Advisor – Gene Therapy Discovery & Platform Research, Analytical Development

Lilly • Boston, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled Advisor to join our Gene Therapy Discovery and Platform Research (GTDPR) Analytical Development group. In this role, you will help us advance our understanding of AAV biology, develop novel analytical methods, and support progression of Lilly gene therapy pipeline. We are looking for an enthusiastic, curious, self-motivated, and hands-on candidate with excellent interpersonal skills who is comfortable working in an open, highly collaborative, and fast-paced environment.

Requirements

• PhD with 1+ years, MS with 7+ years, or BS with 12+ years of relevant industry experience with a degree in a scientific field (cell biology, molecular biology, virology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering).
• Demonstrated expertise with a broad range of cellular and molecular biology techniques (e.g ddPCR, qPCR, CE-SDS, ELISA, MSD, primer design, western blot, adherent and suspension mammalian cell culture, plasmid transfection, lentivirus transduction, stable cell-line development).
• Proficiency in flow cytometry (transduction efficiency, surface marker phenotyping) and high-content imaging platforms (e.g., Operetta) for cell-based assay development and analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in AAV vector design, engineering, and characterization, including use of molecular cloning tools (e.g., SnapGene, Benchling) for construct design, capsid modification, and genome cassette optimization.
• Proficiency in analytical data analysis (e.g. GraphPad Prism, Rstudio), interpretation, and scientific documentation (Benching lab notebooks, technical reports, SOPs) as well as scientific communication.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.
• Ability to independently learn new techniques and develop novel methods with minimal prior experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop gene therapy and gene editing expression and mechanism-of-action potency assays for various pipeline programs.
• Lead viral protein characterization using CE-SDS (Sciex PA800, BioPhase 8800, LabChip) and SDS-PAGE to support AAV VP ratio and capsid purity quality assessments.
• Contribute to AAV vector design including capsid and Rep protein modifications, such as rational capsid engineering and Rep functional optimization to advance gene therapy delivery, improve AAV replication/packaging, and manufacturing outcomes.
• Provide analytical support to vector core group through cell-based, CE-SDS, and other compendial analytical testing.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with analytical, process development, discovery, and translational teams to advance research projects and pipeline programs forward.
• Assist in expanding our analytical capabilities by developing novel methods to investigate new quality attributes, and improve throughput or efficiency.
• Effectively coach junior scientists to develop their critical thinking and technical skills.

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
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees