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

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

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.
• 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

• 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.
• 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

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

Benefits

• Full-time equivalent employees are eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance).
• Comprehensive benefit program including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; 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).

Pay

The anticipated wage for this position is $71,250 - $187,000.

Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form for further assistance.