Advisor - Research

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.

• 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…