Advisor – Synthetic Chemistry, PhD

Lilly-Lilly

. Establish a productive laboratory program by personally conducting and managing internal and external research plans .

Posted 10/7/2026full-timeIndianapolis • United StatesSeniorLead💰 $129,000 - $211,200 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in synthetic chemistry and drug discovery, with a strong ability to design and optimize compounds while collaborating across disciplines. Proven track record in managing research programs and mentoring junior colleagues in a laboratory setting.

Highest-signal resume keywords

PhD In Organic ChemistrySynthetic Chemistry Program DesignHigh-Throughput ExperimentationAI/Machine Learning FamiliarityLaboratory Automation Platforms

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Synthetic ChemistryCompound DesignDrug Candidate OptimizationScalable Clinical SupplyParallel SynthesisContinuous ProcessingAutomated Reaction ScreeningComputational ChemistryData Quality MaintenanceChemical Process Development

Soft Skills

Strong Interpersonal SkillsSelf-InitiativeRisk-TakingPrioritizationCollaboration

Industry Keywords

Drug DiscoveryMedicinal ChemistryResearch ManagementTeam CollaborationChemical Manufacturing

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Establish a productive laboratory program by personally conducting and managing internal and external research plans
Independently plan, execute, and troubleshoot synthetic chemistry to deliver high-quality molecules that drive project decisions
Design and synthesize compounds and develop synthetic routes for drug candidate optimization or scalable clinical and commercial supply
Act as a technical point of contact for assigned projects
Communicate design and development priorities and adjust scientific approaches as new results emerge
Collaborate across disciplines to inform compound design, route selection, and prioritization
Mentor and develop junior colleagues
Contribute to a collaborative Team Lilly culture
Develop synthetic routes and accelerate the design-make-test cycle using parallel synthesis, continuous processing, automated reaction screening, high-throughput experimentation, AI/machine learning, and computational chemistry
Maintain data quality and integrity, including actionable negative results
Help drive compound design or commercial manufacturing strategies
Collaborate with manufacturing partners to deliver robust chemical processes suitable for large-scale manufacturing
Engage externally through presentations and publications
Identify, partner, and develop chemistry innovations and incorporate them across the portfolio of assets

Requirements

What you’ll need

PhD in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or a related field; or BS/MS with 7+ years of equivalent experience
Experience designing and executing synthetic chemistry programs relevant to drug discovery or development
Strong interpersonal skills for collaboration
Demonstrated self-initiative and appropriate risk-taking
Ability to learn and apply technical knowledge to meet changing project needs
Ability to prioritize multiple activities and handle ambiguity
Familiarity with AI/ML tools, laboratory automation platforms, and parallel synthesis or other high-throughput chemistry methods
Broad experience across multiple modalities or therapeutic areas is a plus
Potential exposure to chemicals, allergens, and loud noises
Travel: 0 to 10%

Benefits

Comp & perks

Company bonus depending, in part, on company and individual performance
Company-sponsored 401(k)
Pension
Vacation benefits
Medical benefits
Dental benefits
Vision benefits
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
Employee resource groups open to all employees