Post-Doctoral Scientist – Materials Science

Position Brand Description

Provides research and technical support for materials and polymer science activities within the Technical Services/Manufacturing Sciences (TS/MS) organization, contributing to the characterization, evaluation, and qualification of materials used across Lilly's pharmaceutical manufacturing platforms.

Key Objectives/Deliverables

• Conduct independent and collaborative research on materials and/or polymer science relevant to pharmaceutical manufacturing, container closure systems, or drug delivery devices.
• Design, execute, and interpret experiments to characterize material properties (mechanical, chemical, thermal, surface) and structure-property relationships.
• Build and apply knowledge of materials used in parenteral and/or device platforms, including composition, specifications, and compatibility.
• Investigate material performance, degradation mechanisms, and failure modes; support root cause analyses.
• Collaborate to design and execute studies (extractables/leachables, product compatibility, sterilization compatibility).
• Integrate findings into specifications, control strategies, and technical reports.
• Author technical reports, protocols, and scientific documentation.
• Stay current with emerging materials science research, industry trends, and regulatory expectations.
• Present findings to stakeholders; contribute to publications/patents/conferences where appropriate.
• Mentor lab associates/students as opportunities arise.
• Work independently and collaboratively in global, cross-functional teams.

Basic Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Medical Engineering, or closely related field.
• Demonstrated research experience in materials science and/or polymer science.
• Strong understanding of material characterization and structure-property relationships.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations/posters.
• Authorization to work in the United States full-time; Lilly does not sponsor visas.

Additional Preferences

• Experience with pharmaceutical materials, container closure systems, or drug delivery devices.
• GMP and regulatory familiarity.
• Polymer processing, biocompatibility assessment, or sterilization compatibility (gamma, e-beam, EtO).
• Strong problem-solving, analytical skills, and technical writing/communication.

Education Requirements

• Ph.D. in Materials Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Medical Engineering, or related field.

Other Information

• Fixed duration (typically two years), potentially extendable up to four years.