Director – Molecular Biomarkers

Lilly • Indianapolis, IN

2d • $177,000 - $308,000

About The Position

The Director – Molecular Biomarkers serves as the senior scientific and technical resource and laboratory operations lead for the Cardiometabolic Translation & Biomarker Research (CTBR) molecular biomarker laboratory at Lilly’s Corporate Center in Indianapolis. The role supports the high-quality execution of preclinical and clinical biomarker studies, the day-to-day operation and expansion of routine assays, and the mentoring and development of laboratory staff. It coordinates execution across clinical chemistry, mass spectrometry, and multiplex immunoassay capabilities and works with adjacent immunohistochemistry, morphological assessment, and advanced method development groups.

The position provides scientific and operational leadership for a multi-capability laboratory, helping define analytical approaches with discovery biologists and clinical scientists. It manages the transition of assays and methods into routine operations, supports compliant and traceable laboratory practices, and provides scientific direction for biomarker strategies relevant to cardiometabolic disease. The role also promotes standardization and integration of analytical and data capabilities to generate robust biological insight.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, biology, chemical biology, clinical/laboratory science, or a related scientific field.
• At least 5 years of relevant laboratory research experience in a bioanalytical, biomarker, or clinical laboratory setting.
• Demonstrated leadership of people, projects, or laboratory operations.

Nice To Haves

• Direct experience with clinical chemistry analyzers such as Roche Cobas and/or multiplex immunoassay platforms such as MSD, Luminex, or Olink.
• Hands-on mastery of one or more analytical platforms, such as LC-MS/MS or GC-MS for small molecules, or ELISA/MSD and protein LC-MS for large molecules.
• Working knowledge of cardiometabolic disease biology, including diabetes, obesity, and related complications, and relevant animal models.
• Experience in a compliance-focused or regulated environment, such as GLP, GCP, GCLP, or CLIA.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate day-to-day operational planning and execution of preclinical and clinical biomarker studies across laboratory capabilities.
• Oversee sample logistics, chain-of-custody, inventory, and laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
• Manage and scale routine molecular laboratory capabilities, including taking on assays and methods after development is transferred into operations.
• Plan, track, and deliver work against timelines, deliverables, and performance metrics.
• Mentor, develop, and help lead laboratory scientists and associates.
• Support workforce and capacity planning, workload balancing, scheduling, and prioritization; help shape team roles and development paths.
• Coordinate work across analytical capabilities and collaborate with groups supporting immunohistochemistry, morphological assessments, and advanced method development.
• Foster a collaborative, standardized, safety-conscious culture, and provide mentoring and feedback.
• Support biomarker work through internal laboratories or external vendors in line with appropriate quality expectations, including clinical studies subject to GCP/GCLP/CLIA requirements.
• Contribute to clear SOPs, quality-control strategies, rigorous data review, and traceable documentation.
• Provide scientific and technical leadership for qualification and troubleshooting of clinical chemistry and pathology methods and assays, including Roche Cobas analyzers, and other multiplex assay platforms.
• Provide scientific direction for the development, qualification, validation, and transfer of targeted quantitative assays in biological matrices, including small- and large-molecule assays.
• Serve as a senior scientific troubleshooting resource for the laboratory.
• Develop and implement preclinical and clinical biomarker strategies to inform mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety of Lilly assets.
• Interpret biomarker data in cardiometabolic physiological and pathophysiological contexts and advise project teams on clinically meaningful translational opportunities.
• Promote standardized laboratory processes and evaluate and integrate analytical tools and platforms appropriate to scientific questions.
• Strengthen analysis, mining, and integration of laboratory data, applying computational and AI approaches where valuable.

Benefits

• Company bonus eligibility, 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: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree