Lead Chemist - RNAi Drug Discovery

3w3 weeks ago

Eli Lilly and Company

Boston, US · Full-time · $163,500 – $281,600

About this role

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. Lilly Catalyze360 enables the early-stage biotech ecosystem through pillars like Lilly ExploR&D, providing infrastructure, expertise, and resources. We seek an RNAi drug discovery expert with deep experience in oligonucleotide chemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, and delivery technologies.

This leader evaluates scientific and business opportunities, designs and executes novel RNAi therapeutics within ExploR&D, and partners with Lilly Genetic Medicines for strategic alignment. Responsibilities include robust experimental design, fit-for-purpose methodologies, and clear success criteria in discovery projects. The role combines scientific rigor, innovative thinking, and collaborative leadership.

Lilly ExploR&D is a team of drug discovery experts partnering with biotechs from discovery through clinical proof-of-concept. They offer flexible support from strategic consulting to full program execution, leveraging Lilly's industry-leading capabilities. Work involves collaboration with external partners, discovery operations, digital/IT, procurement, and finance.

Advance RNAi innovation from concept to scalable capability by prioritizing opportunities impacting molecule quality, cycle time, and technical success. Systematically scan landscapes for innovation, build licensing cases, and transition pilots into routine capabilities. Contribute to transforming bold science into life-changing medicines.

Requirements

Deep experience in oligonucleotide chemistry
Expertise in molecular biology, including mammalian cell culture, in vitro screening, cell-based assays, and PCR
Knowledge of pharmacology and delivery technologies
Experience in siRNA/ASO candidate screening, hit identification, and lead optimization
Proficiency in designing and overseeing in vivo animal studies, dose planning, and sample analysis
Demonstrated scientific rigor and innovative thinking
Proven learning agility and execution in drug discovery
Collaborative leadership to advance RNAi innovation

Responsibilities

Collaborate with external partners to critically evaluate opportunities for RNAi innovation, including scientific merit and technical feasibility
Design and execute RNAi discovery projects with robust experimental design, fit-for-purpose methodologies, and clear success criteria
Lead and consult regarding siRNA/ASO candidate screening, hit identification, and lead optimization using cellular and molecular biology methodologies
Oversee in vivo drug candidate testing with ATP partners, including experimental design for animal studies, dose planning and sample analysis
Work with leadership to translate scientific and portfolio needs into an RNAi innovation roadmap aligned with area strategies
Prioritize opportunities that impact molecule quality, cycle time, and probability of technical success
Systematically scan internal and external landscapes for RNAi innovation and build scientific cases for licensing
Coordinate pilot execution across internal and external partners with fit-for-purpose experimental design