Associate Chemist / Biochemist

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.

Protomer is a recently-acquired, wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Co. based in Pasadena, CA. The team operates as a group within Lilly Research Laboratories (LRL). LRL is focused on the discovery and development of new therapeutics for the treatment of a plethora of diseases. The scientists in LRL work cross-functionally between therapeutic target area disciplines, including Diabetes, Heart Failure, Renal, Neuroscience, ASCVD, Incretins and Insulins. The team at Protomer is working on responsive biotherapeutics that can be controlled using small molecule modulators. Protomer team and Research Labs are based in Pasadena, CA.

About the role

We are currently expanding the team to advance several programs, including glucose sensing insulins (GSIs), and are looking for a research associate with experience in biochemistry, synthesis, bioconjugations, and purification/characterization of therapeutic compounds of interest. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, biology, or a related field, as well as in-depth understanding of basic biochemistry and chemistry techniques and experience with development, validation, and implementation of experiments in a biomedical research setting. The applicant must be a fast-learning, task-oriented, and self-motivated person who can perform detailed work with minimal supervision. A requirement of this role is to work well as a great teammate in a fast-paced research setting.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with senior scientist to accomplish team objectives and research milestones
• Purify and characterize compounds using HPLC, FPLC, and various biochemical methods
• Introduce and maintain innovative technologies with respect to peptide therapeutics, including developing and implementing assays and maintaining critical instruments
• Perform data analysis. Critically evaluate data and results and troubleshoot experiments
• Demonstrable ability to function independently, work within a team-oriented lab environment, and work within cross-functional project teams
• Maintain accurate record keeping, perform independent data analysis, and report data in written and oral formats and retain excellent electronic lab notes
• Perform work in compliance with Lilly Research Policies

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering with working knowledge of standard biochemistry or chemistry lab techniques
• Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or visas for this role, including but not limited to F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, J-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, or L-1

Skills

• Position is based onsite full-time in our Pasadena, CA office; candidate will be expected to work on site 5 days/week
• Academic or industry research experience
• Proven ability to work in a flexible, team-oriented environment
• Experience with standard biochemistry techniques
• Strong communication skills and experience presenting data in a team environment
• Strong relationship-building and interaction skills with peers and management

Benefits

• 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
• Well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities)

Pay

The anticipated wage for this position is $71,250 - $187,000. Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance).

Schedule

Full-time, onsite in Pasadena, CA (5 days/week).