Sr Scientist/Principal Scientist, Discovery Oncology (in vivo Biology)

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced scientist to join our in vivo team within Discovery Oncology. Working with a high degree of independence under the guidance of a senior scientific lead and/or director, the successful candidate will design, execute, and interpret in vivo (mouse and rat) studies — alongside supporting ex vivo and in vitro assays — to identify and validate novel druggable oncology targets, de-risk on-target toxicity liabilities, and advance targets from the pre-portfolio pipeline into the formal discovery portfolio.

The ideal candidate is an experienced, hands-on in vivo scientist with a strong foundation in mouse study design and execution, well-organized and detail-oriented, able to work independently and troubleshoot with minimal oversight, and comfortable mentoring more junior colleagues while partnering cross-functionally to move programs forward with rigor and pace.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret in vivo studies (e.g., xenograft, syngeneic, and/or PDX models) in mice to evaluate tumor progression, target engagement, and efficacy in support of target identification and validation.
• Design, execute and interpret in vivo genetic or pharmacological perturbation studies, to decipher mechanism of action of novel oncology targets.
• Design and conduct in vivo studies to help de-risk on-target toxicity in early discovery programs.
• Harvest, process, and analyze tumor and tissue samples, including basic necropsy technique and coordination of histopathology as needed.
• Perform routine in vitro cell cultures (e.g., cancer cell lines, primary tissue culture).
• Perform routine biochemical and cellular assays (e.g., PCR, immunoblotting, ELISA…) to support and complement in vivo findings.
• Identify pitfalls and independently troubleshoot and resolve technical roadblocks.
• Oversee day-to-day mouse and rat colony management, including breeding strategy, genotyping, and compliance with IACUC protocols.
• Analyze data and present results to cross-functional project teams.
• Partner cross-functionally with in vitro biology, translational medicine, toxicology, and computational biology colleagues to advance shared project goals.
• Mentor junior scientists and research associates in in vivo techniques, study design, and best practices.
• Contribute to a safe, efficient, and compliant vivarium and laboratory environment.

Requirements

• BS in biology, cancer biology, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline with 3-5 years of academic, research, or industry lab-based experience; OR MS in a related discipline with 5-8 years of relevant lab-based experience. A Ph.D. is not considered for this role.
• Extensive, hands-on experience with in vivo mouse work; experience with rat models is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience with oncology tumor models (e.g., xenograft, syngeneic, GEMM, and/or PDX).
• Solid working knowledge of routine molecular and cellular biology techniques.
• Excellent organizational, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience using gene editing (e.g. CRISPR RNPs) in cell lines.
• Familiarity with in vivo imaging modalities (e.g., bioluminescence, MRI).
• Experience with histology, IHC, and basic pathology interpretation.

Work Environment

The physical demands of this job are consistent with working in a vivarium and laboratory/bench environment, including some light lifting and maneuvering. This position's work environment is in a vivarium and laboratory/bench setting.

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).

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit program including 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).

Additional Information

The appointed candidate will work on site in South San Francisco, California.