Principle Scientist Investigative Toxicology

Eli Lilly and Company • Indianapolis, IN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Eli Lilly is seeking a motivated and meticulous scientist to join the Investigative Toxicology team. This is a hands-on laboratory role focused on generating high-quality in vitro data to support mechanism-based toxicology investigations and candidate selection across the drug discovery pipeline. The successful candidate will work closely with experienced toxicologists and cross-functional partners to implement in vitro assays involving mammalian cell culture, biochemical techniques, and molecular/cell biology methods, while developing a strong foundation in investigative toxicology.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s with 5 years or Master’s degree with 3 years experience in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Toxicology, or a related scientific discipline
• Experience with mammalian cell culture obtained through academic research, industry experience, or internships.
• Experience with biochemical and molecular biology techniques, such as Western blotting, qPCR, cell-based assays, and fluorescence/confocal microscopy.
• Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated ability to follow protocols, troubleshoot routine experiments, and work independently with appropriate supervision.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to maintain clear experimental records.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for detailing and discussing experimental results.
• Prior experience in an industry or CRO laboratory environment.
• Exposure to toxicology, pharmacology, or drug discovery research.
• Familiarity with routine and emerging in vitro models used in safety assessment.
• Experience working in a highly collaborative, team-based research setting.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine mammalian cell culture, including maintenance, expansion, and experimental execution using established cell lines and sophisticated cellular systems.
• Implement established biochemical, molecular, and cellular assays to support mechanistic investigation of potential toxicities, including techniques such as protein and gene expression analysis (e.g., Western blotting, qPCR), ELISAs, microscopy‑based assays, and cell‑based functional assays.
• Support non-GLP investigative toxicology studies by generating, documenting, and organizing high-quality in vitro data for interpretation by experienced scientists.
• Contribute to studies evaluating organ-specific toxicities (e.g., gastrointestinal, hematopoietic, dermal, or other target-relevant systems) using cell-based and emerging in vitro models.
• Maintain accurate electronic laboratory notebooks, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and compliance with internal standards.
• Assist with data analysis, figure preparation, and summarization of results for internal reports, presentations, and team discussions.
• Collaborate with internal scientists and, when appropriate, support internally led collaborations with external CRO partners.
• Follow all laboratory safety, quality, and compliance guidelines, contributing to a safe and organized laboratory environment.

Benefits

• company bonus
• comprehensive benefit program
• 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
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees