Associate Director - ExploR&D External Partnering - Molecule Discovery and Technology Licensing

Company: Eli Lilly and Company
Location: Indianapolis
Posted on: January 14, 2026

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. Overview Lilly Catalyze360 is Lilly's comprehensive approach to enabling the early-stage biotech ecosystem by democratizing access to infrastructure, expertise, and resources. Through its interconnected pillars—Lilly Ventures, Lilly Gateway Labs, Lilly ExploR&D, and Lilly TuneLabs—Catalyze360 strategically removes barriers that traditionally block bold science from becoming life-changing medicines, providing biotechs with flexible combinations of capital, physical lab space, R&D capabilities, AI/ML tools, and decades of enterprise learning. Lilly ExploR&D is a team of drug discovery and development experts who partner with biotechs from discovery through clinical proof-of-concept, putting Lilly's industry-leading capabilities behind their missions. We provide flexible support—from strategic consulting to full program execution—making it faster, easier, and more capital-efficient for innovators to transform bold science into life-changing medicines. Job Summary Lilly ExploR&D is seeking a dynamic and experienced Associate Director in the External Partnering team to support Molecule Discovery and Technology Licensing. This strategic role will be responsible for driving portfolio growth for molecule generation programs, expanding our client base, and building strong relationships with biotech companies across the United States. The ideal candidate will combine deep knowledge of drug discovery and development with proven sales expertise to position ExploR&D as the premier partner for emerging biotechnology companies. Key Responsibilities Drive ExploR&D portfolio growth by identifying, cultivating, and closing new business opportunities for molecule discovery and technology licensing with biotech companies across therapeutic areas and diverse modalities Develop and execute strategic plans to achieve and exceed annual targets Build and maintain a robust pipeline of qualified prospects through networking, industry events, and strategic outreach Lead client presentations and proposal development, clearly articulating ExploR&D's value proposition and capabilities Collaborate with scientific and operational teams to design customized drug discovery solutions that meet client needs Monitor industry trends, competitive landscape, and emerging technologies to identify new market opportunities Represent ExploR&D at industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events Provide regular forecasts, pipeline reports, and market intelligence to leadership Basic Qualifications/RequirementsEducation: Bachelor's degree required in a relevant scientific field (Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or related discipline). Experience: 7 years of progressive experience in client services, sales, and/or business development within pharmaceutical services or contract research organizations (CROs). 3 years of direct experience in drug discovery and development, from target identification through clinical entry. Deep technical knowledge of medicinal chemistry, bioproduct engineering and discovery, and/or genetic medicine research. Additional Skills/Preferences Advanced degree (MS, PhD, PharmD, or MBA) highly preferred. Proven track record of meeting or exceeding portfolio growth/transaction targets. Strong scientific acumen with ability to understand and communicate complex technical concepts. Excellent relationship-building skills with ability to establish trust and credibility with C-level executives and scientific leaders. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including presentation and proposal development. Strategic thinking with ability to identify opportunities aligned with organizational priorities. Self-motivated with ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency with CRM systems and sales analytics tools. Demonstrated success in consultative selling and complex solution development. Established network within the U.S. biotechnology ecosystem. Experience working with early-stage biotech companies and understanding of their unique challenges. Familiarity with array of research services payment structures. Additional Information Remote options may be available based on business needs. Travel: Up to 30% travel required for client meetings, conferences, and site visits. 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 $132,000 - $193,600 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

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