Postdoctoral Scientist

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated and creative post-doctoral scientist to join the cross-functional Chemistry + Mass Spectrometry team within BioTDR (biologic discovery) at our San Diego site. This role sits at the intersection of analytical chemistry, bioconjugation, and AI/ML-driven discovery, supporting a high-impact research program to develop a next-generation bioconjugation platform for antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs), and peptide conjugates.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize high-throughput mass spectrometry workflows for analytical characterization of protein bioconjugates, including intact mass analysis, drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR) determination, and site-specific modification profiling by peptide mapping.
• Execute large-scale compound screening campaigns using automated LC-MS and other mass spec platforms to evaluate novel bioconjugation chemistries.
• Generate high-quality structured analytical datasets to support computational modeling and AI/ML-driven prediction of bioconjugation outcomes.
• Work with medicinal chemists to characterize and advance lead conjugation chemistries into functional biotherapeutic constructs across relevant modalities.
• Partner with computational, automation, and data science teams to build integrated, scalable workflows for high-throughput data acquisition and analysis.
• Present research findings at internal and external scientific forums and contribute to peer-reviewed publications and intellectual property filings.
• Maintain rigorous electronic laboratory records and uphold Lilly safety and compliance standards.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in analytical chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry, bioconjugation chemistry, or a closely related field (degree conferred or expected by June 2026).
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with mass spectrometry for protein or biotherapeutic characterization (intact LC-MS and/or peptide mapping LC-MS/MS).
• Experience with or strong understanding of bioconjugation chemistry and quantitative analysis of DAR.
• Strong scientific communication skills and a record of peer-reviewed publication.

Qualifications

• Basic Qualifications: Authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
• Additional Skills / Preferences: Proficiency with Thermo and Agilent LC/MS systems and their software tools for protein MS data analysis, experience with high-throughput screening workflows and laboratory automation platforms, familiarity with structural biology methods, excellent interpersonal skills, and demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-functional, interdisciplinary teams, self-motivated and adaptable, with a track record of creative problem-solving and intellectual initiative.

Benefits

Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including 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; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).

Schedule

Fixed term, 2 years with potential extension up to 3 years.