Eli Lilly

Director, Medicinal Chemistry

Eli Lilly$163K — $257K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in Organic Chemistry or related field with 8+ years of small molecule drug discovery experience; MS with 10+ years; or BS with 12+ years.
  • Extensive experience in medicinal chemistry and structure- and mechanism-based molecular design.
  • Direct experience with optimizing molecular glue degraders and protein-protein interactions.
  • Proven leadership in guiding chemistry programs to candidate selection.
  • Demonstrated scientific contributions through patents or publications.
  • Experience working with external chemistry teams and CROs.
  • Familiarity with computational drug design tools and AI-enabled chemistry.

Responsibilities

  • Lead optimization of screening hits to improve drug properties.
  • Utilize structure-based design for molecular glue development.
  • Synthesize novel molecules to evaluate mechanistic hypotheses.
  • Implement tailored screening cascades for molecular glue pharmacology.
  • Oversee external and internal medicinal chemistry resources to align with goals.
  • Manage high-throughput synthesis and scalable delivery of compounds.
  • Promote a strong safety culture and efficient lab operations.

Benefits

  • Eligibility for 401(k) and pension
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care
  • Life insurance and death benefits
  • Vacation and leave of absence benefits
  • Well-being programs including fitness and employee assistance
  • Participation in company-sponsored clubs and activities.
Full Job Description
Overview

  • Lilly's Early Molecule Discovery team drives small-molecule hit identification and hit-to-lead progression through structure-based, mechanism-informed, and data-driven design.


  • We are seeking a hands-on medicinal chemistry leader with direct experience advancing molecular glue programs, from hit finding through candidate selection.


  • The role requires close collaboration across pharmacology, structural biology, computational chemistry, and DMPK to translate mechanistic hypotheses into optimized molecules.


  • Success requires both deep bench-level chemistry expertise and the interpersonal and cross-functional leadership skills to guide internal and external teams.


Responsibilities

  • Lead hit-to-lead optimization of screening hits, improving potency, selectivity, physicochemical properties, and ADMET.


  • Apply structure-based and data-driven design, incorporating ternary complex structural data where relevant.


  • Design and synthesize novel molecules to test mechanistic hypotheses, including cooperativity-driven SAR for molecular glue chemotypes.


  • Design and implement screening cascades tailored to molecular glue pharmacology.


  • Direct internal and external medicinal chemistry resources, including CRO relationships, to keep programs aligned with strategy and timelines.


  • Oversee high-throughput synthesis, route scouting, and scale-up to enable efficient compound delivery.


  • Maintain a strong safety culture and efficient lab operations.


Basic Qualifications

  • PhD in Organic Chemistry or related Chemistry field with 8+ years of relevant experience in small molecule drug discovery; MS with 10+ years; or BS with 12+ years.


Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Extensive experience in medicinal chemistry, SAR analysis, and structure- and mechanism-based molecular design.
  • Direct experience designing or optimizing molecular glue degraders, including protein-protein interface engagement, E3 ligase biology, and neosubstrate identification.


  • Demonstrated leadership as a chemistry lead on programs of any mechanism-ideally including a molecular glue program-that reached candidate selection.


  • Track record of scientific contributions through publications, patents, or external presentations.


  • Experience managing or collaborating with external chemistry teams and CROs.


  • Experience with novel modalities, such as targeted protein degradation and covalent chemistry, and biophysical techniques to mechanistically understand molecular glue SAR.


  • Familiarity with computational drug design tools (e.g., LiveDesign, MOE, Maestro) and AI-enabled chemistry tools.


  • Self-driven, with a growth mindset and adaptability to fast-evolving science.


  • Strong communication and collaboration skills in multidisciplinary, matrixed environments.


Actual compensation will depend on a candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is
$163,500 - $257,400

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

About Eli Lilly

ICOS Corporation is a biotechnology company that engages in the discovery, development, and commercialization of therapeutic products. It is engaged in the commercialization of treatments for unmet medical conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, cancer, and inflammatory diseases. It is the developer of a treatment known as Cialis (tadalafil), a product for the treatment of erectile dysfunction through its joint venture with Eli Lilly and Company in North America and Europe. It is also engaged in contract manufacturing services for third parties. It is in a strategic alliance with Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ICOS Corporation was established in 1989, based in Bothell, Washington. It is currently operated by Eli Lilly and Company.

Eli Lilly Careers

Joining Eli Lilly offers an unparalleled opportunity to become part of a leading global team dedicated to creating a healthier future. As a company revered for its commitment to innovation and leadership in the pharmaceutical industry, Eli Lilly is where your professional journey can flourish. Work You’ll Do At Eli Lilly, we are passionate about transforming patient care and advancing medical innovation. Our team at Eli Lilly is at the forefront of developing groundbreaking solutions in healthcare. By joining us, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, using cutting-edge technology to make real-world impacts. Lead with Innovation and Leadership Eli Lilly stands out in the marketplace by integrating deep industry expertise with robust research and development efforts. We are looking for professionals who are eager to drive change and lead the way in developing therapeutic breakthroughs. Explore Job Opportunities and Growth Eli Lilly offers a variety of career paths, including full-time positions and internships, across multiple functions such as research, marketing, IT, and sales. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, Eli Lilly provides an environment that promotes career growth and learning opportunities. Our commitment to diversity and leadership training ensures that every employee can achieve their potential. Be Part of Our Team Our team at Eli Lilly is committed to excellence and driven by a mission to improve lives. Employees enjoy a supportive culture that values collaboration, creativity, and diversity. We believe that a diverse workforce fosters innovation and helps us better connect with the communities we serve. Benefits and Culture Eli Lilly is dedicated to supporting our employees, offering competitive benefits, wellness programs, and comprehensive health care. Our culture is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and quality, making Eli Lilly not just a great place to work, but a community to grow with. Networking and Professional Development Eli Lilly encourages continuous professional development and networking. With access to various training programs and mentorship opportunities, employees can enhance their skills and advance their careers. Our leadership is committed to nurturing talent through effective training and development strategies. Join Our Team Discover the exciting job opportunities at Eli Lilly by exploring open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for individuals who are passionate, innovative, and ready to contribute to our mission of making life better for people around the globe. Stay Connected Keep up to date with the latest at Eli Lilly by following our careers blog. Gain insights from industry leaders and get tips on everything from crafting the perfect resume to preparing for your interview. Eli Lilly is not just a company—it's a place where you can make a difference. Explore the positions available and find out how your talents can help change the world. SEARCH ELI LILLY JOBS Stay ahead in your career with Eli Lilly, where innovation, leadership, and a commitment to diversity and growth lead the way to future advancements.
Learn more about Eli Lilly
Size
35,000 employees
Market Cap
$344.2 billion
Industry
Net Income
$6.1 billion
Founded
1876
5 Year Trend
+5.9%
Revenue
$24.5 billion
NASDAQ

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