Associate Scientist - Downstream Process Development
About The Position
Lilly is seeking a highly motivated scientist to join its Downstream Process Development team. The role leads development and optimization of downstream purification processes for viral vector programs, from research through preclinical development. It calls for strong technical expertise in ultracentrifugation, chromatography, and tangential flow filtration (TFF), along with scientific leadership, hands-on capabilities, and the ability to independently lead complex purification development in a fast-paced environment. The position also contributes to scalable platform development, process intensification, technology implementation, process characterization, and technology transfer. The successful candidate will work with upstream, analytical, manufacturing, and external partners, and provide technical guidance to junior scientists and engineers. The role supports safety, documentation, and quality standards.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, chemical engineering, biotechnology, or a related scientific field.
- Relevant downstream process development experience in industry: 5+ years (master’s/PhD) or 3+ years, as stated in the posting.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with CsCl and iodixanol ultracentrifugation.
- Experience with affinity chromatography.
- Experience with ion-exchange chromatography.
- Experience with TFF/UFDF operations, including concentration, diafiltration, and formulation development.
- Experience with AKTA systems and Unicorn software.
- Strong understanding of process scale-up, platform development, and purification process characterization.
- Experience analyzing purification performance and product quality attributes using relevant analytical methods.
- Experience in AAV downstream process development and capsid enrichment workflows.
- Experience with automated chromatography systems and process intensification strategies.
- Experience supporting technology transfer and manufacturing readiness activities.
- Familiarity with GMP development environments and regulatory expectations.
Responsibilities
- Lead development, optimization, and scale-up of downstream purification workflows for viral vectors.
- Design and implement purification strategies using Iodixanol and CsCl density gradient ultracentrifugation, affinity chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography (AEX/CEX), membrane chromatography, and polishing operations.
- Lead AKTA-based chromatography workflow development and process intensification initiatives.
- Develop scalable downstream platform approaches to support rapid material generation and process consistency across programs.
- Independently design experiments, analyze data, interpret results, and present technical conclusions to multifunctional teams and leadership.
- Drive troubleshooting, process characterization, and process robustness studies.
- Collaborate with upstream, analytical, manufacturing, and external partners to support program work and timelines.
- Support technology transfer, process documentation, and development reports.
- Lead development and optimization of TFF/UFDF workflows for concentration, buffer exchange, formulation, and process scalability.
- Mentor junior scientists and engineers and provide technical guidance across purification activities.
- Contribute to implementation of new purification technologies, automation tools, and continuous process improvements.
- Ensure compliance with safety, documentation, and quality standards.
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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
