Associate Scientist - LNP Formulation

At Lilly, the work is demanding because patients are waiting. We unite caring with discovery to help make life better for people around the world, knowing that every decision, every detail, and every day matters. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, our over 50,000 employees around the globe take on complex challenges to discover and deliver life-changing medicines, strengthen how health is understood and managed, and support the communities we serve. This is hard, urgent, selfless work—but it’s work worth doing. If you’re driven by purpose and ready to bring your best to work that truly matters for patients, we invite you to join us.


ORNA is a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company focused on circular RNA (oRNA) therapeutics. ORNA designs and delivers a new class of fully engineered oRNA to unlock the potential of RNA medicine to treat diseases anywhere in the body. Its oRNA transcripts offer meaningful advantages over traditional mRNA, including simplified production, improved formulation into lipid nanoparticles, and superior protein expression.

We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist/Senior Scientist to join the Platform Research team. The successful candidate will contribute to research and development of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation, supporting programs from research through preclinical development. This scientist will gain technical and leadership experience in formulation research and will work to develop, optimize, and evaluate small- to mid-scale LNP, as well as contribute to the development of next-generation delivery systems.

The ideal candidate will possess an understanding of formulation, nanoparticle characterization and tangential flow filtration (TFF). This role requires strong scientific curiosity, hands-on technical capability, and the ability to independently implement activities in a fast-paced, cross-functional team environment.



Key Responsibilities

Prepare, characterize and evaluate lipid nanoparticle formulationsProvide delivery-related support to platform and preclinical programsCoordinate and maintain inventory, assist in ordering supplies/making reagents and maintain a safe and high-performing laboratoryPerform experiments, organize and analyze data, interpret results and summarize work in presentations, reports and ELNEnsure compliance with safety, documentation, and quality standards.

Basic Qualifications

BS/MS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry or related field0-3 years of industry research experienceQualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or visas for this role, including but not limited to F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, J-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, or L-1.

Additional Skills/Preferences

Prior experience with formulation processes is not required, although will be consideredStrong analytical and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated record of independent researchLilly 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 (https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation) 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 (AMECA), Black Employees at Lilly (BE@Lilly), Chinese Culture Network (CCN), EnAble, Evolve, Lilly Indian Network (LIN), Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), Pride (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN) and Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL).




Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is

$71,250 - $213,400

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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