Director Early Phase Process Chemistry SMDD

Job ID: R-106683Company: LillyLocation: Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of AmericaJob Type: Full TimeCategory: Research & DevelopmentPosted Date: 2026-09-10At 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. The Synthetic Molecule Design and Development (SMDD) team is involved in key activities for the development of synthetic active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) from pre-clinical phases through commercialization of drug substances and drug products. Our chemists, engineers, and scientists develop key technical and business solutions across the portfolio using their deep technical expertise to accelerate testing of the clinical hypothesis and overall drug development. SMDD delivers on these responsibilities by recognizing diverse talent and cultures are vital to bring the next generation of life changing medicines to patients.Position Summary: Our team is looking for experienced and creative individuals to lead synthetic molecule route commercialization as well as process optimization and unit operation definition of drug candidates to support clinical trials, product commercialization, and regulatory submissions. The position presents an opportunity to lead dynamic teams comprised of process chemists, analytical chemists, formulation scientists, and engineers. Additionally, candidates will provide oversight for external R&D, tech transfer, and campaign execution.Responsibilities:Demonstrate a deep expertise and demonstrated capability with utilization of modern synthetic organic and process chemistry techniques to address key CMC challengesLead and/or supervise the design and development of new synthetic routes for the manufacture of API using the most modern technologiesExhibit a high learning agility with the ability to understand and exploit new scientific concepts and methods across multiple fields; be able to apply these takeaways to a portfolio of small molecule, oligonucleotide, and synthetic peptide, and other emerging synthetic modalitiesPossess solid understanding in unit operation design, process modeling, process equipment selection, and scale-up methodologies; build and apply groundbreaking technology and novel platforms within a time constrained environmentLead a cross-disciplinary team to evaluate and refine new manufacturing routes, manufacturing technologies, and practices to deliver an exciting portfolioProvide technical leadership in the scale-up and demonstration of new chemical processes in development and commercial scale equipment; collaborate in technology transfer activities to CRO/CMO organizations and internal Lilly manufacturing nodes to ensure processes are technically robust, well developed and characterized, and safeDesign experimental laboratory plans in support of route and process design, definition, optimization, and technology transfer objectives.Ability to integrate process (and property design) data based on a fundamental understanding of the underlying physical processesApply advancements in technology (PAT) and modeling platforms to understand and lead experimental protocols. Leverage high throughput experimental platforms to accelerate reaction discovery.Plan and lead short term and long-term development activities; develop and/or review technical agendas and timelines for project work; advise resource allocation to accomplish projects according to plans, communicate progress and propose changes in timeline, objectives, or direction.Collaborate across internal CMC networks (Drug Product Delivery, Project Management, Quality, Manufacturing, and Regulatory) to implement and deliver material and information for clinical trials and regulatory submissions.Possess deep understanding of the external global regulatory climate and emerging requirements; ability to address key CMC regulatory questions that enable clinical studies and support marketing authorization applicationsEmbrace diversity in thoughts, background, and experiences through supervision, mentoring, and development of a diverse scientific staff to deliver solutions. Encourage team members to take initiative and accountability to achieve goals and draw out and encourage others to share knowledge on challenging technical issuesActively collaborate and exhibit influence in the external scientific environment and demonstrates an ability to recognize and integrate external innovation across the Lilly synthetic portfolioMinimum Qualifications:Ph.D. in organic chemistry, or a related field with 10+ years of pharmaceutical process development experience OR MS in Organic Chemistry or related field with 15+ years' experience.Additional Skills/Preferences:Experience within the pharmaceutical sector is preferred; however, other experience may meet expectations. Prior experience in active ingredient development and associated formulated product is acceptable. Relevant industrial sectors would include agrochemicals, nutraceuticals, specialty chemicals, and personal care products. Experience with developing chemical processes from mid-development cycle (proof of concept) to product commercialization.Experience with technical transfer of processes into manufacturing operationsExperience with authoring regulatory submissions and responding to regulatory questionsEstablished external reputation and strong publication recordKnowledge and experience with management of a technical project and ability to build ideas for future work plansExperience with modern analytical techniques and process analytical technologies (PAT)Experience with modeling and simulation tools, data analytics, and predictive analyticsAbility to transform ideas into marketable products and processesDemonstrated leadership capabilities, good communication skills and a sustained tendency for collaborationAbility to prioritize multiple activities and handle ambiguityAbility to influence others to promote a positive work environmentAdditional Information:Potential exposure to chemicals, allergens, and loud noises.Travel: 0 to 10%Position Location: Indianapolis, IN; Lilly Technology Center-North (LTC-N)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 us.fitly.work), 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$148,500 - $257,400Full-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.#WeAreLillySkillssynthetic organic chemistryprocess optimizationregulatory submissionsunit operation designprocess modelingtechnology transferscale-up methodologiesexperimental designanalytical techniquesprocess analytical technologiespat modeling platformstechnical project managementcross-disciplinary team leadershipmentoringcollaborationstakeholder communicationresource allocationregulatory compliancechemical process developmentformulated product developmentactive ingredient development