Senior Biologist

In this role, you will join a collaborative team of scientists dedicated to advancing bioassay science in support of Lilly's growing portfolio of biotherapeutics and next-generation modalities.

You will play a critical role in ensuring that the potency and biological activity of Lilly's medicines are accurately characterized from early development through commercialization, directly supporting patient access to safe and effective therapies. This is an opportunity to work hands-on with cutting-edge technologies — including cell and gene therapy platforms, engineered cell lines, and genome editing tools — while building deep technical expertise in bioassay development, a discipline central to both product quality and regulatory success. You will partner closely with colleagues across Analytical Development, Quality Control, Manufacturing, and Regulatory Affairs, gaining broad visibility into the end-to-end product lifecycle and the chance to shape how new assay technologies are evaluated and adopted across the organization.

For scientists looking to grow their careers in bioanalytical and cell-based assay science within a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment, this role offers meaningful technical challenges alongside strong mentorship and cross-functional exposure.

Responsibilities

Support the development, optimization, and implementation of assays to assess the biological activity of therapeutic proteins, peptides, and new modalities, including gene and cell therapies, in the laboratory.

Support the transfer of potency assays for QC release and stability testing to meet product and corresponding regulatory requirements.

Execute experiments, review and analyze data, author technical documents, and contribute to sections of regulatory submissions.

Support bioassay lab operations, including cell culturing, reagent acquisition and qualification, and instrument purchase and qualification.

Coordinate and collaborate with internal and external partners as part of cross-functional teams.

Evaluate and assess emerging technologies suitable for bioassay development.

Basic Requirements

MS in Molecular Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Bioanalytical Chemistry or a related field with a minimum of 0–2 years of experience in the pharma/biotech industry; or

BS in Molecular Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Bioanalytical Chemistry, or a related field with a minimum of 2–3 years of experience in the pharma/biotech industry

Hands-on experience executing potency assays, such as binding assays (e.g., ELISA, SPR) and/or cell-based assays (e.g., luciferase reporter assays)

Proficiency in mammalian cell culture techniques, including maintenance of adherent and suspension cell lines, passaging, and cryopreservation

Experience working with engineered cell lines (e.g., stable reporter lines, knockout or knock-in lines) commonly used in bioassay development and qualification

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams

Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage workload in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

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

Additional Skills/Preferences

Experience with genome editing techniques (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9, HDR, NHEJ), including design, execution, and confirmation of edits via molecular characterization

Experience with core molecular biology techniques, including PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, plasmid preparation, and sequencing

Understanding of GMP quality systems

Knowledge of FDA/EMA regulations governing potency assay development

Experience with statistical analysis of bioassays using software such as SoftMax Pro, PLA 2.0, or JMP (SAS)

Additional Information

Location: Onsite at Lilly's Tech Center North campus, Indianapolis, IN

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 (https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.

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 (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).

Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is

$65,250 - $169,400

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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