Associate Vice President/Fellow, Research, Oligonucleotide Chemistry
Eli Lilly and Company
Summary
The successful candidate will have a strong research track record in oligonucleotide chemistry, with demonstrated experience in advancing candidates to clinical evaluation. Additionally, they should exhibit strong analytical skills, maintain a systematic approach, and consistently apply data-driven decision-making practices. The scientist will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across key Lilly therapeutic areas (e.g. Neuroscience, Pain/Neuronal Health, Diabetes and Complications, Immunology) to perform experiments to aid development of oligonucleotide drug candidates for the next generation of RNA therapies. They will also have a demonstrated track record of prioritizing people development through inclusive leadership, mentorship, and a commitment to fostering individual growth and team excellence.
Job description
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Hire, develop, and supervise a team of Ph.D.- and associate-level scientists to support a diverse portfolio of oligonucleotide medicines, partnering closely with therapeutic area thought leaders
- Lead the screening, design, and SAR optimization of innovative oligonucleotide constructs—including siRNA, ASOs, and conjugates—to advance differentiated clinical candidates.
- Lead the integration of AI/ML into oligonucleotide strategy
- Partner with legal to develop a comprehensive IP strategy for novel oligonucleotide medicines
- Clearly present and summarize results to team members and internal teams
- Develop the vision and drive the advancement of technical capabilities for transformative enterprise impact
- Demonstrate learning agility by quickly absorbing new scientific concepts, embracing new technologies, and applying insights across diverse oligonucleotide discovery challenges.
- Leverage exceptional communication (oral, written), organizational, collaboration, EQ, and leadership skills.
- Keep safety as a top priority at all times, striving toward an interdependent safety culture.
Basic Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in chemistry, or related field, with >10 years of industry experience in oligonucleotide discovery and development
Additional Skills/Preferences:
- The ideal candidate will be a recognized leader in the field of oligonucleotide therapeutics with an established network and track record of delivering drugs to the clinic.
- Experience with extra-hepatic delivery of oligonucleotides and conjugates
- Demonstrated skills for data-driven study design, timeline and partner management, competitive intelligence, and resource planning
- Clear and defined management style
- Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and team-player mentality
- Demonstrated initiative and appropriate risk-taking
- High level of organization and attention to detail
Requirements
- Ph.D. in chemistry, or related field
- >10 years of industry experience in oligonucleotide discovery and development
- Strong research track record in oligonucleotide chemistry
- Demonstrated experience advancing candidates to clinical evaluation
- Strong analytical skills and systematic approach
- Data-driven decision-making practices
- Experience with siRNA, ASOs, and conjugates
- Experience with extra-hepatic delivery of oligonucleotides and conjugates
- Recognized leader in oligonucleotide therapeutics
- Track record of delivering drugs to the clinic
- Data-driven study design, timeline and partner management, competitive intelligence, and resource planning
- Clear and defined management style
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Demonstrated initiative and appropriate risk-taking
- High level of organization and attention to detail
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Pension
- Vacation benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Prescription drug benefits
- Flexible spending accounts
- Life insurance
- Death benefits
- Employee assistance program
- Fitness benefits
- Company bonus
Company overview
Eli Lilly and Company, commonly known as Lilly, is a leading American multinational pharmaceutical corporation headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Founded in 1876 by Colonel Eli Lilly, the company has grown into one of the world's most valuable pharmaceutical enterprises, with operations in approximately 125 countries. Lilly specializes in developing and manufacturing innovative medicines across multiple therapeutic areas, including diabetes, oncology, neuroscience, immunology, and cardiometabolic diseases. The company is renowned for its groundbreaking work in insulin production, having been the first to mass-produce insulin and later developing the first commercially available insulin product in the U.S. Lilly's current portfolio includes blockbuster medications such as Mounjaro and Zepbound (tirzepatide) for diabetes and obesity, Trulicity (dulaglutide) for type 2 diabetes, Verzenio (abemaciclib) for breast cancer, and Taltz (ixekizumab) for autoimmune conditions. With approximately 47,000 employees worldwide, Lilly maintains a strong commitment to research and development, investing heavily in scientific innovation to address some of the world's most significant health challenges. The company operates with a mission to make life better for people around the world through the discovery and delivery of innovative medicines.