Director/Sr. Director/Exec. Director Computational Chemistry, Advanced Molecular Design

Posted yesterday

supportfinitytmMillbrae (CA)

SENIORITY

Manager

SALARY

$193,500 per year

Apply

About the role

Director/Sr. Director/Exec. Director Computational Chemistry, Advanced Molecular Design Eli Lilly and Company | Posted Mar 13 | Full-time Position Summary Lilly’s Advanced Molecular Design (AMD) team is responsible for small molecule lead optimization with rapid progress toward new clinical candidates. We are looking for experienced drug discovery experts who will apply cutting‑edge computational chemistry tools in close collaboration with medicinal chemistry and structural biology teams. The ideal candidate will have a holistic approach to drug discovery and strong interpersonal collaboration skills.
Responsibilities: Lead structure‑based design efforts for lead/late‑stage optimization of small molecule therapeutics across therapeutic areas. Prioritize medicinal chemistry efforts through critical analysis and effective decision‑making, driving highly focused work and rapid progress. Ensure timely delivery of data and results to project teams to enable rapid iterative design cycles. Maintain critical timelines and set team expectations for efficient delivery of clinical candidates. Contribute to decision‑making at higher levels, including prioritization of the overall small‑molecule discovery portfolio. Collaborate with AMD and therapeutic area leaders to move the portfolio from leads to quality drug candidates with breakthrough potential. Evaluate external technologies and related business‑development opportunities.
Basic Requirements: PhD in Chemistry, Biophysics, or related discipline with 6–15 years of drug discovery research experience. Additional Preferences Deep scientific background in computational chemistry to guide compound optimization for medicinal chemists. Proven ability to collaborate across disciplines and achieve project goals and timelines. Experience mentoring early‑career computational chemists. Strong commitment to patient outcomes and a track record of success in drug discovery. Creative thinking for optimization of lead series across multiple projects. Broad understanding of small‑molecule–protein interactions, ADME, and toxicology. Proactive and highly engaged problem‑solving ability. Staying current with industry developments, AI, and machine‑learning models. Deep knowledge of lead optimization using structure‑based design. Adaptability to changing research priorities. Physical Demands / Travel The physical demands of this job are consistent with an office environment. Travel may be required.
Work Environment: This is an onsite position located in San Francisco, California or Louisville, Colorado.
EEO Statement: Lilly is an equal‑opportunity 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.
Compensation and Benefits: Anticipated wage: $193,500 – $338,800. Full‑time employees are also eligible for a company bonus and a comprehensive benefits program that includes 401(k), pension, vacation, medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, flexible spending accounts, life and death insurance, time off and leave of absence, and well‑being benefits.

Before you apply

Applying takes about a minute. These four things decide how fast it moves after that.

Your profile is current

It's what we read first. Occupations, seniority and locations matter more than a long history.

Two examples you can talk through

Not a portfolio — just two pieces of work where you can explain the decisions and what you'd change.

A number in mind

What you're on now and what would make you move. We negotiate better when we know both.

Your notice period

Employers plan around it, and it's the question that stalls offers most often.

Once you apply, someone reads it and calls you before anything reaches the employer — usually within two working days.

More like this