Senior Scientist Protein Science & Engineering Large Molecule Biologics Full-time

Advisor, Bioanalytical Research

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.

The Bioanalytical Research Group (BAR) at Lilly's research facility in South San Francisco, CA is seeking a strong scientist skilled in protein mass spectrometry to deliver innovative ways in our evaluation of the ADME properties of therapeutic proteins and antibody-drug-conjugates (ADCs).

The team works with Investigative ADME, Toxicology, Oncology, and Biotechnology Discovery Research to discover and characterize optimal ADC candidates to advance to clinical testing.

Primary Responsibilities:

The development and application of QQQ and high-resolution LC/MS approaches to characterize the PK, biotransformation, and biodistribution of ADC drug candidates in pre-clinical animal models.

The application of mass spectrometry and wet biochemistry to answer questions related to target engagement and mechanism of action of ADCs.

Support Bio-Analysis sample preparation, experimental design, and mass-spec analysis of biological samples as well as data analysis/interpretation from in-vivo studies from triple-quad mass spectrometers (Sciex 7500).

Maintain a high level of productivity in a laboratory setting. This role is 100% on site in South San Francisco and is lab based, but will have opportunities to present the data to project teams.

Counsel the research activities of and mentoring junior laboratory staff in mass spectrometry, bioanalysis, and protein chemistry.

Serving as the Bioanalytical Project Lead for discovery projects requiring input from a highly qualified scientist on issues related to PK/PD, biotransformation, and biodistribution.

Characterization of recombinant proteins, antibodies, and ADCs using intact-MS and peptide mapping for routine QC using high-res mass spec platforms (Oribtrap).

Job Requirements:

Ph.D. in biochemistry/molecular biology, bioengineering, biology, pharmacology, chemistry, or scientific field.

Experience using mass spectrometry-based methods to support the bio-analysis of ADCs and therapeutic proteins. This should include developing and running MRM as well as intact, high-resolution MS LCMS of ADCs from biological matrices to evaluate the biotransformation of ADCs in animal models.

Experience supporting multiple ADC drugs drug development programs, including assessing PK, Efficacy, and tox profiles in preclinical models and communicating data to project teams.

Experience with analyzing and reporting analytical data, presenting data to colleagues and collaborators, and serving as a subject area expert in mass spec and analytical approaches.

Experience developing methods, operating, and the routine maintenance/troubleshooting of Thermo Orbitrap and Sciex QQQ mass spectrometers is required.

Experience with a wide variety of sample preparation techniques including SPE, and immunoaffinity/hybridization capture techniques.

Experience with automation (TECAN, KingFisher, Hamilton) highly preferred.

Experience with high throughput plate-based assays working on both large and small molecules.

Additional Experience is Preferred:

Knowledge of MS-informatic approaches to interpret complex data sets (Proteome Discoverer, Protein Metrics, DAR calculations, Mass MetaSite, Biopharma Finder, e.g.)

Strong organizational and planning regarding analysis, record keeping, multi-tasking workflows, and data analysis skills is needed. Understanding of ADC competitive landscape.

Knowledge of the ADME principles of biotherapeutic drugs.

Prior experience with MS based imaging techniques.

Experience with proteomics methods, DDA, nano-LC, DIA, or similar workflows in a drug discovery setting

Cell Culture experience is a plus.

Experience with R, python, or other biostatistical packages for data visualization is a plus.