TDA 2026 Drug Discovery and Development Internship – Intern to Full Time (Ph.D.)

Eli Lilly and Company

Posted 3 months ago

Internship

San Diego, California

In Person

Smart Summary

Responsibilities

The intern will contribute to drug discovery or development through activities such as bio assay development, chemical synthesis, and protein expression. Responsibilities also include drug product design and manufacturing process development within a world-class pharmaceutical environment.

Qualifications

You are currently enrolled in a PhD program with a concentration in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, or a related discipline, and are expected to graduate by December 2027. You possess strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills, with previous laboratory or pharmaceutical research experience being a plus.

Must Have Skills for ATS

Bio assay development

Biological testing

Organic synthesis

Peptide synthesis

Chemical Modality

Molecular biology

Protein expression

Purification

Characterization

Analytical methods

Formulation

Flow chemistry

Drug product design

Drug product manufacturing process development

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.

Responsibilities

Overview:

Lilly provides a unique opportunity to work in the Drug Discovery or Development areas of a world-class pharmaceutical company.  We are looking for students majoring in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, pharmaceutics or a related discipline to join our team of scientists. With Lilly you will have an opportunity to diversify your skillset while contributing to cutting edge research. Your work may include but not limited to the following:  

  • Bio assay development
  • Biological testing of compounds
  • Organic and Peptide synthesis
  • Chemical Modality
  • Molecular biology
  • Protein expression
  • Purification, characterization, analytical methods and formulation
  • Flow chemistry
  • Project management
  • Drug product design and performance
  • Drug product manufacturing process development

The majority of our positions are located at our corporate headquarters in Indianapolis, IN with some opportunities at other sites. Work at Lilly will provide provide the opportunity to actively contribute to the Discovery or Development organization, build a more comprehensive understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, and the role Eli Lilly and Company scientists play in delivering innovative medicines to patients.

Basic Qualifications

Requirements:

  • Enrolled in a PhD program with a concentration in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering or a related discipline.
  • Expected graduation by December 2027
  • Successful completion of a Drug Discovery and Development Internship

Additional Preferences:

  • Team player with excellent communication skills
  • Previous laboratory or pharmaceutical research experience

You don't have to be an expert in the pharmaceutical Industry to join Lilly. First and foremost, Lilly is seeking leaders who have passion; a passion for innovation, a passion for making a difference in people’s lives and a passion for learning, development and global leadership. We seek self-starting individuals who demonstrate decision-making, project management and data analysis skills. Strong problem solving, organizational, and analytical skills are also needed to perform successfully.

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

$58,000 - $222,200

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.

#WeAreLilly

Eli Lilly and Company

We're a medicine company turning science into healing to make life better for people around the world. It all started nearly 150 years ago with a clear vision from founder Colonel Eli Lilly: "Take what you find here and make it better and better." Harnessing the power of biotechnology, chemistry and genetic medicine, our scientists are urgently advancing science to solve some of the world's most significant health challenges. General Information and Guidelines: When you engage with us on LinkedIn, you're agreeing to these Community Guidelines: https://e.lilly/guidelines. If you have questions about a Lilly medicine, contact The Lilly Answers Center at 1-800-Lilly-Rx (1-800-545-5979) Monday through Friday, excluding company holidays.
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