Executive Director - Mass Spectrometry-based Biomarker Discovery - Neuroscience

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.

Lilly’s Neuroscience Research team is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge therapies and diagnostics for brain disorders. Biomarkers play a crucial role in clinical trials, providing insights into patient selection, therapeutic efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of action. We seek an accomplished biomarker expert, who has vast experience in mass spectrometry-based work. The successful candidate will lead our efforts in biomarker discovery and validation, enabling the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative conditions. As Executive Director (or potentially Associate Vice President) you will drive the strategic and technical development of biomarker assays that are instrumental in the advancement of our neuroscience pipeline. The role will be situated at Lilly’s research facilities in Boston, within a newly established unit led by Dr. Kaj Blennow, Vice President of Neuroscience Biomarker Development. you will oversee and mentor a skilled team of biomarker researchers, fostering innovation and scientific excellence

• Lead the development and validation of novel mass spectrometry-based biomarker assays for early- and late-phase clinical trials in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, and rare brain disorders.
• Oversee and mentor a team of biomarker researchers at Lilly’s laboratories in Boston, focusing on mass spectrometry-based assay development.
• Serve as a scientific and technical expert for in-house and outsourced biomarker discovery efforts, guiding experimental study design and analytical strategies.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal stakeholders (medical, operations, statistics, regulatory) and external partners (CROs, academic institutions) to ensure biomarker validation and successful integration into clinical programs.
• Communicate findings through presentations, publications, and strategic discussions, reinforcing Lilly’s leadership in biomarker innovation.

• PhD in Neuroscience, Biochemistry or a related field, with 8+ years of industry, academic, or postdoctoral experience experience in biomarker development, with recognized expertise in mass spectrometry-based assays for brain diseases.

• Proven leadership in managing and mentoring biomarker research teams in academic or industry settings.
• Deep knowledge of mass spectrometry technology including instrument setup, optimization and maintenance.
• Deep understanding of mass spectrometry-based assay development, validation, and regulatory requirements for biomarker applications in clinical trials.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to drive innovation in biomarker discovery.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and negotiation skills to influence both internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to translate scientific insights into impactful clinical applications.

Join Lilly in shaping the future of neuroscience by advancing biomarker-driven precision medicine. If you are a leader in biomarker discovery looking to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to apply.

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Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location.  The anticipated wage for this position is

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.

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