Advisor, Downstream Process Development – Viral Vectors

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.

About the role

The Downstream Process Development team is seeking a highly motivated scientist to drive innovation in viral vector purification. The successful candidate will lead platform development to advance DSP capabilities for recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy products, supporting programs from early development through GMP manufacturing and regulatory submission. You will collaborate with Analytical Development, CMC Regulatory, and Manufacturing to deliver robust, scalable, and efficient manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute downstream process development experiments for AAV purification, including affinity capture, ion-exchange chromatography, ultrafiltration/diafiltration, viral filtration, and ultracentrifugation.
• Develop and implement novel AAV purification strategies; establish DSP operating principles and process understanding across diverse serotypes.
• Develop and apply mechanistic chromatography models to predict column performance, guide operating condition selection, and accelerate scale-up decisions, enabling rapid initiation of new gene therapy programs.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with upstream process development, analytical development, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure seamless technology transfer and successful clinical manufacturing.
• Present experimental findings at internal team meetings, cross-functional reviews, and external conferences; contribute to scientific publications and patent applications as appropriate.
• Author and review technical documents including process descriptions, batch records, process characterization reports, and CMC sections of IND/BLA filings.
• Mentor junior scientists, encouraging a culture of scientific excellence and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related scientific discipline with 2+ years of relevant experience in downstream process development for biologics or gene therapy products, OR M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related scientific discipline with 10+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Extensive hands-on experience with various protein purification techniques: chromatography (affinity, ion exchange, HIC) and membrane-based separations (UF/DF, depth filtration).
• Proficiency in statistical design of experiments (JMP, Minitab) and data analysis.

Skills

• Experience with recombinant AAV or other viral vector purification (lentivirus, adenovirus).
• Experience with automation platforms for HTP process screening.
• Proficiency in Python and/or MATLAB for data analysis, model implementation, and automation scripting.
• Knowledge of machine learning / multivariate analysis applied to bioprocess data.
• Strong understanding of viral vector biology, expression systems, and analytical methods used for viral vector characterization.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively present complex scientific information.
• Adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k) and pension plan.
• Vacation benefits and 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.
• Well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).
• Access to employee resource groups (ERGs) including Africa, Middle East, Central Asia (AMECA), Black Employees at Lilly (BE@Lilly), Chinese Culture Network (CCN), EnAble, Evolve, Lilly Indian Network (LIN), Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), Pride (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN), and Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL).

Pay

The anticipated wage for this position is $138,000 - $202,400. Full-time equivalent employees are also eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance).