Senior Principal Scientist, Analytical Sciences

At Lilly, we serve an extraordinary purpose. We make a difference for people around the globe by discovering, developing and delivering medicines that help them live longer, healthier, more active lives. Not only do we deliver breakthrough medications, but you also can count on us to develop creative solutions to support communities through philanthropy and volunteerism.

Orna Therapeutics, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, is an innovative biotechnology startup based in Watertown, MA, committed to developing groundbreaking therapies for diseases that current approaches cannot address. With our pioneering circular RNA technology, developed at MIT, we are at the forefront of advancing the next generation of RNA therapeutics.

Our state-of-the-art expression and delivery platform positions us to tackle complex diseases, including B cell-driven autoimmune disorders, B cell malignancies, sickle cell disease, and beyond.

Position Summary We are seeking an exceptional Senior Principal Scientist to join our growing team. In this role, you will partner closely with Platform Science, Discovery, and CMC groups to drive analytical characterization of circular RNA and lipid nanoparticle-based therapeutics with a focus on mass spectrometry. The ideal candidate is a highly motivated scientist who is creative, hardworking, results focused, driven and has extensive prior experience in LC-MS/MS analysis of biologics, RNA, and Lipids.

The ideal candidate will contribute to method development, method qualification, and product characterization while operating in a fast ‑ paced, collaborative environment.

• Implement and refine analytical testing strategies for circular RNA and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations.

• Develop and optimize drug substance and drug product LC-MS/MS assays for quantification, characterization; perform in-depth characterization studies for lead candidates and pipeline programs.

• Troubleshoot complex hardware and software issues on high-resolution MS platforms.

• Lead method transfer activities to external partners, providing technical oversight, troubleshooting, and ensuring assay robustness and compliance.

• Author and review methods, reports, and SOPs to ensure alignment with regulatory expectations.

• Generate high-quality data packages; analyze, interpret, and present findings to cross functional R&D teams.

• Foster a positive, innovative, and entrepreneurial team culture; contribute to scientific strategy and continuous improvement initiatives.

• M.S. or B.S. degree in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or chemistry plus assay development experience and the following: 7+ years’ LC-MS and relevant industry experience (M.S.), or 10+ years’ LC-MS and relevant industry experience (B.S.)

• Full competency in all aspects of bioanalysis by LC-MS/MS including method development, execution of quantitative assays, critical review of data, and communication of scientific results.

• Hands-on expertise with complex LC-MS operations, method development, troubleshooting, and maintenance of advanced platforms including QTOF, Orbitrap or triple quadrupole mass spectrometers.

• Experience with various techniques such as IP-RP, AEX, SEC-MALS, and LC-CAD for characterization and release testing for quantifying RNA, Lipids and proteins in complex biological matrices.

• 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.

• Experience in RNA biology or RNA therapeutics is preferred but not required.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly present complex data.

• Knowledge of CMC and regulatory requirements for biologics, including ICH Quality Guidelines and appropriate cGMP authority guidelines and regulations.

• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-moving research environment with strong problem‑solving and interpersonal skills.

The physical demands of this job are consistent with lab environment .

The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

This position’s work environment is in a laboratory environment.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

*To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the role and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $71,250 - $187,000