Discover and Advance Your Full Potential
Lilly’s Visiting Scientist Fellowship (VSF) program exposes recent Pharm.D., M.D./D.O., and relevant Ph.D. or master’s degree graduates to a myriad of pharmaceutical functions and experiences, providing hands-on involvement with the drug development process. As a VSF, you will use your skills to make a positive impact on global patient care and medicine development. With many innovative molecules in our development pipeline, there has never been a better time to join Lilly.

The VSF program is a unique one-year postgraduate program. You will be assigned to one department, yet work closely with other areas, enabling you to learn about medical, commercial, regulatory, and other facets of drug development. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to discover and develop the next generation of drugs to improve patients’ lives.

Visiting Scientist Fellows Application and Selection Process 2026-2027 Cohort
To qualify for VSF, you must complete a Pharm.D., M.D./D.O., or relevant Ph.D. or master's degree by June 2026, or have completed one no earlier than May 2023.

Candidates may request a screening interview between September 12, 2025, and September 26, 2025, by completing a Screening Interview Form through the RippleMatch platform. All qualified candidates will be notified to submit a formal application and an optional cover letter. Submission of a formal application does not guarantee a screening interview. Candidates selected will receive an email inviting them to participate in a screening interview. The screening process will take place in October 2025 and involves a 30-minute interview with Lilly's VSF program leadership team through Microsoft Teams. Final interviews will take place in mid-November 2025. Candidates selected to move forward post-screening will receive instructions regarding their final on-site interview at the Lilly Corporate Center in Indianapolis, IN. The final cohort selection is expected to be complete by December 2025. 

Please visit the How We Hire page for more information about the Lilly interview process and accommodations. 

For more information about the VSF program and the positions offered for the 2026-2027 cohort, please download the VSF program brochure. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

VSF Alumni Spotlights
Headshot image with blue background of Ashley Mercier an African American female, smiling
"The VSF Program kick-started my career at Lilly, providing a strong foundation through a supportive community of co-fellows, an in-depth understanding of drug development, and a broad network across functions. It also showcased the versatility of pharmacists and allowed me to navigate various roles within a matrix organization. Through my role in the program, I developed key leadership skills, such as strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to lead projects and teams effectively, that still resonate with me today."

Jim Paik, Pharm.D.
2014 Fellow – University of the Sciences in Philadelphia 
Director, Clinical Research Scientist - Cardiometabolic Health
A woman wearing a red dress and dark wavy hair sits against a solid blue background. She is similing without teeth looking directly at the camera.
“The Visiting Scientist program was instrumental in expanding my understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and Lilly's innovative role within it. Through meaningful collaboration with cross-functional teams, I gained firsthand insight into the complexities of bringing a product from clinical trial design to commercial success, all with the shared purpose of improving patients' lives. The knowledge, opportunities, and support I received throughout the program have been critical in shaping my professional growth and preparing me for a fulfilling career within the industry."

Jessica Mitroi, MPH
2020 Fellow - Indiana University
Associate Director, Business Insights & Analytics - Medical Affairs
A man in a suit and tie stands against a solid blue background. He is similing with teeth and has dark facial hair looking directly at the camera.
“Completing the Visiting Scientist Fellowship was the ideal transition from academia to industry, especially as a PhD graduate with no prior industry experience. The opportunity to connect with cross-functional teams opened doors I hadn't initially considered, highlighting the power of the program's networking opportunities. It set a strong foundation for my growth and long-term success in the industry.”

Lucas Scharf da Costa, MS, Ph.D.
2023 Fellow – University of Cincinnati
Manager, Global CMC Regulatory Delivery & Excellence

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