Principal/sr. Principal Scientist - Small Molecule - Lebanon API

Eli Lilly Eli Lilly · Pharma · Lebanon, IN

This role is for a Principal/Sr. Principal Scientist in pharmaceutical manufacturing, focusing on process understanding, technical support, and continuous improvement for API molecules. It requires a deep understanding of chemistry, experimental design, data analysis, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient manufacturing operations in a cGMP environment.

What you'd actually do

  1. Apply deep scientific understanding of chemistry, particularly organic chemistry, to support the manufacture of intermediates and APIs, including the interaction between chemistry, equipment, and operating conditions.
  2. Design, interpret, and assess experiments (e.g., laboratory, pilot, or manufacturing‑scale studies) and production data to inform process decisions, while not serving as a routine laboratory operator.
  3. Lead and execute technical projects involving experimental evaluation, modeling concepts, and production data analysis to improve process control, yield, purity, robustness, and productivity.
  4. Provide real‑time technical support during manufacturing activities, serving as a frontline scientific resource for operations and troubleshooting non‑routine events.
  5. Author and maintain technical documentation to support TSMS and API manufacturing, including technical reports, change controls, investigations, validation‑related documents, and regulatory support documentation.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor, Master, or PhD in STEM Discipline (Chemistry preferred)
  • 3 years of pharmaceutical or fine chemical manufacturing support experience
  • basic knowledge in small molecule or peptide
  • API development and manufacturing experience
  • analytical skills
  • technical skills
  • interpersonal skills
  • written communication skills
  • oral communication skills
  • ability to work independently
  • ability to work as part of a Process Team

Nice to have

  • Guidance/mentoring of others through processes
  • Flexibility to meet business needs

What the JD emphasized

  • cGMP manufacturing is preferred
  • pharmaceutical or fine chemical manufacturing support experience required