Scientist/Sr Scientist - Oligonucleotide Chemistry

About This Role

Lead the Lilly Genetic Medicines discovery oligosynthesis scale-up team, utilizing expertise in oligonucleotide synthesis methodologies to accelerate RNAi Therapeutics from pre-clinical to clinical development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive the discovery of lead drug candidates and provide essential materials for key studies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Lilly Genetic Medicines discovery oligosynthesis scale-up team to accelerate Lilly RNAi Therapeutics from pre-clinical to clinical development
• Utilize comprehensive expertise in oligonucleotide synthesis methodologies to support Lilly Genetic Medicines and further develop internal capabilities and team growth through effective coaching, mentorship, and leadership
• Collaborate with members of the RNAi discovery chemistry teams to validate and execute requirements for oligonucleotide synthesis from 150umol to 6mmol scales
• Actively support efforts toward the discovery of lead drug candidates and lead at the interface with CMC and Development teams to provide essential materials for key studies
• Demonstrate expertise in modern synthetic organic and nucleic acid chemistry, striving to improve methods, develop new technologies, and address synthetic oligonucleotide challenges across a diverse portfolio
• Oversee and prioritize the work of scale-up team members to meet critical timelines
• Value diverse perspectives and experiences for effective solutions. Motivate team members to take initiative, own outcomes, and share expertise on complex technical challenges
• Guide teams through unclear situations, adapt efficiently to changes, and evaluate and implement effective approaches to completing tasks

Requirements

• Master's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry or a relevant scientific field with 5+ years of experience (synthesis, oligonucleotide experience, solid phase synthesis)
• OR Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry or a relevant scientific field with 8+ years of experience (synthesis, oligonucleotide experience, solid phase synthesis)

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry or a relevant scientific field OR Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry or a relevant scientific field
• 5+ years of experience in synthesis, oligonucleotide experience, solid phase synthesis with a Master's or 8+ years with a Bachelor's

Nice to Have

• Strong laboratory skills and experience with analytical instrumentation such as AKTA, Agilent LC-MS and UPLC, Vanquish LTQ, Water’s QDA
• Experience in supervising a team of scientists
• Experience in troubleshooting and optimizing synthetic protocols on automated solid-phase synthesis instruments
• Experience with downstream processing of oligonucleotides including use of chromatographic purification and process TFF systems
• Experience in developing new chromatographic methods (IEX/RP-HPLC, SPE, LC-MS)
• Experience in conjugation of novel ligands, including small molecules, peptides, and proteins to oligonucleotides at 5-25g scale
• Ability to function within a highly interdisciplinary environment
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, good organizational skills, the ability to multitask, and lead a team to deliver on tight deadlines
• Confident, execution-focused, and team-oriented with a desire to thrive in a fast-paced growing environment

Skills

* Required skills

Benefits