Scientist - Small Molecule SMDD Foundry Readiness

Company: Eli Lilly and Company
Location: Indianapolis
Posted on: April 3, 2026

Job Description:

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. Organizational Overview Synthetic Molecule Design and Development (SMDD) is a critical function within Lilly Product Research & Development (PRD) responsible for the development of synthetic drug substances and drug products from the pre-clinical phase through commercialization. Process chemistry is crucial to establishing a robust and sustainable supply chain of the synthetic active ingredients that make up Lilly’s portfolio. Our chemists and engineers develop key technical and business solutions across the portfolio using their expertise to accelerate drug development. SMDD delivers on these responsibilities by recognizing diverse talent and cultures are vital to bring the next generation of medicines to patients. Our team is looking for creative candidates to drive solutions to scientific problems contributing to our synthetic molecule route design and development portfolio. Job Position Overview In the synthesis of pharmaceutical candidate compounds, this role is to develop chemical processes, which minimize the cost of production while maximizing manufacturing capacity. The position requires a high degree of synthetic organic chemistry skill and excellent problem-solving capability. The ability to collaborate with multi-functional teams and effectively communicating the appropriate level of scientific data is important. Responsibilities: Top candidates for this position will be expected to: Contribute to a healthy, supportive work culture and maintain a highly organized laboratory area with a strong focus on all aspects of chemical and occupational safety. Plan and execute laboratory experiments, analyze outcomes, optimize conditions, and document and communicate experimental findings. Preparing various quantities of materials (milligrams to grams) for use by the program/project team customers, and interfacing with other chemists, analysts, and engineers for the successful scale-up of the chemical process. Working knowledge of analytical techniques such as HPLC, GC, and TLC; skilled in purification techniques such as flash chromatography and crystallization. Good spectroscopy skills (the ability to operate and interpret results from NMR and mass spectroscopy, for example) Basic Qualifications: BS/MS degree chemistry (organic preferred) or closely related chemistry discipline. 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 Additional Skills/Preferences: Good interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset; excellent ability to communicate and understand customer expectations Demonstrated self-initiative and appropriate risk-taking Ability to prioritize multiple activities and manage ambiguity An active scientific curiosity and interest for complementary disciplines within the pharmaceutical industry Attention to detail and an ability to diagnose problems Proficiency in ChemDraw, Excel, and other software for managing and viewing data Knowledge of and experience using analytical techniques such as NMR and LC-MS. Additional Information: This is a lab-based role Potential exposure to chemicals, allergens and loud noises Travel: 0 to 10% Position Local: Indianapolis, IN; Lilly Technology Center-North (LTC-N) Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form ( https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation ) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response. 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. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia Network, Black Employees at Lilly, Chinese Culture Network, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), PRIDE (LGBTQ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN), Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL), enAble (for people with disabilities). Learn more about all of our groups. 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. WeAreLilly

Keywords: Eli Lilly and Company, Greenwood , Scientist - Small Molecule SMDD Foundry Readiness, Science, Research & Development , Indianapolis, Indiana