Associate Biologist – Automated Protein Expression
Eli Lilly and Company•San Diego, CA
•Onsite
About The Position
The Biologics Automation and High-throughput Technologies Group at the Lilly Biotechnology Center in San Diego is seeking a versatile Associate Scientist to accelerate early drug discovery through innovative protein expression and purification technologies. Join our dynamic team where you'll leverage state-of-the-art automated systems to drive breakthrough therapeutics from concept to reality. In this role, you will be at the forefront of high-throughput biologics production, directly impacting the speed and success of our drug discovery pipeline.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in biological sciences (biology, molecular biology, biochemistry or similar disciplines)
- Experience in tissue culture (aseptic technique) required
Nice To Haves
- Understanding of protein expression and purification techniques preferred
- Hands-on experience with automation equipment (e.g., BioMek liquid handlers, reagent dispensers) advantageous
- Experience with integrated liquid handling platforms and/or laboratory automation scheduling software not required but beneficial
- Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Programming skills, experience leveraging AI tools to enhance productivity and scientific workflows, and robust statistical background highly valued
- Strong data analysis capabilities with meticulous attention to detail
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with ability to translate complex technical concepts
- Proven ability to excel both independently and within collaborative team environments
- Demonstrated learning agility and adaptability in fast-paced settings
- Strong organizational and work planning capabilities
Responsibilities
- Mammalian cell line maintenance, including culture expansion, harvesting, and cryopreservation
- Master complex integrated liquid handling platforms to execute high-throughput transfections and plate-based purifications (protein A/G/HIS capture)
- Ensure scientific rigor through reagent preparation and validation, meticulous process documentation, QC execution, and expression performance monitoring
- Serve as a technical liaison between automation teams, requestors, and collaborators to optimize biological outcomes and resolve process challenges
- Drive improvement by identifying workflow bottlenecks, implementing innovative solutions, and expanding platform capabilities through independent initiative and collaborative partnerships
- Partner with antibody discovery, protein engineering, and purification teams across sites to share insights, accelerate learning, and anticipate evolving business needs
Benefits
- company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance)
- company-sponsored 401(k)
- pension
- vacation benefits
- medical benefits
- dental benefits
- vision benefits
- prescription drug benefits
- flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts)
- life insurance
- 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)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
