Scientist - Sample Management

Lilly • Louisville, CO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.
Position Summary:
This Scientist is responsible for supporting the Drug Discovery environment by developing and maintaining operations that facilitate scaling sample preparation, organization and tracking, data entry, safety procedures, and other duties as assigned. This role requires strong information management abilities and effective communication skills to ensure clear sharing and interpretation of information within the Discovery team. The focus of this role will be operationalizing and enhancing Sample Management, which involves building infrastructure for maintaining and distributing various sample types and responding to evolving scientific needs while improving operational efficiency.
The position involves close collaboration with leadership and cross-functional teams to execute and develop processes related to inventory storage, sample preparation, and logistics for both internal and external assays. Responsibilities include compound management across different locations, departments, and contract research organizations (CROs). The selected candidate should be motivated, detail-oriented, and able to work effectively in dynamic environments. They are expected to identify and introduce process improvements and communicate efficiently to assist in meeting team objectives.

Requirements

• BS/MS in chemical, biological, engineering sciences, or related field with hands-on lab experience in academia or industry.
• Proven experience with laboratory automation and instrumentation relevant to compound management (e.g., balances, liquid handlers, storage systems).
• 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

• Experience with library preparation and management to support high throughput screening activities.
• Familiarity with automation platforms such as Beckman Echo, Tecan, High Res Biosystems, and automated storage systems (Hamilton, Azenta).
• Demonstrated ability to manage inventories of neat and solubilized samples.
• Proficiency with LIMS or similar inventory/request database systems.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with comfort engaging across biology, medicinal chemistry, and bioassay disciplines.
• Experience with automation control software (e.g., Cellario, Green Button Go).
• Knowledge of logistics for research materials.
• Experience with programming or other computational tools in a research environment

Responsibilities

• Manage and optimize complex compound library systems, leveraging cross-functional and external networks to enhance research and development capabilities.
• Design and execute plate preparation for weekly SAR screening using advanced laboratory robotics systems, demonstrating technical leadership and innovation.
• Collaborate closely with global sample management network to efficiently leverage capabilities across geographies.
• Lead and enhance workflows for sample storage, manual neat/weigh operations, liquid handling, and delivery to both internal and external stakeholders, ensuring high standards of scientific excellence and integrity.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to software, hardware, and sample dispensing, applying creative problem-solving skills and technical expertise.
• Develop, test, and validate updates to software, hardware, and procedures, proactively recommending and implementing usability and efficiency improvements to drive scientific progress.
• Promote and uphold a culture of safety, ensuring consistent adherence to safety protocols and fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment.
• Serve as a steward for both physical inventory and associated data outputs, ensuring data integrity and accuracy.
• Maintain a customer-focused mindset and a flexible approach to evolving priorities, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
• Provide cross-functional support to the Discovery Team and other groups as needed, actively mentoring and coaching diverse talent within the organization.

Benefits

• Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for 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; and 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: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees