Associate Director - TSMS Laboratory

Role Summary

The TSMS Laboratory Associate Director leads the Lilly Houston TS/MS laboratory in small molecule and oligonucleotide API process troubleshooting and continuous improvement. They design and execute laboratory experiments in support of technology transfer, process validation, manufacturing operations and continuous improvement. This role interacts with Process Teams across TSMS, engineering, manufacturing, validation, quality assurance, and quality control, and collaborates with other Lilly sites and potential contract producers in Houston, TX.

Knowledge of API chemical synthesis including small molecules, peptides, and/or oligonucleotides and the support systems used in manufacturing chemical synthesis APIs is required.

• Safe work environment, leading safety initiatives, and supporting all HSE corporate and site goals.
• Hire, manage and grow a team of laboratory scientists and engineers tasked with supporting manufacturing operations, continuous improvement, process validation and technology transfer. Accountable for the performance and results of the TSMS laboratory.
• Hiring, performance management, and development of staff.
• Partner within TSMS and across functional disciplines to influence and implement the technical agenda according to site business plan objectives.
• Install and qualify laboratory process models for commercial and technology transfer candidate molecules.
• Commission new laboratory equipment at lab build-out and subsequently identify additional capabilities and/or new technologies to keep lab at optimal productivity. Forecast resource needs and manage allocated budget.
• Plan and schedule lab activities to ensure the successful and timely execution of various studies.
• Define strategic direction and provide oversight for setting the technical agenda to improve process capability, process control, yield, and productivity for all products within the site portfolio.
• Network globally to share lab best practices, rationale, and control strategies to ensure harmonization and alignment between sites.
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders and customers: contribute to site planning processes, travel to offsite sites or events as needed, develop strong working relationships with synthesis design and development and plant sites, and represent TSMS on cross-site teams exploring process/platform optimization and technical excellence initiatives.

• Bachelors or Masters in Chemistry, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biochemical Engineering or related science field.
• 5+ years of cGMP API manufacturing and/or process development experience in Technical Services or related disciplines such as Manufacturing, Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Advanced Project Management, Development, Regulatory Sciences or Engineering.

• Technical leadership, administrative and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in delivering highly complex tasks and/or cross-functional work.
• Strong analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate and influence effectively across functional groups and stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking and ability to balance short-term needs with long-term business evolution.
• Demonstrated Project Management skills and ability to coordinate complex projects.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and apply technical/scientific knowledge.

• Occasional travel required 5–10%.
• Onsite work required.