Senior Director, Immunometabolic Health and Immunology Research

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. 

The senior scientific leader will be responsible for exploring the biology of gut-brain axis hormones at the intersection of metabolism, neurobiology and immunology. This person will develop and execute this strategy, spanning both internal discovery workstreams and external scientific collaborations. The successful candidate is a hands-on scientific leader who can frame the central biological questions, generate and interpret data across in vitro, in vivo, and human/translational systems, and translate mechanistic insight into a portfolio-relevant strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop the scientific strategy exploring the biological and mechanistic links between gut-brain axis hormones and peptides and metabolism, neurobiology, and immunology.

• Build and lead the scientific team to execute that strategy, including leadership of a matrixed, multi-disciplinary team prosecuting this science at the bench.

• Identify and manage key external collaborations that support the scientific strategy. Provide the scientific and operational leadership to run these partnerships, ensuring lab-based studies deliver on their scientific objectives and stay aligned with immunology strategy and portfolio needs throughout the life of the collaboration.

• Evaluate external opportunities, using scientific breadth and depth to vet the science and strategic fit of potential partnerships alongside External Innovation colleagues, with a focus on immunometabolic health and immunology.

• Partner across research and development groups to maintain regular communication of these discovery biology activities with translational and clinical development teams.

• Contribute as a member of the Immunology Discovery Research Lead team by helping shape the scientific portfolio and develop talent by providing thoughtful review of projects across the entire Immunology portfolio (not only immunometabolic health) and identifying development opportunities aligned with scientists' interests.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. and relevant post-doctoral training in immunology, neuroscience, immunometabolism, or related field

• 8+ years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical and/or biotechnology companies

• Experience in both gut-brain axis hormones and peptides (such as incretins and amylin) biology and the biology of chronic immunologic diseases, as demonstrated through authoring of peer reviewed manuscripts and/or patents

Additional skills/preferences:

• Experience collaborating with internal and external partners across geographies to build and advance strategies and deliver impactful business outcomes.

• Demonstrated ability to build high performing scientific teams and lead in a matrix environment with emphasis on innovation and teamwork.

• Proven ability to positively impact team culture and to demonstrate flexibility in a fast-paced environment.

• Attention to detail and critical thinking in complex environments.  Able to prioritize work for teams and meet target timelines.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and collaboration/team spirit

• Impeccable organizational skills. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Proficient in AI applications for business.

• Experience in external innovation, business development, and performing due diligence.

• Hands-on experience and demonstrated success in drug discovery and development working across multiple autoimmune diseases.

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 (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

$168,000 - $290,400

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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