Discovery Oncology Scientific Lead

Eli Lilly and Company • San Francisco, CA

20h • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced scientist to join our Discovery Oncology biology team in South San Francisco, focused on advancing next-generation genetic medicine technologies for oncology applications. The Scientific Lead will be responsible for creating and executing strategies toward the discovery and credentialing of oncology targets enabled by new therapeutic modalities, through close collaboration with other discovery and translational functions. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of oncogenic pathways and experience in designing experiments to evaluate molecular interactions and cellular pathways. The Scientific Lead, Discovery Oncology will be part of a multi-disciplinary effort focused on bringing forward innovative cancer drug therapy.

Requirements

• PhD in immunology, cancer biology, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline with all completed requirements by August 2026
• 5+ years of lab-based experience (including graduate lab work)

Nice To Haves

• Strong understanding of oncogenic and/or immune signaling pathways, with demonstrated ability to design experiments that interrogate molecular mechanism in primary or engineered cell systems
• Hands-on experience with gene perturbation platforms — including CRISPR-based gene editing and RNA interference (siRNA, shRNA)
• Experience with multi-color flow cytometry, including panel design and analysis
• Experience with general molecular biology techniques (PCR, cloning, Western blot)
• Experience designing and executing in vivo experiments, including study design, model selection, and interpretation of pharmacodynamic and efficacy endpoints
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated, with strong presentation and documentation skills
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, vendors, scientific advisors, and staff at all levels
• Background in immunology and/or immuno-oncology, immune cell engineering, or tumor immune microenvironment
• Familiarity with in vivo gene delivery and modification approaches, including lipid nanoparticles, viral vectors (lentivirus, AAV), or related platforms
• Prior experience working with emerging therapeutic modalities such as oligonucleotide conjugates, mRNA therapeutics, or cell therapies
• Experience designing and executing functional or genetic screens, including hit triage, deconvolution, and downstream validation strategies

Responsibilities

• Conceive and execute experiments for target discovery, validation, and credentialing across emerging therapeutic modalities — including, but not limited to, oligonucleotide conjugates, lipid nanoparticles, and engineered cell therapies
• Interrogate mechanism of action, biomarkers of response, and mechanisms of resistance or sensitivity for genetic medicine modalities applied to oncology
• Design and execute functional and genetic perturbation experiments to nominate and credential targets, leveraging gene editing, RNA interference, and primary or engineered cell systems as appropriate
• Analyze, interpret, and present data clearly to the team and broader organization, and contribute to cross-functional program strategy
• Actively participate in group discussions and collaborate with colleagues across discovery, translational, and external partner functions
• Contribute to a safe, efficient, and rigorous workplace

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
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree