Principal Engineer, Downstream Processing

Lilly • Boston, MA

5d • $112,500 - $165,000 • Onsite

About The Position

To support our growing genetic medicines pipeline, we are seeking to expand expertise of our research-grade pilot manufacturing team at Lilly's Harborside location in Boston, MA. The Principal Engineer, Downstream Processing will provide direct support for the tech transfer of small-scale purification conditions to manufacturing scale (e.g., 250L-derived downstream train). This role will provide expertise required for downstream analyses — including yield and recovery calculations across unit operations, chromatogram interpretation (e.g., peak shape, resolution, area under the curve), filtration performance metrics (e.g., flux decay, TMP trends, membrane fouling indicators) and overall root cause troubleshooting within and between unit operations. This role will be integral in defining the laboratory's downstream technical agenda. The successful applicant will have deep technical expertise in their areas of responsibility and demonstrate strong data-driven problem-solving capabilities.

Requirements

• BS degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or similar discipline with at least 5 years of relevant experience in downstream scale-up/scale-down process development.
• MS degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or similar discipline with at least 3 years of relevant experience in downstream scale-up/scale-down process development.
• Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or visas for this role, including but not limited to F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, J-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, or L-1.

Nice To Haves

• Direct experience with purification of recombinant AAV and/or lentivirus.
• Hands-on experience with mammalian and/or insect cell derived feed streams.
• Exposure to process automation and single-use technologies.
• Working knowledge of Unicorn software.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and statistical analysis software (e.g., JMP).
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and excited to take on new challenges.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to participate in and facilitate decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Possess in-depth knowledge and demonstrated technical capability with downstream unit operations including depth filtration, multiple chromatography modes (e.g., affinity, ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction), ultracentrifugation, and tangential flow filtration (TFF).
• Collaborate with early and late-phase development organizations to ensure well-understood and robust processes are transferred.
• Maintain accurate records and interpret data to provide detailed information and analyses.
• Troubleshoot issues as they occur and identify trends and opportunities to reduce process variability and improve product recovery and quality.
• Create and review documents including laboratory SOPs, material specifications, protocols, and work instructions.
• Flexibility to accept new projects, prioritizations, and challenges.

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: Principal