Associate Scientist - RNA

At Lilly, the work is demanding because patients are waiting. We unite caring with discovery to help make life better for people around the world, knowing that every decision, every detail, and every day matters. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, our over 50,000 employees around the globe take on complex challenges to discover and deliver life-changing medicines, strengthen how health is understood and managed, and support the communities we serve. This is hard, urgent, selfless work—but it’s work worth doing. If you’re driven by purpose and ready to bring your best to work that truly matters for patients, we invite you to join us. Orna Therapeutics, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, is an innovative biotechnology startup based in Watertown, MA, committed to developing groundbreaking therapies for diseases that current approaches cannot address. With our pioneering circular RNA technology, developed at MIT, we are at the forefront of advancing the next generation of RNA therapeutics. Our innovative expression and delivery platform positions us to tackle complex diseases, including B cell-driven autoimmune disorders, B cell malignancies, sickle cell disease, and beyond. We are seeking an exceptional analytical development Scientist to join our team - RNA Production, Research, and Optimization (PRO). This position will report to an Advisor and focus on onboarding, optimizing, troubleshooting, and performing a range of analytical assays for the characterization of in vitro-transcribed RNA. An ideal candidate would have extensive hands‑on molecular biology experience, particularly with common analytical techniques and cell-based assays. The candidate should also be familiar with statistics and data handling/reporting relevant to analytics. This position will require one who learns and adapts quickly, follows established protocols, and is comfortable in a dynamic and collaborative environment. The candidate will be expected to document all experiments in detail and share results both orally and in writing. Basic Qualifications Expertise in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, biology, molecular biology or a related field and either: M.S. with 1+ years relevant industry experience OR B.S. with 6+ years relevant industry experience Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or visas for this role, including but not limited to F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, J-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, or L-1. Additional Skills/Preferences Hands‑on experience with common analytical techniques in the field such as ELISA, HPLC, and CE, including troubleshooting, operating, and development of analytical methods for biomolecules. Protein experience including techniques such as CE, SDS-PAGE, etc. is preferred. Strong technical background in biochemistry, with hands‑on experience working with nucleic acids and other biomolecules. Firsthand experience with cell culture and cell-based reporter assays, including fluorescence, luminescence, and flow cytometry would be a major plus. Knowledge of ELN data tracking and analysis. Coding experience is a plus. Proven track record of successful method development, including fit‑for‑purpose assay validations. 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 ( 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 (AMECA), Black Employees at Lilly (View email address on click.appcast.io), Chinese Culture Network (CCN), EnAble, Evolve, Lilly Indian Network (LIN), Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), Pride (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN) and Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL). Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $71,250 - $187,000 Benefits Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). 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. Well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).

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