Eli Lilly Advisor/Senior Advisor Process Chemistry Peptides Oligonucleotides: Job Insights, Salary, Requirements & Application Tips

Introduction

Are you a process chemistry expert specializing in peptides and oligonucleotides? Eli Lilly, a global pharmaceutical leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, is hiring for the Advisor/Senior Advisor – Process Chemistry Peptides & Oligonucleotides position. Posted on September 4, 2025, this role offers a competitive salary range of $121,500 to $198,000 USD per year and is based in Indianapolis, IN.

This opportunity is ideal for professionals in pharmaceutical process chemistry, focusing on scaling up production of therapeutic peptides and oligonucleotides—key molecules in modern drug development for diseases like cancer and genetic disorders. Eli Lilly’s commitment to innovation, philanthropy, and employee-first culture makes it a top destination for peptides oligonucleotides careers. In this guide, we’ll break down the role pedagogically, helping you understand its demands, prepare effectively, and stand out in applications.

Why This Role Matters in Pharma

Process chemistry bridges lab-scale synthesis to commercial manufacturing, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective production. For peptides (short amino acid chains) and oligonucleotides (DNA/RNA-like strands), this involves optimizing reactions, purification, and quality control under GMP standards.

Analysis

Eli Lilly’s job posting highlights a role at the intersection of synthetic chemistry and biopharmaceutical manufacturing. As an Advisor or Senior Advisor in process chemistry, you’ll contribute to life-changing medicines, aligning with the company’s global mission to discover and produce innovative therapies.

Core Responsibilities

Based on standard industry practices for such titles at Eli Lilly:

• Design and optimize scalable processes for peptide and oligonucleotide synthesis.
• Conduct process development, including reaction kinetics, impurity profiling, and yield improvement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in R&D, analytical chemistry, and manufacturing.
• Ensure compliance with FDA regulations and implement QbD (Quality by Design) principles.
• Lead tech transfer from lab to pilot/commercial scale.

These duties demand expertise in solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), phosphoramidite chemistry for oligonucleotides, and tools like HPLC, NMR, and LC-MS.

Required Qualifications

Typical for Eli Lilly senior roles:

• PhD in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field with 5+ years in process chemistry.
• Proven track record in peptides/oligonucleotides scale-up.
• Strong knowledge of PAT (Process Analytical Technology) and DoE (Design of Experiments).
• Experience in biotech/pharma environments preferred.

Company Context

Eli Lilly employs thousands worldwide, emphasizing work-life balance, volunteerism, and cutting-edge research in areas like GLP-1 peptides (e.g., tirzepatide) and oligonucleotide therapeutics.

Summary

The Eli Lilly Advisor/Senior Advisor Process Chemistry Peptides & Oligonucleotides position is a high-impact role in Indianapolis paying $121,500–$198,000 annually. It targets experts in scaling peptide and oligo production for drug pipelines. With Eli Lilly’s reputation for innovation and employee support, this is a prime pharmaceutical process chemistry job for advancing therapeutic manufacturing.

Key Points

Practical Advice

To land this senior advisor process chemistry role, follow these steps tailored for success at Eli Lilly.

Building Your Application

Customize Your Resume: Highlight quantifiable achievements, e.g., “Scaled peptide synthesis from 1g to 100kg with 20% yield increase.” Use keywords like “process chemistry peptides,” “oligonucleotides scale-up,” and “GMP manufacturing.”

Prepare for Interviews: Expect technical questions on reaction optimization, impurity control, and regulatory filings (IND/NDA). Practice case studies: “How would you troubleshoot low coupling efficiency in Fmoc-SPPS?”

Skill Development Tips

• Master software: Aspen Plus for modeling, JMP for DoE.
• Gain certifications: Six Sigma Green Belt, PAT specialist.
• Network on LinkedIn with Eli Lilly process chemists.

Application Process: Apply via Eli Lilly’s careers portal (lilly.com/careers). Tailor your cover letter to their mission: “passion for putting patients first.”

Points of Caution

While promising, this role has challenges:

• High Competition: Pharma giants like Eli Lilly attract top talent; only 5–10% of applicants advance.
• Relocation Demands: Indianapolis-based; consider cost of living (lower than coasts but housing averages $300K).
• Technical Rigor: Roles require hands-on GMP experience; academic PhDs without industry exposure may struggle.
• Salary Variability: Range depends on experience; entry into senior level needs 8+ years.

Verify job status on official sites, as postings can close quickly.

Comparison

How does this Eli Lilly role stack up?

Vs. Similar Roles at Competitors

Eli Lilly offers strong compensation with lower living costs vs. biotech hubs. Peptides/oligos focus is niche, giving edge over general organic chemistry roles.

Advisor vs. Senior Advisor

Advisor: 5–8 years exp., lead projects. Senior: 10+ years, strategic oversight, higher salary ceiling.

Legal Implications

For U.S. pharmaceutical jobs like this, key laws apply:

• EEOC Compliance: Eli Lilly adheres to anti-discrimination under Title VII; equal opportunity regardless of race, gender, etc.
• Salary Transparency: Indiana follows federal FLSA; posted ranges promote pay equity (Paycheck Fairness Act influences).
• Intellectual Property: Employment contracts include invention assignment; non-competes limited by FTC rules (void if overbroad).
• Drug-Free Workplace: Mandatory under DEA for controlled substances handling in process chemistry.

Always review offer letters for NDAs, equity grants, and 401(k) vesting. Consult an employment attorney for personalized advice.

Conclusion

The Eli Lilly Advisor/Senior Advisor Process Chemistry Peptides & Oligonucleotides role represents a pinnacle for process chemistry careers in pharma, blending scientific innovation with real-world impact. With a generous $121,500–$198,000 salary, Indianapolis location, and supportive culture, it’s worth pursuing if you excel in peptide synthesis, oligonucleotide process development, and GMP scale-up. Act fast—apply today via Lilly’s site, armed with tailored credentials. Advance your career in this dynamic field shaping tomorrow’s medicines.

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