Principal Pharmaceutical R D Scientist -

Drug Development Date Posted:

1 October 2026

Closing Date:

October 31, 2026

Recruiter:

Lilly Location:

Indianapolis, Indiana Salary:

USD190,000

to

USD250,000

Job Type & Industry:

Technology Risk, Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Contract Type:

Permanent Job Reference:

2996443200-2 Apply for this job now Job Description Lilly seeks a Principal to lead high-impact biopharmaceutical research and development programs. In this senior scientific role, you will shape strategy for innovative therapies, guide assets from discovery to late-stage development, and ensure scientific and regulatory excellence. You will mentor teams, collaborate across functions, and translate complex data into clear decisions. At Lilly, you will work in an inclusive, patient-focused culture that supports professional growth while driving transformative healthcare solutions for patients worldwide. Responsibilities Lead end-to-end strategy for biopharmaceutical R D programs from discovery through development milestones Direct cross-functional teams to design and execute clinical and nonclinical studies Interpret complex scientific and clinical data to inform go/no-go and portfolio decisions Collaborate with regulatory, clinical, and commercial partners to align development plans Ensure compliance with ethical, scientific, and regulatory standards in all program activities Mentor and develop scientists and project leaders, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation Contribute to publications, presentations, and external scientific engagement to advance Lilly's leadership Identify and evaluate novel scientific opportunities, technologies, and partnerships Required Skills Drug development lifecycle Clinical trial design Regulatory strategy (FDA/EMA) Data analysis and interpretation Biostatistics Project and portfolio management Cross-functional leadership Scientific writing and publications Risk assessment and mitigation Therapeutic area expertise