Director/Senior Director – New Target Validation

Eli Lilly and Company

. Define and lead the end-to-end strategy for new target validation, spanning genetic perturbation, pathway deconvolution, cellular pharmacology, and translational model design .

Posted 10/14/2026full-timeIndianapolis • California • United StatesSenior💰 $153,000 - $264,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Expertise in molecular genetics and immunology, with a strong focus on drug development and target validation strategies. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and communicate complex scientific data effectively to diverse stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Ph.D. In Molecular Genetics And ImmunologyDrug Development ExperienceTarget Validation StrategyLeadership In Team DevelopmentData-Driven Decision Making

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Genetic PerturbationPathway DeconvolutionCellular PharmacologyTranslational Model DesignMechanistic ValidationMolecular Biology DesignsFunctional AssaysData Package GenerationImmunology ResearchInnovative Solution Development

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsCoachingMentoringEmpowering Diverse TalentCommunication Skills

Tools & Technologies

Organs-On-ChipEx Vivo Human Model SystemsIPSC EngineeringHSC EngineeringMultimodal ProfilingImagingTranscriptomicsCytokine ReadoutsProteomics Readouts

Industry Keywords

Asthma ResearchAtopic Dermatitis ResearchRheumatologic DiseasesCross-Functional CollaborationMatrix Organization

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define and lead the end-to-end strategy for new target validation, spanning genetic perturbation, pathway deconvolution, cellular pharmacology, and translational model design
Drive innovation through novel human systems for target validation, including organs-on-chip, ex vivo human model systems, IPSC, and HSC engineering
Integrate multimodal profiling, including imaging, transcriptomics, cytokine, and proteomics readouts, from internal and external partners
Communicate workplans supporting scientific decision-making across multidisciplinary project teams
Ensure robust biological rationale, mechanism-of-action understanding, and data-supported progression criteria
Train discovery biologists in molecular biology designs and building functional assays
Guide cross-functional project teams through influence across a matrixed organization
Lead biological strategy and translational readiness for projects
Steer target identification through mechanistic validation
Partner across internal functions and with CROs, academic groups, and technology partners
Build workplans and data packages enabling target nomination, modality selection, and early portfolio advancement in immunology

Requirements

What you’ll need

Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics and Immunology
8–10 years of drug development experience, with a strong focus including research on asthma, atopic dermatitis, and rheumatologic diseases
Demonstrated leadership in developing high-performing teams by coaching, mentoring, and empowering diverse talent
Proven track record of generating data packages that increase mechanism-of-action confidence and target engagement requirements for advancing validated targets into lead generation/candidate selection
Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to make data-driven decisions and find innovative solutions within a matrix environment
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including communicating upward to senior leadership and governance and presenting complex scientific data to diverse audiences

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
Healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts
Life insurance and death benefits
Certain time off and leave of absence benefits
Employee assistance program
Fitness benefits
Employee clubs and activities