At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.
We are seeking an experienced RNA biologist to lead in vitro pharmacology efforts supporting the discovery and development of genetic medicines (ASOs, siRNAs) from pre-portfolio through candidate selection. As a key member of the Genetic Medicines team, you will serve as the modality biology expert on cross-functional project teams, partnering closely with Therapeutic Area biologists and discovery functions to advance novel RNA therapeutics targeting neurodegenerative diseases and pain. This role offers the opportunity to drive innovation in RNA therapeutic approaches and assay methodologies, positioning the team to achieve breakthroughs in addressing challenging neurological conditions. This is a role where scientific leaders stay close to the data — personal bench contribution is an expectation at all levels, with the balance shifting from primarily driving experimental work directly at early career levels to active technical engagement, troubleshooting, and hands-on mentorship at senior levels.Key ResponsibilitiesScientific Leadership & Execution- Design, optimize, and implement in vitro pharmacology studies to evaluate RNA therapeutic performance, including on-target knockdown efficiency, durability, selectivity, off-target effects, and functional consequences in platform and disease-relevant cellular systems.
- Lead molecule identification and validation efforts, establishing structure-activity relationships for oligonucleotide modifications and supporting chemistry teams toward optimal candidates.
- Develop and implement innovative assay platforms using mammalian cell systems (immortalized lines, primary cells, iPSCs) to assess RNA pharmacology and target biology.
- Serve as Lead Biologist on genetic medicine programs, providing modality expertise and working cross-functionally to develop non-clinical strategies, drive molecule selection decisions, and support regulatory filings including INDs and patent applications.
- Maintain personal connection to the experimental work at the bench — early career contributors will drive the majority of studies directly, while senior leaders are expected to stay technically engaged through key experiments, hands-on troubleshooting, and bench-side mentorship, ensuring scientific rigor is grounded in first-hand understanding of the data.
- Partner with Therapeutic Area biologists to integrate disease mechanism expertise with RNA modality knowledge, ensuring alignment on target validation and pharmacology strategies.
- Collaborate effectively across matrix organization with ADME, Toxicology, BioTDR, chemistry, and platform teams to enable molecule advancement and exploratory initiatives.
- Translate complex biological findings for diverse audiences including chemistry-focused colleagues and senior leadership.
- Build and lead a high-performing team (1–3 scientists depending on level), fostering a culture of scientific curiosity, inclusion, and innovation.
- Develop direct reports through coaching, mentorship, and hands-on training to elevate technical capabilities and scientific independence.
- Maintain rigorous documentation practices that support regulatory requirements and knowledge sharing.
- Create an environment where rigorous science, creative problem-solving, and collaborative inquiry thrive.
- Ph.D. in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, or related field.
- Hands-on laboratory experience is required at all levels; personal bench contribution remains an expectation in this role regardless of seniority, calibrated appropriately to level.
- Extensive experience in RNA biology with demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing cell-based assays.
- Strong technical proficiency in mammalian cell culture (immortalized lines, primary cells, iPSCs) and oligonucleotide delivery methods (transfection, gymnosis, conjugates).
- Expertise with molecular and biochemical techniques including qPCR, Western blot, and RNA-seq.
- Direct experience with antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and/or siRNA therapeutics.
- Background in neuroscience, particularly neurodegenerative diseases or pain biology.
- Experience leading scientific projects in cross-functional, matrix environments with proven ability to mentor and develop scientific talent.
- Track record of scientific innovation demonstrated through publications, patents, or novel assay development.
- Proficiency with electronic lab notebook (eLN) documentation practices.
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.
Lilly is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia Network, Black Employees at Lilly, Chinese Culture Network, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), PRIDE (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN), Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL), enAble (for people with disabilities). Learn more about all of our groups.
Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is
$126,000 - $204,600Full-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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Eli Lilly and Company engages in the discovery, development, manufacture, and sale of products in pharmaceutical products business segment. For more than a century, we have stayed true to a core set of values – excellence, integrity, and respect for people – that guide us in all we do: discovering medicines that meet real needs, improving the understanding and management of disease, and giving back to communities through philanthropy and volunteerism.
