Director, Medicinal Chemistry

Eli Lilly and Company

. Lead and manage internal chemistry resources and dedicated synthetic chemistry teams within CROs .

Posted 10/26/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesLead💰 $153,000 - $290,400 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in synthetic and medicinal chemistry, with a strong focus on designing small molecules and developing chemistry strategies that secure intellectual property. Proven leadership in managing multidisciplinary teams and driving projects toward IND-ready candidates while fostering effective communication and collaboration.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Synthetic Chemistry ExpertiseMedicinal Chemistry PrinciplesLeadership of Chemistry TeamsPharmacology and ADME KnowledgeIntellectual Property Strategy

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Small Molecule DesignSynthetic ChemistryMedicinal ChemistryPharmacologyADMEIntellectual Property ProtectionCandidate Selection CriteriaData AnalysisStructure-Based Drug DesignComputational Predictive Tools

Soft Skills

Leadership SkillsInterpersonal SkillsAdaptive Problem-SolvingCuriosityDrive for Innovation

Certifications & Qualifications

BS ChemistryMS ChemistryPhD Chemistry

Industry Keywords

CROBiotechPharmaceuticalCNS TargetsHit-to-LeadLead OptimizationIND-Ready CandidatesRemote Team ManagementMultidisciplinary Project TeamArtificial Intelligence in Chemistry

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and manage internal chemistry resources and dedicated synthetic chemistry teams within CROs
Set priorities, resolve synthetic challenges, and direct groups toward IND-ready candidate molecules
Serve as chemistry leader within the broader multidisciplinary project team
Build effective working relationships with colleagues, partners, consultants, and CROs
Design new molecules addressing the target product profile and establish new intellectual property
Progress projects toward time-based goals
Develop chemistry strategies that secure robust intellectual property positions
Analyze SAR from weekly pharmacology and ADME data to identify opportunities for improved molecules
Translate data into tractable designs for molecules with drug-like properties
Monitor competitor activities and current medicinal chemistry developments
Communicate regularly with synthetic teams and maximize throughput of test compounds
Utilize in-house structure-based drug design knowledge and compound property computational predictive tools
Present data and articulate next steps at chemistry-focused and cross-functional team meetings and ad hoc face-to-face meetings
Use SAR and literature precedent to defend proposed designs and consider alternative suggestions
Communicate ideas clearly and professionally with project teams and senior management

Requirements

What you’ll need

BS/MS Chemistry; PhD strongly preferred
10+ years designing small molecules as a medicinal chemistry team leader within a biotech and/or pharmaceutical company
Expert command of synthetic chemistry and medicinal chemistry principles
Solid working knowledge of pharmacology, ADME, pharmaceutical sciences, IP protection, and candidate selection criteria
Experience working on CNS targets and across all stages of discovery, from hit-to-lead and lead optimization through IND-ready candidates
Proven ability to lead and motivate teams, including remote and virtual teams, toward aggressive timelines
Strong independent scientific judgment, interpersonal, and leadership skills
Experience managing outsourced chemistry teams
Adaptive problem-solving ability
Technical depth and a growth mindset
Curiosity and drive for self-identified innovation, especially exploration of artificial intelligence and digital tools

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
Time off and leave of absence benefits
Well-being benefits, including employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities
Remote work arrangement
Occasional travel