Scientist – Bioassay Screening – Biotherapeutic Drug Discovery Full-time

Job Title

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We're looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.

As a member of the Lilly Biologics Screening Group and Automation Team, the focus of the successful candidate will be to support research teams across multiple therapeutic areas by miniaturizing, adapting and executing assays to screen biologics using state-of-the-art lab automation. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment in which they work synergistically and creatively with local colleagues and multiple project teams across the organization.

Key Objectives/Deliverables:

• The candidate will interface with multiple project teams across the organization and outside Lilly to independently adapt bioassays to mid-high throughput automated formats (96W/384W), validate and execute screens, and identify hits for biologics discovery efforts using state-of-the-art automation platforms. They will also develop cell-based assays as needed.
• The candidate will leverage AI/ML-driven experimental design and adaptive screening strategies to compress assay development timelines, reduce optimization cycles and generate insights that inform biologics discovery strategies.
• The candidate will apply specialized commercial and internal software tools to perform detailed analysis of biological activity, statistical evaluation of assay performance and generate comprehensive data reports.
• The successful candidate will engage in the identification and evaluation of novel procedures or technologies that could serve to bolster the productivity of the antibody discovery and protein engineering teams or help in development of new capabilities for the screening group. They will proactively identify opportunities to integrate emerging computational tools and automation technologies into existing workflows. This includes piloting new AI-driven optimization platforms, Bayesian optimization tools, and automated design-of-experiment software that can learn from screening outcomes.
• The candidate will clearly present results to collaborators, participate in project team meetings and present at internal forums.
• The candidate will maintain clear, organized data, SOPs, and electronic notebook entries with great attention to detail.

Basic Qualifications:

• B.S or M.S. in biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field with 3+ years relevant research experience in assay development & execution, preferably in drug discovery.

Additional Qualifications:

• Proficient in assay development, optimization, miniaturization and troubleshooting of plate-based bioassays in 96/384W formats. Demonstrated ability to significantly reduce optimization timelines through systematic, data-driven approaches.
• Demonstrated expertise in diverse assay methods and technologies, such as reporter, FRET/BRET, AlphaLISA, HTRF, internalization and co-culture bioassays.
• Strong proficiency in cell culture techniques, complemented by a foundational understanding of cellular signaling pathways.
• Demonstrated ability to use multiple software platforms for design-of-experiment, visualization and statistical analysis of large-scale experimental data sets (e.g., Genedata Screener, TIBCO Spotfire, Graphpad Prism, JMP).
• Demonstrated ability to successfully take on challenges and quickly adapt to new responsibilities.
• Experience independently operating automated instrumentation (e.g. dispensers, liquid handlers, acoustic dispensers, multi-mode readers) within a high-throughput screening environment is required. Must demonstrate strong technical aptitude with automation systems to support complex assays and enthusiasm for evaluating and integrating AI/ML tools into automated workflows.
• Demonstrated curiosity and initiative in exploring emerging technologies, with a track record of implementing new tools, methods, or approaches that improved efficiency or capabilities.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized with demonstrated ability to run and prioritize multiple projects to meet tight timelines.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to work in a highly collaborative team environment.
• Highly motivated with ability to work and think independently, research literature, and master new skills, methods and technologies that enhance departmental capabilities highly preferred.
• Experience with advanced imaging, flow cytometry or microfluidics-based assays a plus.

Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to 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.

Lilly is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia Network, Black Employees at Lilly, Chinese Culture Network, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), PRIDE (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN), Women's Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL), enAble (for people with disabilities). Learn more about all of our groups.

Actual compensation will depend on a candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location. 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). In addition, 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). Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly's compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.

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