Spring 2027 Doctoral Internship in Drug Discovery

About the role

Lilly’s Spring 2027 Doctoral Internship offers Ph.D. or PharmD students the chance to work on cutting‑edge drug discovery and development projects at our Indianapolis headquarters. Interns will gain hands‑on experience with AI tools, laboratory techniques, and interdisciplinary research while contributing to real‑world therapeutic advances.

Key responsibilities

• Participate in AI/ML‑assisted research projects and apply critical thinking to AI‑driven analyses.
• Conduct analytical development, bioassay development, and biological testing of compounds.
• Synthesize organic and peptide molecules and explore chemical modalities.
• Perform computational biology and computational chemistry simulations.
• Execute molecular biology experiments, protein expression, purification, and characterization.
• Develop flow chemistry processes and drug product design and performance studies.

Required profile

• Enrolled in a Ph.D. or PharmD program in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• At least one academic term remaining after the internship.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a team.

Required skills

• AI/ML tools and generative AI platforms.
• Analytical development, bioassay development, and biological testing.
• Organic and peptide synthesis, chemical modality expertise.
• Computational biology and computational chemistry.
• Molecular biology, protein expression, purification, and characterization.
• Flow chemistry, drug product design, and performance evaluation.

What we offer

• Competitive salary ranging from $43,000 to $123,200 per year.
• Free parking, access to fitness center, bike garage, and employee discounts.
• Subsidized housing for interns relocating.
• Mentoring, professional development events, and networking activities.
• Potential full‑time employment based on performance.