Associate Oligonucleotide Chemist

Eli Lilly Eli Lilly · Pharma · Indianapolis, IN

This role focuses on the synthesis, purification, and analysis of modified oligonucleotides and related molecules for drug discovery within the RNA Therapeutics team. It involves laboratory work, troubleshooting synthetic challenges, and collaborating with other scientists. The position requires a BS/MS in Chemistry with experience in synthetic organic and/or oligonucleotide chemistry.

What you'd actually do

  1. Synthesize, purify, and analyze modified oligonucleotides, conjugates, and small molecules that efficiently advance project goals
  2. Champion an effective and proactive safety culture
  3. Independently troubleshoot synthetic challenges and drive continuous improvement of laboratory workflows
  4. Maintain high laboratory productivity including the operation and maintenance of an oligonucleotide synthesizer and/or other scientific equipment
  5. Collaborate with chemists and scientists across fields to deliver on shared project goals through focused experiment execution.

Skills

Required

  • BS/MS in Chemistry or a related field
  • 1-2 years of experience in synthetic organic and/or oligonucleotide chemistry
  • Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis

Nice to have

  • Experience in solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis, including operation and troubleshooting of automated solid-phase synthesizers and optimization of synthetic protocols
  • Experience in small molecule organic synthesis including design of synthetic strategies, reaction optimization, work-up/purification techniques, and characterization (NMR, MS, etc.)
  • Experience in the optimization of purification protocols for oligonucleotides
  • Knowledge or experience in the areas of bioconjugation chemistry as applied to peptides or oligonucleotides
  • Experience with analytical and physicochemical characterization of novel biomaterials (e.g., mass spectrometry, separation techniques and other biophysical/biochemical techniques)
  • Excellent record keeping and communication skills
  • Confident, execution-focused, and team-oriented with a desire to thrive in an entrepreneurial environment

What the JD emphasized

  • oligonucleotide chemistry
  • synthetic organic and/or oligonucleotide chemistry
  • solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis
  • small molecule organic synthesis
  • purification protocols for oligonucleotides
  • bioconjugation chemistry