Advisor, LNP Process Development and Platform Innovation

The Advanced Delivery Systems (ADS) team, part of the Delivery Devices and Connected Solutions (DDCS) organization, is Lilly's engine for innovation and development in nonviral delivery. Lilly is seeking a scientist with a background in nonviral delivery systems and drug products to play a dual role: driving platform innovation for next-generation delivery systems and manufacturing processes, and supporting development efforts to advance portfolio assets. Located at the Lilly Seaport Innovation Center in Boston, this position seeks a candidate with hands-on experience in process development of nonviral delivery vehicles, e.g., RNA-lipid nanoparticles.

Responsibilities

Drive the team's RNA-LNP innovation agenda through publications, presentations, and industry influence; Build a platform process toolbox across formulations and scales, using mechanistic understanding and modeling to flag risks early; Develop mechanistic understanding of key RNA-LNP unit operations and how process design impacts critical quality attributes; Build process capabilities at lab, early-phase clinical, and scale-up scales, and evaluate and implement new manufacturing and characterization technologies; Advance RNA-LNP portfolio assets from scale-up through early-phase clinical manufacture, including executing tech transfers and supporting GMP readiness; Ensure consistent technical deliverables and documentation, including technical reports and drug product CMC sections of early-phase regulatory filings; Work across the discovery-development interface to identify risks and accelerate candidate progression; Establish and leverage strategic relationships with academic and industry partners, CDMOs, and vendors; Mentor and develop junior scientists, associates, and interns, and review protocols, technical reports, and development summaries; Ensure work meets Development Quality, regulatory, and HSE requirements

Requirements

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field

Nice to have

Prior experience in nanoparticle formulations, oligonucleotide and/or gene delivery development programs, parenteral formulation, or process development; Self-driven, highly motivated, and independent fast learner; Deep mechanistic understanding of unit operations and engineering fundamentals for designing and optimizing manufacturing processes and drug delivery platforms; Experience with development and tech transfer of RNA-LNP formulations; Hands-on experience with process equipment from lab to pilot scales; Familiarity with analytical techniques used to characterize RNA-LNPs (e.g., DLS, SAXS, cryo-TEM, SEC, HPLC, AF4, RNA integrity and encapsulation assays); Previous experience with regulatory submissions of RNA-based therapies; Experience with mathematical modeling; Experience with laboratory and scientific workflow automation, agentic AI integration, and data infrastructure; Experience with process analytical technology (PAT) and continuous manufacturing; Proficiency in statistics, design of experiments, data analysis, and reporting; Strong publication and presentation record

Benefits

Company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance); Company-sponsored 401(k); Pension; Vacation benefits; 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; Time off and leave of absence benefits; Well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities)