Scientific Lead, Translational Sciences

Eli Lilly and Company • Us, NY

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Translational Sciences group is a central node in the Lilly Oncology drug discovery organization, with the mission to inform clinical biomarker strategy, clinical development strategy, regulatory filings, life cycle management and to reverse-translate clinical insights to next-generation drug development. Preclinical efforts aim to solidify understanding of therapeutic mechanism, indication and patient selection, dose and schedule, differentiation, resistance mechanisms, rational combination strategies, and adverse event mitigation. This is a lab-based position for an experienced molecular/cell biologist who enjoys working at the bench and applying state-of-the-art technology platforms for the development of small and large molecule therapeutics including ADCs and TCEs. As a Scientific Lead, you will operate with significant scientific independence, serving as a domain expert and key contributor to cross-functional program teams. You interpret experimental results in the context of the broader therapeutic area and target literature, and actively engages with computational, biomarker, clinical, pharmacology, legal, regulatory teams and other closely collaborating functions. Excellent communication skills and a solutions-oriented approach are essential in this dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related discipline with 2+ years of postdoctoral, research, or industry experience; OR M.S. in a relevant discipline with 8+ years of hands-on experience in a biopharmaceutical setting; OR B.S. in a relevant discipline with 10+ years of hands-on experience in a biopharmaceutical setting.
• Proven track record in developing, executing, and troubleshooting molecular and cellular assays; experience engineering cell models to modulate gene expression and interrogate cellular signal transduction pathways; experience with primary cell or immune co-culture systems is a plus
• Proficiency with core molecular biology techniques: vector engineering, cloning and mutagenesis, qRT-PCR, ELISA, MSD, Western blotting, next-generation sequencing platforms, and flow cytometry (FACS).
• Strong quantitative and statistical analysis skills; experience with curve-fitting and data analysis software (e.g., GraphPad Prism).
• Highly organized with rigorous documentation practices and the ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; effective across all organizational levels including colleagues, scientific advisors, clinical teams, and external partners.
• Demonstrated commitment to staying current with scientific advances in targeted oncology — from target identification through human clinical trials.
• Collaborative, thoughtful listener who values diverse scientific perspectives and contributes to a positive team culture.
• Self-motivated, enthusiastic, and proactive in identifying process improvements and resolving scientific or operational challenges

Nice To Haves

• experience with primary cell or immune co-culture systems
• Experience in oncogenic signaling, tumor cell metabolism and immuno-oncology is preferred; epigenetic platform analyses, inflammatory diseases are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and validate molecular and mammalian cellular assays to address mechanistic and functional questions in preclinical studies.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate compound effects, identify rational combination partners, and investigate drug resistance mechanisms.
• Translate preclinical findings into actionable biomarker hypotheses and combination strategies including suitable patient segments to advance programs into and through clinical development.
• Represent Translational Sciences in project team meetings; present data, interpret results in a therapeutic context, and drive scientific discussion.
• Excellent people and communication skills, with a positive, “can-do” attitude in a dynamic, fast-paced team focused on rigorous and cutting-edge science to deliver innovative cancer drugs and provide forward-thinking approaches to advance the Oncology portfolio.
• Prepare high-quality internal reports and contribute to external-facing documents including regulatory submissions and scientific publications.
• Proactively evaluate emerging technologies and service providers to ensure work is conducted with scientific rigor and operational efficiency.
• Continuously advance expertise in the relevant molecular pathways and therapeutic area, maintaining awareness of developments from target identification through clinical trials.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the scientific culture of the Translational Sciences team.

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