Scientist/Sr Scientist - Oligonucleotide Analytics

Company: Eli Lilly and Company
Location: Indianapolis
Posted on: January 1, 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. At Lilly, we serve an extraordinary purpose. We make a difference for people around the globe by discovering, developing, and delivering medicines that help them live longer, healthier, more active lives. Not only do we deliver breakthrough medications, but you also can count on us to develop creative solutions to support communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. The LIGM RNA Group is seeking an experienced, independent, and self-motivated scientist with extensive hands-on experience in the analytical characterization and development of oligonucleotides and their conjugates, primarily using LCMS instruments. This is a predominantly lab-based role. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record with liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and other advanced analytical techniques. The candidate who has experience with large-scale sample preparation and applying automation to sample preparation or formulation will be a strong plus. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate strong technical problem-solving skills and the ability to quickly learn and apply new technologies or explore new fields. The ability to work independently while delivering high-quality, efficient results in a fast-paced environment is essential. Responsibilities: Perform sample preparation for forced degradation and solution stability studies to support developability evaluation at the candidate selection stage for oligonucleotides and their conjugates, including carbohydrates, lipids, small molecules, and others. Characterize the solubility, and physical and chemical stability of drug candidates and formulations using various analytical techniques, including but not limited to chromatography, mass spectrometry, microscopy, thermal analysis, dynamic light scattering, pharmaceutical particle counting, and backgrounded membrane imaging. Design and develop LC/LCMS-based methods to elucidate impurities and degradants from API and stability samples. Partner with the Early Phase TIDES team and the drug discovery team to identify appropriate analytical data packages to support method and project transfers as needed. Identify and mitigate technical risks affecting the performance and production of drug candidates. Demonstrate exceptional teamwork and learning agility to solve complex technical problems and to identify and implement novel formulations based on drug delivery technologies that enhance patient benefit and add value to Lilly. Collaborate with, inspire, and influence the external scientific community to drive innovation, foster collaborations, and strengthen Lilly's internal portfolio. Continuously refine and improve existing analytical methods and assays, and innovate as necessary to meet evolving program needs. Rapidly assimilate new technologies and apply cross-disciplinary scientific concepts to address complex analytical challenges. Maintain thorough, accurate, and timely documentation of experiments, protocols, and results in electronic laboratory notebooks and technical reports. Ensure high standards of laboratory practice, including compliance with safety and quality guidelines, and promote operational excellence in all analytical activities. Communicate findings and progress effectively, including regular presentations in project team, department, and governance meetings. Basic Qualifications: M.S. in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biophysics, Biochemistry, or a related field with at least 5 years of experience in analytical characterization using LC/LCMS, OR a B.S. in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biophysics, Biochemistry, or a related field with at least 8 years of relevant analytical characterization experience using LC/LCMS. Additional Skills/Preferences: Strong understanding of biopharmaceutics and pharmacokinetic principles, phase-appropriate formulation development and analytical characterization, pharmaceutical material sciences, and drug product factors that impact in vivo performance and manufacturing. Demonstrated experience in scale-up sample preparation and analytical characterization of oligonucleotides and their conjugates, as well as biologics. Proficiency in biophysical and analytical characterization techniques, including but not limited to light scattering methods, chromatography, mass spectrometry, backgrounded membrane imaging, and other molecular-level characterization tools. Experience in separation sciences, including but not limited to RP, HILIC, HIC, IEX, SEC, and CE. Expertise in mass spectrometry, including ESI ionization with a range of instrument platforms (QToF, Orbitrap, QQQ). Experience with analytical development on oligonucleotides and their conjugates is a plus. Strong teamwork, communication, and scientific writing skills. 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, Terre Haute , Scientist/Sr Scientist - Oligonucleotide Analytics, Science, Research & Development , Indianapolis, Indiana