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Small Molecule Drug Development Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Small Molecule Drug Development information

What is small molecule drug development?

Small molecule drug development is the process of discovering, designing, and bringing to market pharmaceutical compounds that have low molecular weight and can easily enter cells to affect biological processes. These drugs are typically administered orally and are used to treat a wide range of diseases. The development process involves several stages, including target identification, compound screening, preclinical testing, and clinical trials before regulatory approval. Small molecule drugs are distinct from biologics, which are larger and more complex molecules like proteins or antibodies.

What degree do you need to work in small molecule drug development?

A career in small molecule drug development typically requires at least a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field. Advanced roles often prefer or require a master's or Ph.D. degree, along with experience in laboratory research, drug synthesis, and analytical techniques.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in small molecule drug development, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in small molecule drug development often face challenges such as balancing tight project timelines with rigorous regulatory requirements and managing cross-disciplinary collaboration between chemistry, biology, and clinical teams. Navigating unexpected results in preclinical or clinical studies can also require rapid problem-solving and adaptation. Building strong communication skills and staying updated on the latest regulatory guidelines and scientific advances can help address these challenges. Working closely with team members from diverse backgrounds fosters innovative solutions and keeps projects on track.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in small molecule drug development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Small Molecule Drug Development, you need a strong background in chemistry, pharmacology, and molecular biology, typically supported by an advanced degree such as a Ph.D. or M.S. in a related field. Proficiency with laboratory techniques, analytical instrumentation (like HPLC and mass spectrometry), and drug discovery software is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, collaboration, and project management abilities help professionals excel in multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are critical for efficiently advancing compounds through the drug discovery pipeline and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

What are popular job titles related to Small Molecule Drug Development jobs in Indiana?

For Small Molecule Drug Development jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Small Molecule Drug Development jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Small Molecule Drug Development jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Small Molecule Drug Development jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Small Molecule Drug Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Small Molecule Drug Development job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Sr./Principle Scientist - TSMS Small Molecule External Manufacturing

Eli Lilly and Company

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$87K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Eli Lilly and Company rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

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.
Company Overview
Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation is developing a growing portfolio of pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Lilly makes life better - through medicines and information - for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. Founded over 145 years ago, the company has sustained a culture that values excellence, integrity, and respect for people. This has resulted in Lilly frequently being ranked as one of the best companies in the world at which to work. Lilly knows its business has prospered because of its employees - people with a talent for innovation and a passion for making a difference by finding treatments for the most stubborn diseases; people whose talent is matched by their generosity, and people with strong values and a determination to prevail, regardless of the challenges. Join our team - and make a difference in improving health for people all over the world!
Job Description
Join the energetic and growing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient - External Manufacturing Organization (API-EM) that delivers a diverse portfolio of medicines essential to our patients around the world. The API EM TS/MS Sr. Principle Scientist will provide technical and scientific expertise within a dynamic external manufacturing environment. The role is focused on ensuring delivery of commercialization efforts including technical transfers, process validations, and process optimization for the Small Molecule portfolio. This position requires comprehensive knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), regulatory requirements, and the essential role scientists play in making medicine and creating real-world solutions.
Key Objectives/Deliverables:
  • Provide technical oversight and stewardship for Small Molecule manufacturing processes.
  • Leads resolution of technical issues including those related to control strategy and manufacturing.
  • Employ excellent communication skills to manage internal and external relationships.
  • Build and maintain relationships with development and central technical organizations.
  • Ensure proper characterization of processes and products and ensure effective documentation of the process description, measures, acceptable ranges, and specifications (and the justification of these measures, acceptable ranges, and specifications).
  • Ensure that processes are compliant, capable, in control, and maintained in a validated or qualified state.
  • Optimize and execute site control strategies.
  • Successfully deliver on strategic initiatives.
  • Influence and implement the network technical agenda and drive continuous improvement.
  • Maintaining processes in a state of compliance with US and global regulations
  • Understanding the scientific principles required for manufacturing drug substances, including the interaction of chemistry and equipment.
  • Operate with 'Team Lilly' in mind - including coaching and mentoring of peers and other scientists.

Basic Requirements:
  • Master's Degree in scientific discipline of Chemistry or related fields, and 8 + years of Small Molecule API manufacturing pharma industry experience.
  • Demonstrated experience with pharmaceutical manufacturing and working knowledge of regulatory expectations.
  • Qualified 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 Information
  • Occasional travel required 5 - 15%.

LOCATION:
  • Onsite in Indianapolis, US

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 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
$66,000 - $171,600
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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About Eli Lilly

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Eli Lilly, based in Indianapolis, IN, US, is one of the pioneers in the pharmaceutical industry with a rich history dating back to 1876. This global pharmaceutical company focuses on discovering, developing, manufacturing and selling pharmaceutical products in approximately 120 countries. The company's product categories include endocrinology, oncology, cardiovascular, neuroscience, and immunology. Having invested over $9 billion in research and development in the past decade, Eli Lilly is also committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs. As a recipient of several awards and recognitions, Eli Lilly is known for its focus on life-saving research and drug development. Their mission is to make medicines that help people live longer, healthier, and more active lives.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Indianapolis, IN, US

Year founded

1876