Sr. Director/Exec. Director of Cheminformatics for Early Molecule Discovery

Sr. Director/Exec. Director of Cheminformatics for Early Molecule DiscoveryJoin to apply for the Sr. Director/Exec. Director of Cheminformatics for Early Molecule Discovery role at Eli Lilly and Company.The Lilly Small Molecule Discovery group focuses on using cutting edge science to unlock new approaches that treat diseases with poor treatment options. We are dedicated to delivering molecules with breakthrough efficacy and safety margins, while fostering collaboration, innovation, and accountability to accelerate early molecule discovery.Position SummaryLilly’s Early Molecule Discovery (EMD) team is responsible for small molecule hit-to-lead prosecution using best-in-class and novel approaches applied to pre-portfolio targets. We seek a hands-on chemiformatics group leader who can apply in silico technologies to drive discovery of lead-like molecules against hard-to-drug targets. The role is a lead-from-the-bench position requiring strong collaboration with cross-functional teams to develop data-driven hypotheses and models that accelerate early molecule discovery across multiple projects. Excellent people skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced team environment are essential.ResponsibilitiesLead from the bench by applying state-of-the-art cheminformatics, ML/AI, and advanced analyses to enable library design, hit identification, prioritization, and hit-to-lead progression across multiple target classes and modalities.Provide scientific leadership and strategic guidance on cheminformatics and applied ML/AI to drive data-driven drug discovery.Foster collaborations with computational colleagues, medicinal chemists, and cross-functional partners to generate well-poised screening collections, quality models, and testable hypotheses supporting differentiated hits and leads.Guide the application of modern cheminformatics and ML/AI methods for library design, large-dataset analysis, predictive modeling, data mining, hit prioritization and expansion, and ligand/fragment-based design.Provide insights for new target identification and evaluation across early-stage targets and binding modes.Investigate new technologies to accelerate prosecuting challenging targets and delivering quality leads.Collaborate with technology and Tech@Lilly teams to leverage transformative hit identification and hit-to-lead approaches.Develop synthon-based search strategies to explore virtual spaces efficiently.Ensure timely delivery of quality data, analyses, and robust models to project teams to accelerate hit identification and chemical series evaluation.Communicate results and set team and organizational goals and expectations; engage with external teams for early lead exploration.QualificationsPhD in Cheminformatics, Computational Chemistry, or related field with 7+ years of relevant research and/or industrial experience.Proven ability to apply and develop cheminformatics workflows that accelerate hit finding, hit expansion, lead generation, and library design.Expertise in data analytics and ML/AI modeling within cheminformatics; solid grasp of statistics.Strong scientific programming skills (Python) and experience building data visualizations and dashboards (e.g., Spotfire).Ability to foster an innovative, collaborative culture; mentoring experience for early-career computational chemists.Proven ability to champion new technologies for drug discovery applications.Strong collaboration with medicinal chemistry and other disciplines to meet project goals and timelines; effective communication with teams and leadership.Ability to lead scientists across teams, functions, and sites to accelerate portfolio deliveries.Additional PreferencesUnderstanding of drug discovery phases from target assessment to candidate selection; familiarity with medicinal chemistry and ADME concepts.Knowledge of computational chemistry and organic chemistry; familiarity with Large Language Models (LLMs).Experience generating and interrogating virtual spaces using synthons and transformations; cross-disciplinary collaboration.Agile mindset and ability to adapt research priorities as needed; independent and collaborative work style.Strong organizational, analytical, documentation, time management, and multi-tasking skills; team-oriented with a results-driven attitude.Additional InformationPhysical Demands/Travel: The physical demands are consistent with a laboratory environment. Some travel will be required. Work Environment: Laboratory setting.Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities and is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. 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.Actual compensation will depend on education, experience, skills, and location. The anticipated wage for this position is $181,500 - $294,800. Full-time employees are eligible for a company bonus and a comprehensive benefits program as described in the job posting.#WeAreLilly #J-18808-Ljbffr