Advisor - Oligonucleotide Analytics

Company: Eli Lilly and Company
Location: Indianapolis
Posted on: January 8, 2026

Job Description:

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. The Lilly Institute of Genetic Medicine RNA group is seeking an independent, self-motivated, and highly skilled scientific leader with a proven track record in designing, developing, and implementing analytical methodologies for the characterization of oligonucleotides and their conjugates. This is a predominantly lab-based role. The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in LC-MS method development, along with a solid understanding of oligonucleotides and their associated conjugates. The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing analytical methods to characterize targeted molecules, as well as providing scientific input to cross-functional teams, including chemistry, biology, ADME, pharmacology, and formulation. Additionally, the candidate is expected to explore and evaluate novel analytical techniques to support the characterization of complex, chemically modified oligonucleotides and their conjugates for quality control and structure–activity relationship assessments. Responsibilities: Design, develop, optimize, and standardize robust analytical methods—including LC, LC-MS, CE-MS, and SEC/AEX-MALS—for the characterization of oligonucleotides and their conjugates across all stages of drug discovery. Proactively evaluate and implement innovative analytical technologies to overcome challenges in the analysis of complex, chemically modified oligonucleotides and ensure continued scientific advancement. Partner with cross-functional teams—including chemistry, biology, technology platform, and automation groups—to identify, develop, and implement the right instrumentation and analytical assays to accelerate chemistry design, enable structure–activity relationship understanding, and strengthen internal analytical capabilities. Utilize analytical software and collaborate with IT partners to advance laboratory informatics systems that ensure efficient data acquisition, processing, traceability, and data integrity. Continuously refine and enhance existing analytical methods and assays, and innovate as needed to meet evolving program requirements. Rapidly assimilate new technologies and apply cross-disciplinary scientific principles to solve complex analytical challenges. Maintain thorough, accurate, and timely documentation of experiments, protocols, and results in electronic laboratory notebooks and technical reports. Ensure high standards of laboratory practice, including safety and quality compliance, and promote operational excellence in all analytical activities. Communicate scientific findings, progress, and technical recommendations clearly and effectively, including regular presentations in project team, departmental, and governance forums. Basic Qualifications: PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Bioanalysis, Pharmaceutical Sciences or other similar scientific areas with 2 years of relevant post-graduate experience Additional Skills/Preferences: Extensive experience in LC and LC-MS method development, optimization, and troubleshooting Proficient in characterization of biologics and oligonucleotides Strong understanding of structure–activity relationships (SAR) for therapeutic oligonucleotides and biologics Proven track record in developing diverse analytical and separation methods, including LC, LC-MS, ion-pairing LC, SEC, CE, HILIC, HIC, and IEX Ability to evaluate, adopt, and implement emerging analytical technologies (e.g., high-resolution MS, oligonucleotide mapping, intact mass analysis, charge-variant analysis, peptide mapping) Hands-on experience with operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of analytical systems including UPLC, LC-MS, CE, MALS, SPR, and CD platforms Familiarity with Agilent, Waters, and Thermo systems and associated software (e.g., ChemStation, OpenLab CDS, BioConfirm, MassHunter, Chromeleon, BioPharma Finder, Xcalibur, Empower, MassLynx, MassMetaSite) Experience with data processing and chromatographic software (e.g., PEAKS, Genedata-associated platforms, AutoChrom, DryLab, Fusion QbD, ChromSword) Prior experience in proteomics, bioanalysis, and/or biophysical characterization is a strong plus Highly self-motivated with the ability to independently lead and deliver complex projects Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong cross-functional collaboration capabilities Open-minded, detail-oriented, and committed to continuous learning in a fast-paced environment Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, navigate ambiguity, and deliver high-quality results under tight timelines 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 ( https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation ) 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 Network, Black Employees at Lilly, Chinese Culture Network, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), PRIDE (LGBTQ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN), Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL), enAble (for people with disabilities). Learn more about all of our groups. Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $126,000 - $204,600 Full-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. WeAreLilly

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