Scientific Lead, Discovery Oncology

Eli Lilly and Company • San Francisco, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an outstanding scientist with a proven track record of scientific accomplishment to join our dynamic discovery oncology team in South San Francisco. You will support lab-based research projects aimed at identifying and validating novel druggable targets across small molecules and biologic platforms, with a focus on understanding cancer-relevant signal transduction pathways. The ideal candidate brings hands-on expertise studying signal transduction mechanisms in cancer cells, a demonstrated ability to drive projects forward independently, and strong evidence of scientific excellence through publications or prior contributions to drug discovery. You will thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment where innovation and scientific rigor drive success. This role offers significant career growth potential within a world-leading pharmaceutical organization.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in biology, cancer biology, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related discipline, with 5+ years of hands-on lab-based experience
• Strong background in cancer biology with hands-on experience studying signal transduction pathways, protein interactions, or cancer cell biology mechanisms
• Proven track record of scientific excellence through peer-reviewed publications, successful project outcomes, or contributions to drug discovery/target validation efforts
• Hands-on experience designing, executing, and interpreting proof-of-concept experiments and early-stage projects to validate scientific hypotheses
• Expertise in routine molecular and cellular biology techniques
• Proficiency with cell culture, cell-based assays, and data analysis
• Excellent collaborative and interpersonal skills to work with cross-functional teams and independently drive projects forward
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated with strong documentation skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent projects effectively
• Outstanding communication, writing, and presentation skills are a must

Nice To Haves

• Strong background in cancer biology with hands-on experience studying signal transduction pathways, protein interactions, or cancer cell biology mechanisms
• Proven track record of scientific excellence through peer-reviewed publications, successful project outcomes, or contributions to drug discovery/target validation efforts
• Hands-on experience designing, executing, and interpreting proof-of-concept experiments and early-stage projects to validate scientific hypotheses
• Expertise in routine molecular and cellular biology techniques
• Proficiency with cell culture, cell-based assays, and data analysis
• Excellent collaborative and interpersonal skills to work with cross-functional teams and independently drive projects forward
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated with strong documentation skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent projects effectively
• Outstanding communication, writing, and presentation skills are a must
• Experience with gene editing technologies (CRISPR, TALEN, or similar)
• High-throughput or high-content screening capability
• Familiarity with multi-omics data analysis or bioinformatics tools
• Experience in target validation or early drug discovery
• Exposure to oncology biology or cancer cell models
• Experience in antibody generation, characterization, or development
• Familiarity with working on small molecule and/or biologic drug development projects
• Strong presentation skills and experience communicating with senior stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Maintain and generate diverse mammalian cell models for target validation studies
• Design and establish novel cellular assays to validate targets and support hit-to-lead progression
• Execute and optimize high-throughput screening assays to support compound evaluation
• Troubleshoot experimental challenges systematically and iteratively improve assay performance
• Investigate cancer-relevant signal transduction pathways and protein interactions to support target validation
• Apply multi-omics approaches (proteomics, genomics, transcriptomics) to decipher mechanisms of action and identify pharmacodynamic biomarkers
• Analyze, interpret, and communicate complex scientific data to cross-functional teams
• Generate data-driven insights to support go/no-go decision-making on projects
• Learn and implement new techniques and technologies to advance ongoing discoveries
• Actively contribute to team discussions and propose experimental strategies
• Collaborate effectively across functional groups (chemistry, bioinformatics, translational research) to accelerate project progression
• Maintain excellent scientific documentation and organize data for regulatory compliance

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