Sr. Process engineering -Peptides/Small molecule Scientist

Overview

Process Engineer role providing technical leadership and hands-on engineering support for the design, optimization, and scale-up of laboratory-based processes that enable robust manufacturing of drug substances and drug products, based at Lilly's Manufacturing and Quality Technical Hub in Hyderabad.

What you'll do

• Partner with TS/MS scientists in US and Ireland to design, develop, and refine laboratory-scale processes.
• Establish, maintain, and optimize unit operations used in the process development lab (e.g., chromatography, filtration, mixing, crystallization, upstream/downstream studies, formulation experiments, and others).
• Develop scale-down models that accurately represent full-scale operations and use them to support process characterization, robustness studies, and troubleshooting.
• Conduct hands-on laboratory experimentation, data analysis, and technical reporting to support key development and manufacturing decisions.
• Support tech transfer activities by preparing process documentation, generating process parameters, and enabling smooth movement of processes from lab to pilot or manufacturing scale.
• Support technical process issues and implement long-term improvements informed by lab experimentation.
• Apply engineering fundamentals and first-principles thinking to develop innovative solutions, improve process understanding, and enhance robustness.
• Oversee safe operation of laboratory equipment and ensure compliance with EH&S expectations.
• Support equipment specification, procurement, installation, and qualification for lab-scale systems.
• Maintain high-quality documentation practices, including experimental protocols, batch records, and engineering analyses.
• Collaborate closely with automation, analytical, mechanical, and instrumentation engineering groups to introduce new tools, models, and technologies.
• Partner with Quality, TS/MS, and manufacturing to align development activities with long-term production needs.
• Provide mentoring, training, and knowledge sharing to laboratory personnel and junior engineers.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in process development.
• Leverage external collaborations, vendor interactions, and professional networks to strengthen internal capabilities.

What you'll need

• Ph.D. in scientific disciplines of Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fields, or equivalent industry experience, or Ph.D + Post Doc in Chemistry (focusing more on Peptide chemistry) with 12+ years.
• Minimum 5–8 years of experience in process development, lab-scale engineering, or manufacturing support in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or similar industries.
• Demonstrated experience in technology transfer and scale-up/scale-down in laboratory-scale unit operations relevant to the role (e.g., chromatography, TFF, bioreactors, mixing systems, filtration and drying technologies).
• Strong analytical and PC skills, including data modeling, statistical methods, and ability to interpret experimental results.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and ability to work independently with minimal direction.

Nice to have

• Experience with process modeling software (e.g., Aspen, MATLAB, statistical design tools).
• Working knowledge of GMP expectations and laboratory quality systems.
• Experience with 3D modeling tools (e.g., SolidWorks) for equipment design or fixture development.

Details

• Location: Hyderabad, India.
• Some travel (domestic and international), less than 5%, may be required.