Organization Overview:Lilly Genetic Medicines (LGM) is Lilly's division focused on developing transformative gene therapies and regenerative medicines for patients with serious unmet medical needs. Within LGM, the Regenerative Biology function is building a portfolio of programs aimed at restoring function in tissues with limited endogenous repair capacity, employing advances in gene therapy, delivery, and regenerative biology. Inner ear regeneration is a strategic focus area for LGM, addressing the substantial unmet need in sensorineural hearing loss through innovative therapeutic approaches designed to restore sensory hair cell function. The Inner Ear Regeneration program represents a cornerstone initiative at the intersection of regenerative biology and gene therapy, advancing preclinical strategies from target discovery through IND-enabling development in a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment.
Responsibilities: The Director will serve as the scientific leader for Lilly's preclinical inner ear regeneration portfolio, including mentorship and development of internal scientists and project teams, driving programs from early discovery through IND-enabling stages. This individual will set the scientific direction for hair cell regeneration approaches, lead preclinical study design and execution, and collaborate cross-functionally within LGM to integrate regenerative strategies with the division's broader gene therapy capabilities.
- Lead the scientific strategy for Lilly's Inner Ear Regeneration preclinical program, from initial therapeutic target selection through evaluation of therapeutic performance and regenerative capacity in animal models.
- Design and manage execution of preclinical studies (in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo) to evaluate hair cell regeneration candidates, including gene therapy-based and other regenerative approaches (e.g., small molecules).
- Manage external collaborations with academic laboratories and contract research organizations (CROs) to advance the regeneration portfolio and expand the program's scientific capabilities.
- Support Inner Ear Regeneration IP strategy and execution, including identification of patentable innovations, patent filings, and prosecution oversight.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Cargo & Delivery, Translational Sciences, and other LGM functions to integrate regenerative approaches with AAV and other delivery platforms.
- Represent the Inner Ear Regeneration program in portfolio reviews and governance forums, providing scientific rationale and data-driven recommendations to senior leadership.
- Identify and evaluate emerging regeneration targets, technologies, and potential business development opportunities in the hearing restoration space.
Basic Requirements: - Ph.D. in neuroscience, cell biology, regenerative medicine, biomedical engineering or a closely related field.
- 10+ years of combined industry and/or academic experience in inner ear biology, hair cell regeneration, or auditory neuroscience research.
Additional Skills/Preferences:- Track record of advancing regenerative medicine or gene therapy programs through preclinical development, with evidence of scientific leadership (e.g., publications, patents, IND contributions). This includes previous experience with AAV-based or small molecule therapeutic delivery to the inner ear in large animal models and/or GLP toxicology studies.
- Experience managing external scientific collaborations with academic institutions and/or CROs.
- Previous experience in scientific leadership roles at biotech companies focused on regenerative medicine, gene therapy, or hearing therapeutics.
- Proven ability to translate fundamental regenerative biology discoveries into clinical-stage therapeutic programs, including IND preparation and direct FDA interactions on hearing endpoints, trial design, or safety requirements.
- Prior work with IP strategy and patent prosecution in the regenerative medicine or gene therapy space, including experience as a named inventor.
- Proven ability to operate effectively in a matrixed pharmaceutical environment, collaborating across discovery, translational, and delivery science functions.
Additional Information:- Travel: Up to 15%, including travel to Indianapolis and external collaborator sites.
- This role reports to the VP, Gene Therapy within Lilly Genetic Medicines.
Actual compensation will depend on a candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is
$163,500 - $281,600
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.
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