Advisor - Molecular Biology, Cell Culture Upstream Process Development

Eli Lilly and Company • Us, IN

12d

About The Position

The Advisor is responsible for upstream process development activities related to producing bioproduct active pharmaceutical ingredients, including cell line development, cell culture process definition and optimization, process robustness studies, process transfers to pilot plants and manufacturing sites, and authorship of upstream process development sections of regulatory submissions. The role works closely with scientists in BR&D, Discovery, Technical Services for Manufacturing, and Manufacturing, and participates in multidisciplinary CMC project teams supporting bioproduct process and product development.

The position includes designing and interpreting experiments, troubleshooting technical issues, contributing innovative ideas and technologies, supporting process transfers, and preparing technical reports and regulatory documents. The Advisor also works with external collaborators and supports departmental initiatives, external engagement, and process innovation across the portfolio. Work must comply with applicable Development Quality, Regulatory, HSE, GLP, and GMP requirements.

Requirements

• PhD in Microbiology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biology, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related STEM discipline.
• 0–3 years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries.
• Knowledge of cell biology, cell culture, and molecular biology, with an emphasis on recombinant protein expression.
• Extensive experience independently designing experiments, generating data, interpreting results, and documenting work.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment involving varied functional relationships and willingness to serve as a point of accountability.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Self-management, task-planning, and organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

• Postdoctoral experience.
• General knowledge of upstream process scaling and potential issues and mitigation strategies.
• Hands-on experience with cell line generation, fed-batch and/or perfusion cell culture processes, bioreactor control strategies, and process parameter optimization.
• Demonstrated knowledge of engineering principles and skills.
• Experience with automation and AI tools.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work productively in an interdisciplinary team environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret upstream development experiments to generate bioproduct active pharmaceutical ingredients, including protein intermediates for bioconjugation.
• Provide hands-on support to troubleshoot technical issues and drive innovation projects using novel ideas and technologies.
• Participate in cross-functional process development teams and collaborate with BR&D, Discovery, Technical Services for Manufacturing, and Manufacturing.
• Support transfer of cell culture processes to pilot plants and manufacturing sites.
• Author technical reports and regulatory documents.
• Work with external parties on development projects, research collaborations, and outsourcing efforts.
• Support organizational initiatives that contribute to short-term and long-term departmental goals.
• Engage externally through conference attendance, presentations, and publications.
• Identify, partner on, and develop external process innovations that complement existing capabilities and areas of focus, and incorporate them across the portfolio.
• Ensure work aligns with relevant Development Quality, Regulatory, HSE, GLP, and GMP requirements.

Benefits

• Company bonus, depending in part on company and individual performance.
• Eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k).
• Pension.
• Vacation benefits.
• Eligibility for medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits.
• Flexible benefits, including 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, including an 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