Advisor, Downstream Process Development – Viral Vectors

Lilly • Boston, MA

1d • $138,000 - $202,400 • Onsite

About The Position

The Downstream Process Development team is seeking a highly motivated scientist to drive innovation in viral vector purification. The successful candidate will lead platform development to advance DSP capabilities for recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy products, supporting programs from early development through GMP manufacturing and regulatory submission; collaborating with Analytical Development, CMC Regulatory, and MFG to deliver robust, scalable and efficient manufacturing processes.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related scientific discipline with 2+ years of relevant experience in downstream process development for biologics or gene therapy products, OR M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related scientific discipline with 10+ years of relevant industry experience
• Extensive hands-on experience with various protein purification techniques: chromatography (affinity, ion exchange, HIC) and membrane-based separations (UF/DF, depth filtration).
• Proficiency in statistical design of experiments (JMP, Minitab) and data analysis.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with recombinant AAV or other viral vector purification (lentivirus, adenovirus).
• Experience with automation platforms for HTP process screening
• Proficiency in Python and/or MATLAB for data analysis, model implementation, and automation scripting
• Knowledge of machine learning / multivariate analysis applied to bioprocess data
• Strong understanding of viral vector biology, expression systems, and analytical methods used for viral vector characterization.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively present complex scientific information.
• Adaptability in a fast-paced environment

Responsibilities

• Design and execute downstream process development experiments for AAV purification, including affinity capture, ion-exchange chromatography, ultrafiltration/diafiltration, viral filtration, and ultracentrifugation
• Develop and implement novel AAV purification strategies; establish DSP operating principles and process understanding across diverse serotypes.
• Develop and apply mechanistic chromatography models to predict column performance, guide operating condition selection, and accelerate scale-up decisions, enabling rapid initiation of new gene therapy programs.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with upstream process development, analytical development, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure seamless technology transfer and successful clinical manufacturing.
• Present experimental findings at internal team meetings, cross-functional reviews, and external conferences; contribute to scientific publications and patent applications as appropriate.
• Author and review technical documents including process descriptions, batch records, process characterization reports, and CMC sections of IND/BLA filings.
• Mentor junior scientists, encouraging a culture of scientific excellence and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance)
• 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
• well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree