Director​/Sr. Director​/Exec. Director, Molecular Pharmacology; AMD

Position Details

Position:
Molecular Pharmacology Lead (South San Francisco, CA or Indianapolis, IN)

Reports to:

Head of Molecular Pharmacology, Lilly Research Laboratories

Band:
Strategic and Scientific Team Leader

We facilitate the discovery and development of new medicines, accelerating the journey from laboratory to patients through scalable chemistry and biology solutions.

Lead the Advanced Molecule Design team to bring lead molecules into strong drug candidates, combining deep pharmacology expertise with people leadership to build high‑performing teams and drive program success.

• Establish robust screening cascades; lead the team to deliver highly reproducible, high‑quality assays that drive SAR and compound optimization.
• Routinely investigate and guide mechanistic characterization of molecules in vitro to inform compound optimization and target product profiles.
• Make sound scientific decisions that advance programs while maintaining quality — balance speed with scientific rigor.
• Focus the team on the highest‑impact activities that advance programs toward patients.
• Design screening cascades that enable clear, data‑driven go/no‑go decisions.
• Act with speed and decisiveness on critical scientific issues; surface challenges early with radical transparency.

• Lead cross‑functional collaboration; partner with Medicinal Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, ADME, and other functions to advance program goals.
• Directly mentor and guide scientists to embrace and implement AI, automation, and new technologies into workflows.
• Build ONE TEAM, SAME TEAM collaboration — break down silos and foster partnerships that accelerate programs.
• Build scientific credibility and influence across the organization through deep expertise and strategic thinking.

• Elevate individual and team performance consistently—provide coaching, feedback, and development that increases impact.
• Develop scientists across all four competency areas:
  Deep Thinking, Execution & Delivery, Culture & Teamwork, and Growth Mindset.
• Cultivate a growth mindset within the team; address performance gaps and adherence to Lilly cultural standards promptly and constructively.
• Make fair, evidence‑based performance assessments; differentiate based on impact and consistency.
• Have courageous conversations—celebrate excellence and address performance gaps directly and constructively.
• Create conditions where scientists can be successful—remove barriers, provide resources, and empower the team.
• Contribute to a work environment that fosters support, collaboration, professionalism, mutual respect, and patient focus.
• Be accessible—make time for your team and create an environment where people feel comfortable bringing challenges forward.

• Demonstrate an unwavering commitment to safety‑first laboratory practice: complete required safety training, conduct risk assessments before experiments, and elevate concerns immediately.
• Follow all site safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance requirements; actively reinforce a safety‑first team culture.

• PhD in Biochemistry, Biology, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or related fields with a minimum of 15+ years of drug discovery experience in the pharmaceutical industry; or BS/MS with 20+ years of equivalent experience.

• Demonstrated drug discovery experience with a track record of delivering high‑quality pharmacology data that has driven program decisions.
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and motivate a team of scientists in a fast‑paced research environment.
• Deep scientific background in biochemistry, biophysics, or cell biology to guide assay strategy and compound optimization.
• Strong cross‑functional collaboration skills; ability to build productive relationships across disciplines.
• Team player with a positive, can‑do attitude and a commitment to scientific rigor, integrity, and Lilly’s cultural values.
• Experience managing direct reports in…