Associate Director - Lilly Ventures

Role Overview We are looking for an LV Associate Director to help deliver and progress the best external cutting‑edge science from biotech companies into the Lilly portfolio. The role reports to the Head of East Coast Ventures and is part of the geographic team supporting strategy and tactics in the region. It also collaborates with the global LV team across Indianapolis, Boston, San Francisco, San Diego, Europe, and APAC. Responsibilities Co‑lead fund interactions and work closely with other fund and geography leads to find, monitor, and progress opportunities. Attend scientific meetings with the venture funds (over 20 funds/month globally) to discuss key matters and record portfolio updates for several hundred companies. Identify and deliver direct financial investments in high‑profile biotech companies and interact with the existing portfolio to optimize relationships and convert them into portfolio‑facing deals. Support external innovation partnering models including ExplorR&D and Lilly Gateway Labs. Maintain a strong knowledge of Lilly’s systems, drug discovery and development processes, and demonstrate learning agility. Conduct technical evaluation of partnership opportunities through objective scientific assessment (patents, literature, discussions with internal scientists). Coordinate and triage extensive external project opportunities and lead prioritization meetings. Participate in deal team, due diligence, and pre‑due diligence activities, preparing and presenting governance documents and investment committee recommendations. Map external competitive landscape and cultivate platforms for new indications or technologies that could change treatment paradigms. Ensure policy compliance and smooth execution of confidentiality processes in liaison with internal functions. Report overall Ventures portfolio to senior management and update stakeholders on activity and progress. Maintain strong external networks to enhance Lilly’s business relationships with external companies. Support Lilly’s visibility at conferences and partnering meetings, including analysis, logistics planning, and follow‑up communications. Qualifications & Requirements PhD in a discipline related to pharmaceutical drug discovery and development (e.g., Biochemistry, Chemistry, Pharmacology, Physiology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or Genetics). Minimum of 3 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, life sciences venture capital, technology transfer, or consulting, with additional experience working with small life science companies, venture capital firms, or the external innovation deal‑making space. Strong scientific background evidenced by publications, patents, presentations, and project work. Demonstrated knowledge across several disease areas relevant to Lilly’s business and an understanding of key pathways that impact critical disease states. Working knowledge across multiple modalities and emerging technologies. Excellent interpersonal skills to generate and maintain internal and external networks. Strong project management, data science/analytics, and organizational skills, with the ability to handle large amounts of complex unstructured data accurately. Flexible, can‑do attitude to respond quickly to moving initiatives and priorities in a complex matrix environment. High maturity and judgment for handling sensitive and confidential projects in accordance with Lilly policies. Demonstrated knowledge of the biotech and academic ecosystem, preferably with direct experience in Boston. Excellent written and oral English communication skills. Strong database/computer skills; interest in analytics desirable. Up to 40% travel. Benefits Annual salary range of $145,500 – $213,400 (full‑time equivalent). Eligibility for company bonus based on performance. Comprehensive benefits program, including 401(k), pension, vacation, medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, flexible benefits, life insurance, leave benefits, and well‑being programs. EEO Statement Lilly is a proud 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. Lilly is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr Eli Lilly and Company