Eli Lilly

Postdoctoral Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry

Eli Lilly$58K — $123K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in organic chemistry, chemistry, biochemistry, or related field by October 2026
  • Strong background in complex molecule synthesis, particularly multi-step reactions
  • Experience with high-throughput synthesis and parallel reaction design is preferred
  • Familiarity with medicinal chemistry software such as LiveDesign or Maestro
  • Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, project-driven environment

Responsibilities

  • Synthesize and design novel medicinal chemistry targets for drug discovery
  • Plan and execute complex multi-step synthetic routes
  • Purify and characterize reaction components and final compounds using modern techniques
  • Troubleshoot and optimize challenging chemical reactions
  • Collaborate with the team to implement enabling synthetic methodologies
  • Review and discuss assay data to assess project impact
  • Uphold safety standards and maintain lab documentation

Benefits

  • 401(k) and pension plan participation
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Flexible spending accounts for health and childcare
  • Life insurance and death benefits
  • Well-being initiatives including fitness benefits and employee assistance programs
Full Job Description
Position Summary:

This Postdoctoral Scientist position offers the opportunity to work directly on drug discovery programs with Lilly's Medicinal Chemistry organization in South San Francisco within Lilly Small Molecule Discovery (LSMD) Team. The scientist will be embedded in an active project team, applying their synthetic expertise to design and prepare novel medicinal chemistry targets advancing real discovery efforts. While the primary focus is project-driven synthesis, there are opportunities to contribute to synthetic method development where it directly enables program goals.

Responsibilities:
  • Synthesize and design new medicinal chemistry targets that optimize potency, ADME, and physicochemical properties
  • Plan and execute multi-step synthetic routes to access structurally complex targets, including ring systems, stereocenters, and diverse heterocyclic scaffolds relevant to drug discovery
  • Purify starting materials, intermediates, and final compounds
  • Characterize reaction components including starting materials and products by modern analytical techniques including LCMS, NMR, etc
  • Troubleshoot and optimize challenging reactions, applying mechanistic reasoning and synthetic creativity to advance stalled or difficult transformations
  • Identify and implement enabling synthetic methods (e.g., C-H activation, photoredox, asymmetric catalysis) to access otherwise difficult chemical space in support of medicinal chemistry objectives
  • Collaborate within the scientific team to conceptualize and execute methodologies for rapidly screening relevant reactions
  • Review assay data, communicate results, and discuss project impact of new data, demonstrating strong attention to detail
  • Uphold laboratory safety standards and safe chemical handling practices
  • Generate accurate and descriptive lab records in a timely manner
  • Present scientific findings and actively participate in team meetings
  • Work both independently and collaboratively in a laboratory environment including maintaining and troubleshooting laboratory instrumentation and equipment


Basic Requirements:
  • PhD in organic chemistry, chemistry, biochemistry, or related field with all completed requirements by October 2026


Additional Preferences:
  • Self-motivated with a continuous learner mindset
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to communicate and interact well with colleagues, vendors, and staff at all levels
  • Experience or familiarity with parallel reaction design, design of experiments, or high-throughput synthesis
  • Strong background in complex molecule synthesis, including multi-step route planning and execution of challenging transformations such as cross-coupling, C-H functionalization, or asymmetric reactions
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, project-driven environment where hands-on contributions to active drug discovery programs are the primary measure of success
  • Experience or familiarity with data science
  • Familiarity with medicinal chemistry & drug design related software (LiveDesign, Maestro, MOE, PyMOL, ELN, etc)
  • Excellent organizational, analytical, documentation and multi-tasking skills
  • Demonstrated track record of creative problem solving

Actual compensation will depend on a candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is
$58,000 - $123,200

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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