Development Scientist may be right for you.

• Identify and develop new purification technologies.
• Design optimized downstream drug substance processes for new biologic candidates.
• Maintain accurate records and interpret data to provide detailed information and analysis on the execution of experiments.
• Employ strategic thinking to overcome technical hurdles and oversee process and technical transfer to GMP manufacturing facilities, as they move from discovery to the clinic.
• Write technical reports, tech transfer documents and give presentations to summarize development activities.
• Maintain flexibility to accept new projects and challenges.
• Troubleshoot issues as they occur and identify trends and opportunities to reduce process variability.

• PhD in Chemical Engineering or related degree focused on biological separation sciences, OR
  MS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field with at least 5 years relevant experience in leading protein purification/process development, OR
  BS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field with at least 8 years relevant experience in leading protein purification/process development.

• Attention to detail, quality‑minded experimental design, and record keeping.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Strong laboratory skills.
• Experience purifying complex bioconjugates (e.g., ADCs, PEGylated proteins, antibody‑oligonucleotide conjugates).
• Purification development experience with AAV, mRNA, or other gene therapy strategies.
• Extensive knowledge of membrane filtration.
• Ability to interact and form dynamic relationships with a wide range of groups.
• Experience with process control and documentation systems (Unicorn, Empower, electronic laboratory notebooks).
• Experience interfacing with CDMOs or external development partners.
• Experience supporting late‑phase process development activities, such as risk assessment, process characterization, or regulatory filing.
• Advanced problem‑solving skills.

The physical demands of this job are consistent with a laboratory environment. Travel may be required as necessary.

This position’s work environment is in a laboratory environment, with the standard characteristics of such settings.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form () for further assistance.

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. Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees.

The anticipated wage for this position is $126,000 – $204,600 per year. Full‑time equivalent employees will also be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including participation in a company‑sponsored 401(k), pension, vacation benefits, medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits; life insurance and death benefits;

certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well‑being benefits such as employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities.