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The Lilly Genetic Medicine RNA group at Lilly Seaport Innovation Center in Boston is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Analytical Scientist to join our team. The successful candidate will bring a strong track record in designing, developing, and implementing analytical and separation methodologies for the characterization and quality control of oligonucleotides and their conjugates. This is a predominantly lab-based role requiring deep expertise in LC and LC-MS method development, a solid understanding of oligonucleotide synthesis and downstream processing, and a commitment to advancing the science of complex, chemically modified oligonucleotides in support of RNA therapeutics.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, optimize, and standardize robust analytical and separation methods—including LC, LC-MS, CE, SEC/AEX-MALS and preparative HPLC systems—for sample quality control and the characterization of oligonucleotides and their conjugates across all stages of drug discovery.
• Proactively evaluate and implement innovative analytical technologies to address challenges in the analysis of complex, modified oligonucleotides and drive continuous scientific advancement.
• Maintain and troubleshoot analytical and separation instrumentation (e.g., UPLC, LC-MS, CE, and preparative HPLC) to ensure high performance, reliability, and minimal downtime in support of critical workflows.
• Leverage deep expertise in oligonucleotide characterization and quality control to strengthen internal capabilities through the adoption of advanced instrumentation—including fit-for-purpose instrument re-engineering—for open-access use and analytical R&D applications; lead protocol development, technical coaching, team mentorship, and strategic direction.
• Partner with IT to build and maintain laboratory informatics systems that ensure efficient data acquisition, processing, traceability, and integrity using appropriate analytical software.
• Continuously refine existing analytical methods and assays, driving innovation as needed to meet evolving program requirements.
• Collaborate across chemistry, biology, and technology platform teams to develop novel workflows that support the exploration of new chemical modalities for RNA therapeutics.
• Rapidly integrate new technologies and apply cross-disciplinary scientific concepts to resolve complex analytical challenges.
• Maintain thorough, accurate, and prompt documentation of experiments, protocols, and results in electronic laboratory notebooks and technical reports.
• Uphold high standards of laboratory practice in compliance with safety and quality guidelines, promoting operational excellence across all analytical activities.
• Communicate findings and progress clearly and persuasively through regular presentations at project team, departmental, and governance meetings.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific field
• 1-4+ years of relevant post-graduate experience (including industry postdoctoral experience).

Additional Skills & Preferences

1. Oligonucleotide Characterization and Quality Control

• Extensive experience in LC and LC-MS method development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in the characterization of chemically modified oligonucleotides, conjugates, and related impurities.
• Understanding of structure–activity relationships (SAR) and developability assessments for therapeutic oligonucleotides.

2. Analytical Method Development and Innovation

• Proven track record in developing and validating a broad range of analytical and separation techniques, including LC, LC-MS, ion-pairing LC, SEC, CE, HILIC, HIC, and IEX.
• Demonstrated ability to assess and adopt emerging analytical technologies, such as high-resolution mass spectrometry, oligonucleotide mapping, intact mass analysis, and charge variant analysis.

3. Instrumentation Proficiency

• Hands-on experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting analytical and separation platforms, including UPLC, LC-MS, CE, MALS, and preparative HPLC.
• Familiarity with Agilent and Thermo instrumentation and associated software, including ChemStation, OpenLab CDS, MassHunter, and Xcalibur.

4. Analytical Strategy and Quality Perspective

• Solid knowledge of analytical control strategies and quality standards applicable across early- and late-stage drug discovery.

5. Scientific Ownership and Initiative

• High degree of self-motivation with a demonstrated ability to independently lead and deliver complex scientific projects.

6. Communication and Collaboration

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams.

7. Adaptability and Project Management

• Open-minded, meticulous, and committed to continuous learning in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, navigate ambiguity, and deliver high-quality results under tight timelines.

Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form (https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.

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Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location.  The anticipated wage for this position is

$138,000 - $224,400

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.

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