Advisor, Sr. Advisor – Discovery Process Chemistry

Eli Lilly and Company

. Design and execute multi-step synthetic routes to deliver key drug intermediates and candidates on aggressive discovery timelines .

Posted 10/15/2026full-timeLouisville • Colorado • United StatesSenior💰 $141,000 - $231,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, including multi-step route design, reaction optimization, and process scalability. Proficient in utilizing advanced methodologies and tools, while effectively communicating scientific findings and mentoring team members.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Ph.D. In Organic ChemistrySynthetic Organic ChemistryFlow ChemistryAutomated Synthesis PlatformsMicrosoft Office Proficiency

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Multi-Step Synthetic Route DesignReaction OptimizationProcess ChemistryScale-Up TechniquesThermal Risk AssessmentIsolation And Purification TechniquesStructural CharacterizationSynthetic Feasibility AssessmentData-Driven ApproachesPredictive Modeling

Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationMentoringOrganizational SkillsCollaborationProblem-Solving

Tools & Technologies

ChemDrawSciFinderReaxysAI/ML ApplicationsAutomated Synthesis Platforms

Industry Keywords

Drug DiscoveryCRO CoordinationRegulatory RequirementsSafety CultureEnvironmental Compliance

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design and execute multi-step synthetic routes to deliver key drug intermediates and candidates on aggressive discovery timelines
Apply literature precedent creatively to develop differentiated strategies for assigned targets
Optimize reactions for yield, purity, safety, and scalability while anticipating future scale-up requirements
Use flow chemistry, photochemistry, electrochemistry, and automated synthesis platforms to accelerate synthesis and improve process robustness
Conduct thermal risk assessments, including DSC and reaction calorimetry, and hazard evaluations as part of safe scale-up
Complete risk assessments before experiments and immediately escalate concerns
Assess synthetic feasibility, route complexity, reagent availability, and estimated cost of goods
Communicate synthetic risk and developability flags to project teams
Provide scientific direction to CRO partners, review deliverables, give actionable feedback, and escalate scientific or quality issues
Prepare experimental reports, synthetic procedures, data packages, and process documentation
Support tech transfer and knowledge transfer with CMC colleagues
Integrate AI/ML tools, predictive modeling, data-driven approaches, and data visualization into synthetic planning and reaction optimization
Collaborate with tox, ADME, analytical, and CMC colleagues
Independently prioritize competing demands and mentor and develop team members
Identify opportunities for internal or external publications, posters, and presentations
Follow site safety, environmental, documentation, and regulatory requirements
Reinforce a safety-first team culture

Requirements

What you’ll need

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or another closely related discipline; requirements must be met no later than August 2027; OR M.S. with 8+ years of relevant industry experience; OR B.S. with 10+ years of relevant industry experience
Strong background in synthetic organic chemistry, including route scouting, reaction optimization, process chemistry, and scale-up
Extensive working knowledge of modern methodologies, isolation and purification techniques, and structural characterization
Experience with flow chemistry, photochemistry, electrochemistry, or automated synthesis platforms preferred
Familiarity with early-stage developability concepts, including synthetic feasibility, cost of goods, and regulatory starting material designation preferred
Experience managing or coordinating work with CRO partners in a discovery or process chemistry context preferred
Ability to independently design and execute multi-step synthetic routes in a drug discovery or process chemistry setting
Proven track record of contributing to peer-reviewed scientific publications
Effective English-language written and verbal communication skills
Active engagement with current synthetic chemistry literature, with discernment regarding limitations and scalability of new transformations
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, ChemDraw, SciFinder, Reaxys, and other scientific data tools
Working familiarity with data science tools or AI/ML applications relevant to synthetic chemistry workflows
Ability to mentor junior scientists and contribute to a collaborative, inclusive team culture
Strong organizational skills and track record of delivering high-quality results under competing timelines
Must be authorized to work in the United States; Lilly can provide work authorization and visa sponsorship support for qualified candidates
Ability to work in a laboratory environment with chemical reagents, synthetic equipment, and analytical instrumentation; standard personal protective equipment required
Ability to support work across multiple lab spaces and collaborate in office and meeting environments
Ability to manage potential exposure to chemicals, allergens, and loud noises

Benefits

Comp & perks

Company bonus depending in part on company and individual performance
Company-sponsored 401(k)
Pension
Vacation benefits
Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits
Flexible benefits, including healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts
Life insurance and death benefits
Certain time off and leave of absence benefits
Well-being benefits, including employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities
Visa sponsorship support for qualified candidates
Employee resource groups and support networks