Associate Chemist - Oligonucleotide Chemistry

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.

Organization Overview:

In Lilly Genetic Medicines, we are building state-of-the art expertise in major oligonucleotide-based therapeutics and delivery approaches, with an emphasis on innovative approaches with potential for breakthrough efficacy. Our agile and diverse team strives to operate as an autonomous ‘biotech-like’ company within the walls of Lilly. We are looking for an engaged and independent team member who will make impactful contributions to next-generation preclinical drug discovery efforts. Oligonucleotide laboratory chemists as well as experienced small molecule chemists with a desire to transition to oligonucleotide chemistry are encouraged to apply.

You will join our fast-paced, interdisciplinary team as we discover novel RNA/oligonucleotide-based medicines with disease-curing potential. The successful applicant will utilize their knowledge and technical expertise to complement and enable core capabilities and help drive the discovery and development of RNA-based clinical candidates. Do you have an aptitude for innovative applied chemistry towards drug discovery and a desire to use your skills to improve lives? We want you on our team!

Responsibilities:

• Synthesize, purify, and analyze highly modified oligonucleotides/conjugates and small molecules to drive projects forward efficiently
• Prioritize and lead in proactive safety practices as a part of an effective laboratory culture
• Independently problem-solve in the laboratory setting to overcome synthetic challenges and improve upon existing workflows
• Maintain a productive laboratory workspace including the operation and maintenance of an oligonucleotide synthesizer and/or other scientific equipment
• Collaborate with chemists and scientists from other fields in a team environment focused on experimental execution and delivering on shared project goals
• Interpret and communicate structure-activity relationships and generate new oligonucleotide-based designs
• Search relevant chemical and scientific literature and implement new strategies and techniques accordingly
• Accurately document experimental procedures and communicate results via presentations and written reports

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelors or Master's degree in Chemistry or a related scientific field.

Additional Skills/Preferences:

• At least 1-2 years of experience in synthetic organic and/or oligonucleotide chemistry is highly preferred.
• Experience in solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis using and trouble-shooting automated solid-phase synthesizers and optimizing synthetic protocols and reaction schemas
• Experience in small molecule organic synthesis including design of synthetic strategies, reaction optimization, work-up/purification techniques, and characterization (NMR, MS, etc.)
• Experience in the optimization of purification protocols for oligonucleotides
• Knowledge or experience in the areas of bioconjugation chemistry as applied to peptides or oligonucleotides
• Experience with analytical and physiochemical characterization of novel biomaterials (e.g., mass spectrometry, separation techniques and other biophysical/biochemical techniques)
• Excellent record keeping and communication skills
• Confident, execution-focused, and team oriented with a desire to thrive in an entrepreneurial environment

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