Job Title:
Sr. Director, Early Phase Chemistry
Location:
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Job ID: R-86757
Category: Research & Development
Job Type: Full-Time, Regular
Company Overview:
Eli Lilly and Company, a global healthcare leader, has spent over 140 years discovering and delivering medicines that improve lives. The Product Research and Development (PRD) organization, and specifically the Synthetic Molecule Design and Development (SMDD) division, is focused on innovative technologies to enable and accelerate the development of synthetic molecules, including small molecules, peptides, and oligonucleotides.
Role Overview:
The Sr. Director of Early Phase Chemistry will be a strategic and technical leader responsible for shaping Lilly’s drug substance development direction. This individual will lead early phase synthetic molecule development efforts and drive innovation, team growth, and global partnerships. This role has direct impact on early clinical supply and technical strategies from discovery through Phase II.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Team Building
Develop a high-performing team with clear expectations, mentorship, and career development.
Promote a culture of innovation, collaboration, and safety.
Coach scientists and foster cross-functional alignment.
Portfolio & Strategic Direction
Oversee delivery of early phase materials for toxicology and clinical studies.
Establish global CDMO partnerships for APIs, starting materials, and intermediates.
Drive strategic initiatives for small molecule development at the Medicine Foundry.
Collaborate with discovery, toxicology, and clinical partners to streamline CMC development.
Technical Excellence
Lead synthetic route selection and development internally and with CDMOs.
Integrate new technologies to optimize early phase efficiencies.
Align technical programs with strategic project goals.
Provide clear communication of technical strategies and outcomes.
Organizational Strategy
Contribute to SMDD leadership, guiding strategic decisions and change management.
Identify continuous improvement opportunities in early phase chemistry and SMDD.
Basic Qualifications:
Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field with 15+ years of experience, or
MS degree with 20+ years of relevant experience.
10+ years of CMC and early drug development experience.
Preferred Skills:
Proven leadership of high-performing scientific teams.
Strong communication and external partnership skills.
Experience with project planning and cross-functional team collaboration.
Background in intellectual property and patent strategy.
Experience driving culture and organizational change.
Additional Information:
Travel: 0–10%
Location: On-site in Indianapolis, IN
Compensation Range: $151,500 – $222,200 + bonus eligibility
Includes full benefits: 401(k), pension, health coverage, wellness perks, and more.
Inclusion & Accessibility:
Lilly is committed to equal opportunity and provides accommodations to applicants with disabilities.
🔗 Accommodation Request Form
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs):
Lilly offers inclusive ERGs such as PRIDE, WILL, enAble, VLN, OLA, JILN, and others to foster support, belonging, and professional development.
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