Advisor - Downstream Tech Services

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.

Overview:

At Lilly, we serve an extraordinary purpose. We make a difference for people around the globe by discovering, developing and delivering medicines that help them live longer, healthier, more active lives. Not only do we deliver breakthrough medications, but you also can count on us to develop creative solutions to support communities through philanthropy and volunteerism.

Position Summary:

This position is part of the Bioproduct Research and Development (BR&D) organization within Lilly Research Labs. The BRD Clinical Trial (CT) manufacturing facility is focused on bringing new protein therapeutics to market by producing bulk drug substance (DS) for clinical trials, along with the associated technical data and documentation to support GMP activities.

The Bioprocess Operations team within BR&D is responsible for the manufacture of DS to support clinical trials within the Lilly portfolio. This includes the internal manufacture of monoclonal antibodies, bioconjugates, and adeno-associated viruses, as well as oversight of DS manufacturing at qualified collaboration partners. This role serves as the Technical Lead for the Downstream Tech Service and Manufacturing Science (TS/MS) team within the BR&D DS CT manufacturing facility. You will combine technical leadership with strategic execution-driving DS batch technology transfer and delivery, ensuring robust clinical manufacturing performance, and acting as a key technical interface across development, operations, automation, and maintenance teams. In addition, you will mentor and develop downstream team members, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities:

In this role, you will provide oversight of downstream processes for Bulk DS production and lead initiatives that enhance plant performance and reliability. You will partner closely with cross-functional teams to resolve complex technical challenges, implement innovative solutions, and ensure seamless integration of development-stage technologies into clinical manufacturing. Your leadership will extend beyond technical execution to include coaching and developing talent within the team. Responsibilities will include:

• Lead and deliver downstream process technology transfer for Bulk DS into clinical manufacturing
• Input and authoring for cGMP and PRD Quality System compliant manufacturing master production records and review of executed batch records where applicable
• Ensure robust execution of DS batches with adherence to quality and regulatory standards
• Active oversight of process and equipment performance, troubleshooting, optimization and real-time data monitoring
• Serve as primary technical resource for downstream operations in the DS CT manufacturing pilot plant
• Drive alignment between process development and manufacturing execution
• Lead plant improvement projects focused on safety, efficiency, reliability, plant digitalization, and scalability of downstream operations
• Actively engage with HSE, Quality Assurance, Tech Services, Development, Operations, FUME/C&Q, Automation, Engineering, Maintenance, Environmental Monitoring, and Manufacturing to resolve complex technical challenges.
• Coach and mentor team, fostering technical growth and professional development
• Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and operational excellence

Basic Requirements:

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or related discipline with at least 3 years hands-on purification experience OR
• MS in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or related discipline with at least 5 years hands-on purification experience OR
• BS in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or related discipline with at least 8 years hands-on purification experience
• Proficiency with UNICORN software for chromatography process control and data analysis
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional projects and mentor technical staff
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence and drive change

Additional Preferences:

• Understanding of cGMP requirements and regulatory compliance for clinical manufacturing
• Experience with scale-up of biopharmaceutical purification operations
• Familiarity with automation systems and process control strategies
• Understanding of computer system validation and equipment qualification
• Familiarity and strong interest in application of digital solutions for GMP DS manufacturing

Additional Information:

• Position located in Indianapolis, IN at the Lilly Technology Center North
• 8-hour days with flexibility to support activities during shutdowns, weekends, and outside of core hours

Physical Demands/Travel:

The physical demands of this job are consistent with an office and manufacturing environment

The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Work Environment:

This position's work environment is in the office and manufacturing environment.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

*To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the role and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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 ( 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
$129,000 - $209,000

Full-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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