Sr Principal Chemist

Durham, North Carolina

Eli Lilly and Company
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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.


Position Description:

The Sr. Principal Chemist reviews, interprets, and releases analytical results for the laboratory in support of product/material batch release, in-process product testing, protocol driven testing and investigational testing. The Sr. Principal Chemist leads method deployment activities, including authoring method validation, verification and/or transfer protocols and reports, supporting method familiarization/evaluation activities and providing oversight to associated project plans. Additionally, the Sr. Principal Chemist will lead or assist in the onboarding on laboratory instrumentation and equipment, including authoring/reviewing/executing change controls and related actions, authoring/reviewing IQ/OQ/PQ protocols and reports, authoring/reviewing standard operating procedures and training materials as well as working with and/or overseeing certified service providers during instrument installation or repair activities. The Sr. Principal Chemist will be required to perform routine and non-routine laboratory testing and training and mentoring of laboratory personnel, as needed. The Sr. Principal Chemist will be required to utilize technical and regulatory expertise to assist in inspection/audit activities, laboratory investigations as well continuous improvement activities.


Key Objectives/Deliverables:

  • Review analytical data generated by other analysts within the lab as required.
  • Provide technical leadership within the laboratory team, cross-functionally and across sites.
  • Provide technical knowledge relative to scientific principles required for testing of drug substance, drug product and raw materials including product and material properties relative to analytical attributes.
  • Lead investigation processes, including root cause analysis and CAPA.
  • Provide regulatory expertise in support of internal and external auditing processes.
  • Author technical documents.
  • Participate in laboratory improvement initiates, as required.

Requirements (Education, Experience, Training):

  • Bachelor (4-year college) degree in Chemistry, Biology or Microbiology and Relevant experience in a chemistry lab.
  • Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to be employed in the United States. Lilly does not anticipate providing sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B or TN status) for this employment position.

Preferred attributes but not required:

  • Experience with electronic laboratory management systems (E.g., LIMS, LES, ELN)
  • Experience with Empower3 and TrackWise.
  • Experience with change control, analytical and deviation investigations, including root cause analysis and CAPA.
  • Laboratory experience with HPLC and CE instruments.
  • Demonstrated problem solving and analytical thinking skills.
  • Understanding of statistical tools and trend analysis.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and networking skills.
  • Strong self-management and organizational skills.
  • Experience in a GMP environment.
  • Demonstrated written and verbal communications skills.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • May be required to provide on call support.
  • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a part of a Team.

Additional Information

  • 8-hour days - Monday through Friday.
  • May require support outside of regular schedule (weekend days or off-hours) in support of continuous (24/7) manufacturing operations.
  • Applicant will work in various areas within the site. Some allergens are present in the parenteral plant. Mobility requirements and exposure to allergens should be considered when applying for this position.
  • Tasks may require repetitive motion (E.g., keyboarding).
  • Minimal travel required.

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 ( ) 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

$63,000 - $162,800

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.



Date Posted: 26 March 2025
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