Advisor – ADC Drug-Linker Synthetic Process Development
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Category: Research & Development
Job Type: Full-Time, Regular
Job ID: R-96226
About Lilly
Lilly is a global leader in healthcare innovation, focused on discovering and delivering life-changing medicines. With headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana, the company advances scientific research across multiple therapeutic areas while supporting global communities through education, philanthropy, and patient-centric initiatives. Lilly is committed to excellence, integrity, and putting people first.
Organizational Overview
The Bioproduct Research and Development (BR&D) organization supports the development and commercialization of advanced biologic therapeutics, including monoclonal antibodies, peptides, bioconjugates, ADCs (Antibody-Drug Conjugates), cell therapies, gene therapies, and other genetic medicines. This multidisciplinary group partners closely with Discovery, Manufacturing, Quality, and Business Units to advance innovative therapies for global patients.
Position Summary
This role focuses on small-molecule drug-linker synthetic chemistry, supporting Lilly’s rapidly expanding portfolio of ADCs. The Advisor will work at the interface of small-molecule chemistry and biologics development, collaborating closely with BR&D and the Synthetic Molecule Design and Development (SMDD) organization.
The position involves building process-development capabilities, advancing synthetic routes for highly potent and cytotoxic ADC drug-linkers, and supporting internal and external manufacturing partners.
Key Responsibilities
Synthetic Chemistry & Process Development
Synthesize complex payloads and drug-linkers for preclinical toxicology studies.
Apply advanced synthetic organic chemistry methods to design scalable, robust manufacturing processes.
Develop and optimize unit operations, process modeling, equipment selection, and scale-up methodologies.
Support early-phase Discovery and Toxicology groups by providing high-quality synthetic materials.
Technical Leadership & Collaboration
Lead scale-up and demonstration of new chemical processes using development-scale equipment.
Partner with internal and external manufacturing groups to ensure reliable, efficient production of drug-linker intermediates.
Design and execute experimental plans related to route design, process definition, optimization, and technology transfer.
Generate data supporting regulatory filings and address CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls)–related regulatory questions.
Regulatory & Documentation
Author high-quality technical reports, development summaries, and CMC sections for regulatory submissions such as INDs, IMPDs, and BLAs.
Support phase-appropriate development activities including route selection, process characterization, and scale-up planning.
Scientific Engagement & Infrastructure Development
Engage with the global scientific community through presentations and publications.
Collaborate closely with chemists, analytical scientists, bioconjugation experts, engineers, and regulatory teams.
Contribute to the design and expansion of facilities for highly potent/cytotoxic compound handling.
Basic Requirements (Experience Required)
Ph.D. in Synthetic Organic Chemistry or a related scientific discipline, with 0–2 years of relevant industry experience,
OR
Master’s degree (MS) with 5+ years of synthetic chemistry experience in an industry environment.
Additional Skills / Preferences
Experience working in high-potent or cytotoxic compound laboratories is highly desirable.
Prior experience with Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) is a strong advantage.
Strong scientific curiosity and interest in cross-disciplinary pharmaceutical development.
Familiarity with preparative-scale chromatographic purification of small molecules.
Ability to collaborate in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary R&D environment.
Additional Information
Potential exposure to chemicals, allergens, and loud environments.
Travel requirement: 0–20%.
Full-time, salaried role based at Lilly Technology Center – North, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Compensation & Benefits
Estimated Salary Range: USD 126,000 – USD 204,600 (based on experience, qualifications, and location).
Eligibility for company bonus programs.
Comprehensive benefits package including:
401(k) and pension plans
Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage
Flexible spending accounts
Paid vacation and leave benefits
Life insurance and dependent benefits
Well-being programs, employee assistance services, fitness support, and activity clubs
Lilly may revise compensation and benefits according to company policy.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Lilly is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on age, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any legally protected category.
Accessibility accommodations are available for applicants during the hiring process through Lilly’s official request channel.
Lilly’s Employee Resource Groups include networks such as Black Employees at Lilly, PRIDE, Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL), Lilly India Network, OLA, VLN, enAble, and others promoting an inclusive workplace.
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