Manufacturing Science Intern

Organization Overview  

At Lilly, the work is demanding because patients are waiting. We unite caring with discovery to help make life better for people around the world, knowing that every decision, every detail, and every day matters. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, our over 50,000 employees around the globe take on complex challenges to discover and deliver life-changing medicines, strengthen how health is understood and managed, and support the communities we serve. This is hard, urgent, selfless work—but it’s work worth doing. If you’re driven by purpose and ready to bring your best to work that truly matters for patients, we invite you to join us.  

Functional Overview 

• Ensuring reliability of our manufacturing and utility systems  

• Searching for and implementing continuous improvements  

• Maintaining our facilities and processes in a state of compliance with US and global regulations  

• Managing capital projects  

• Designing and developing drug delivery systems  

The internships are temporary summer positions that last for 12 CONTINUOUS weeks beginning in May or June 2027. Each science intern will be assigned a project affording the opportunity to actively contribute to the Tech Services Manufacturing Sciences (TSMS) or Quality organizations, building a comprehensive understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, and the role scientists play in creating solutions for Eli Lilly and Company. These roles include areas such as science and technology, direct process support, as well as analytical laboratory support. This intern position exposes one to the technology, science, and regulatory requirements for making commercialized life-saving medicine in therapeutic areas including: diabetes, oncology, and endocrinology.  

Quality Assurance: Develops and audits systems to ensure quality of medicine is achieved every time. Expert on production science and compliance to solve manufacturing challenges and support technological improvements.  

Quality Control: Performs critical analytical testing to confirm consistent product quality.  Evaluates and investigates testing results, as well as develops expertise to improve testing methods.  

Technical Services Manufacturing Science: Oversees and develops scientific knowledge of the processes for making medicine. Analyzes data and performs routine data monitoring to lead process improvements and identify trends.  

Interns will interact with other engineering, manufacturing, and science professionals, including Lilly senior management. Professional development and social events will be held throughout the summer. At the conclusion of the work period, each intern will present their project highlights, findings and general internship accomplishments to science and manufacturing professionals.  

Project opportunities are available in, but not limited to, the following areas:  

• Parenteral Products (injectable)  

• Bulk Processing (small and large molecule)  

• Global Delivery Devices  

Key Objectives/Deliverables  

• Provide a practical real-life solution to a manufacturing business-related technical project.  

• Understand the scientific principles required for manufacturing pharmaceutical substances, including the interaction with equipment.  

• Provide technical support to non-routine (e.g. deviation) investigations.  

• Be capable of preparing relevant technical documents, such as Reports, Change Controls, Regulatory submissions, Deviations, Protocols, etc.  

• Utilize the principles of Good Laboratory Practices/Good Manufacturing Practices and principles to analyze process intermediates, active pharma ingredients, and drug product in a Quality Control Lab (QCL) using analytical techniques such as wet chemistry, HPLC, ICP, AA, Titration, and/or Microbiological Assays.  

• Actively run a technical improvement agenda within the area of responsibility to drive process improvement.  

• Monitor and appropriately react to established statistically based metrics in real time to assess process variability and capability.  

• Work within cross-functional teams in a positive fashion to implement TSMS or Quality objectives and deliver business plans and quality objectives.  

• Work individually and with a supervisor to determine and achieve project goals driving process productivity through the implementation and execution of the project.  

• Document and present project accomplishments and progress. 

• As part of Lilly's commitment to innovation, interns will have the opportunity to build fluency with AI tools used across the business. We expect interns to approach these tools with curiosity, apply critical thinking to AI-assisted work, and always prioritize accuracy, confidentiality, and ethical standards in how they use them. 

Basic Qualifications  

• Currently attending college and completion of a BS or MS scientific discipline degree by August 2029.  

• Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor the following work authorization or visas for this role: F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, J-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, or L-1. 

Additional Functional Job Skills & Preference  

• Analysis/problem assessment skills, communication (oral and written) skills, information/data monitoring skills, quality orientation, and teamwork/interpersonal skills  

• Previous internship experience within the pharmaceutical industry  

• Prior experience using AI tools (e.g., generative AI platforms, automation tools, or AI-assisted research/analytics tools) in an academic, project, or work setting. 

Additional Information 

• Positions currently located in Indianapolis, IN or Lebanon, IN, Concord, NC, Durham, NC, or Kenosha, WI. 

• All interns will be considered for full-time positions based on their internship performance  

• Lilly arranges various intern activities including sporting events, dinners, lunch and learns, volunteer activities etc. to provide opportunities for socializing, professional development, and learning more about Lilly. 

• Interns will receive 1 week of paid time off during the Lilly summer shut-down (July 5th – July 9th)  

• Interns will receive a competitive salary and free parking at their work site, as well as access to Lilly’s onsite facilities 

• If the intern's job position requires a move from another location, Lilly will provide subsidized housing   

• Interns are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from work.   

About Eli Lilly and Company