Director – RNA AI/ML Scientist

Role Overview

• Provide scientific and strategic leadership in shaping the AI/ML strategy for RNA therapeutics discovery.
• Partner with global experimental and computational scientists, statisticians, data scientists, AI/ML experts, and IT professionals to define priorities, guide execution, and deliver AI/ML solutions that advance Lilly’s molecule discovery efforts.
• Set technical and scientific direction for the design, implementation, and optimization of AI/ML models to accelerate RNA‑based drug discovery
• Define and advance a unified modeling platform that leverages data across programs and modalities to accelerate the design of next-generation RNA therapeutics, ensuring every experiment contributes to reusable data assets
• Lead the integration and interpretation of large‑scale datasets, including internal and external in vitro, in vivo, and ADME/Tox data, to generate actionable biological insights
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enable the identification of optimal combinations of sequence/chemistry to address on-target potency and off-target liability.
• Partner with matrixed functions across Lilly to develop, deploy, and scale AI‑driven data analysis pipelines for high‑throughput experimentation
• Design AI/ML workflows that integrate with automated experimental platforms, including high-throughput screening and robotic DMTA cycles, to enable closed-loop optimization
• Continuously evaluate and introduce emerging AI/ML methodologies to strengthen RNA discovery workflows and organizational capabilities
• Synthesize and communicate complex findings through clear visualizations and presentations
• Serve as a scientific leader and contribute to project, governance, and management discussions
• Mentor and develop junior computational scientists, fostering technical growth and building organizational AI/ML capabilities across the enterprise

Requirements

• PhD in computational biology, bioinformatics, computer science, statistics, integrated biomedical sciences, or a closely related field, plus 8+ years’ experience in pharma or biotech, with demonstrated scientific leadership in a drug discovery AI/ML function.
• Demonstrated track record applying AI/ML approaches to solve complex biological or pharmaceutical problems in drug discovery, preferably in RNA therapeutics
• Extensive experience with high-throughput, high-dimensional, and high-volume data analysis, including large-scale NGS data integration and interpretation
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or similar tools relevant to data science and bioinformatics
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts to diverse scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in multidisciplinary, cross-functional environments and influence outcomes
• Self-directed scientific leader with strong learning agility
• Advanced problem-solving and troubleshooting capabilities
• Extensive experience developing scientific solutions using Python, R, or similar languages
• Experience working in high-performance computing and/or cloud environments
• Deep understanding of nucleic acid, cellular, and molecular biology
• Strong grounding in the biological principles underlying RNA therapeutics
• Demonstrated knowledge of genetics and molecular biology, particularly as they relate to RNA
• Track record of external scientific engagement, including publications, conference presentations, and/or industry collaborations
• Experience representing a computational function to senior leadership and contributing to enterprise-level AI/ML strategy.

Tech Stack

• Cloud
• Python

Benefits

• 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
• well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities)