Associate Scientist - Oligo Synthesis

Key Responsibilities Include

• Synthesize therapeutic oligonucleotides (ASO, siRNA, and others) from 75-6000 umol scales using automated solid-phase synthesizers.
• Independently problem-solve in the laboratory setting to overcome synthetic challenges and continuously improve existing workflows.
• Collaborate with members of the LGM discovery chemistry teams to understand and validate requirements for synthesis scaleup of novel molecules.
• Collaborate with our analytical team for the proper analysis and characterization of processed molecules.
• Oversee and prioritize the work of scientists supporting the team.
• Actively support our efforts toward the discovery and development of lead therapeutic candidates and collaborate with CMC and development teams to drive high-speed innovation towards the clinic.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and manage laboratory inventory/consumables for efficient lab operations.
• Support the implementation of new technologies and workflows that accelerate innovation for LGM.

Basic Qualifications

• BS/MS in Organic Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline with 2+ years of 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.

Additional Skills/Preferences

• Strong laboratory skills and experience with oligonucleotide instrumentation including but not limited to AKTA Oligosynth, AKTA OP100, Mermade 12, AKTApure, and TFF (tangential flow filtration) systems.
• Strong laboratory skills and experience with analytical instrumentation such as Agilent LC-MS and UPLC, Orbitrap MX, etc.
• Demonstrated ability and experience with successful translation of proof-of-concept chemistry to large scale solid-phase instrumentation.
• Strong hands-on experience with phosphoramidite and nucleoside chemistry, particularly in the context of oligonucleotide synthesis with an understanding of impurity profiles in these reagents and their impact on oligonucleotide quality.
• Experience with analytical techniques for small molecule characterization such as HPLC, LC-MS, NMR, and UV spectroscopy.
• Ability to enhance synthesis efficiency with optimized methods, instrument awareness, high attention to detail, and ongoing team collaboration.
• Ability to troubleshoot common synthesis failures due to solubility, moisture sensitivity, or reagent degradation and implement the appropriate mitigation.
• Ability to identify and implement strategies that streamline operations, reduce waste, and enhance overall efficiency.
• Confident, execution-focused teammate who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative lab environment, managing multiple concurrent syntheses and shifting priorities.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, with high attention to detail in record keeping, independent data analysis, documentation, and process control to ensure accurate, compliant reporting.
• Intellectually curious, with a genuine eagerness to learn new instrumentation, techniques, and chemistries for novel platforms and modalities.