Scientist – Biotechnology Discovery Research

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

Eli Lilly’s Biotechnology Discovery Research (BioTDR) organization has a track record of discovering, optimizing, and delivering novel biotherapeutic medicines to the clinic for the treatment of unmet medical needs in diabetes, oncology, immunology, and neuroscience. This position is within the BioTDR Lead Optimization Group, and we seek a motivated scientist to join our team. The successful candidate will drive innovation within the Lead Optimization Group and work across the discovery and development interface to deliver Lilly’s early phase portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Deliver LC-mass spectrometry-based data for the characterization of a diverse and growing large-molecule portfolio, including monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, fusion proteins, antibody-drug conjugates, peptides, oligonucleotides, viral (e.g. AAV, lentivirus) and non-viral (e.g. LNP, liposome) genetic medicines, etc.
• Leverage extensive knowledge of and experience with a broad range of characterization methods to inform developability assessment and lead optimization (e.g., intact mass analysis, identification of post-translational modifications, profiling molecule assembly and structural variants including disulfide mapping, identifying glycosylation patterns, etc.)
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including protein engineers, chemists, and biologists, to support lead selection and optimization efforts through advanced analytical characterization.
• Promote a culture of safety and inclusion in the workplace, including coaching and mentoring peers and other scientists.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related scientific field.
• Minimum of 0-2 years of academic, research institute, or industry experience.
• 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

• Working knowledge of the large-molecule drug discovery and development process, including developability assessment.
• Proficiency with various mass spectrometry platforms (e.g., Orbitrap, Q-TOF) and diverse software for data processing and analysis (e.g., Genedata Expressionist).
• Experience with automated high-throughput liquid handling systems for automated sample preparation.
• Experience working with biological samples (e.g., serum, tissue).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to share learnings across team boundaries.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines and thrive in ambiguity.
• Experience with note booking and data analytics using Benchling.
• Experience with chromatographic (LC, GC, IC) method development or validation in pharmaceutical, chemical, or a regulated industry setting.

Benefits

• Eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k) and 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).
• Company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance).

Pay

The anticipated wage for this position is $65,250 - $169,400.

Additional Information

Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

Travel: 0-10%

Lilly offers employee resource groups (ERGs) that provide strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Current groups include: 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).