Senior Biologist

Eli Lilly and Company • Us, IN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Bioproduct Research and Development (BR&D) organization delivers innovative medicines through the development and commercialization of insulins, peptides, oligonucleotides, monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), novel therapeutic proteins, and gene therapy systems. BR&D is a multidisciplinary group with deep scientific expertise that collaborates closely with discovery and manufacturing partners. Located in Indianapolis, IN, our scientists have access to world-class pharmaceutical development and engineering capabilities. In this role, you will join a collaborative team of scientists dedicated to advancing bioassay science in support of Lilly's growing portfolio of biotherapeutics and next-generation modalities. You will play a critical role in ensuring that the potency and biological activity of Lilly's medicines are accurately characterized from early development through commercialization, directly supporting patient access to safe and effective therapies. This is an opportunity to work hands-on with cutting-edge technologies — including cell and gene therapy platforms, engineered cell lines, and genome editing tools — while building deep technical expertise in bioassay development, a discipline central to both product quality and regulatory success. You will partner closely with colleagues across Analytical Development, Quality Control, Manufacturing, and Regulatory Affairs, gaining broad visibility into the end-to-end product lifecycle and the chance to shape how new assay technologies are evaluated and adopted across the organization. For scientists looking to grow their careers in bioanalytical and cell-based assay science within a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment, this role offers meaningful technical challenges alongside strong mentorship and cross-functional exposure.

Requirements

• MS in Molecular Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Bioanalytical Chemistry or a related field with a minimum of 0–2 years of experience in the pharma/biotech industry; or BS in Molecular Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Bioanalytical Chemistry, or a related field with a minimum of 2–3 years of experience in the pharma/biotech industry
• Hands-on experience executing potency assays, such as binding assays (e.g., ELISA, SPR) and/or cell-based assays (e.g., luciferase reporter assays)
• Proficiency in mammalian cell culture techniques, including maintenance of adherent and suspension cell lines, passaging, and cryopreservation
• Experience working with engineered cell lines (e.g., stable reporter lines, knockout or knock-in lines) commonly used in bioassay development and qualification
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage workload in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• 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 genome editing techniques (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9, HDR, NHEJ), including design, execution, and confirmation of edits via molecular characterization
• Experience with core molecular biology techniques, including PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, plasmid preparation, and sequencing
• Understanding of GMP quality systems
• Knowledge of FDA/EMA regulations governing potency assay development
• Experience with statistical analysis of bioassays using software such as SoftMax Pro, PLA 2.0, or JMP (SAS)

Responsibilities

• Support the development, optimization, and implementation of assays to assess the biological activity of therapeutic proteins, peptides, and new modalities, including gene and cell therapies, in the laboratory.
• Support the transfer of potency assays for QC release and stability testing to meet product and corresponding regulatory requirements.
• Execute experiments, review and analyze data, author technical documents, and contribute to sections of regulatory submissions.
• Support bioassay lab operations, including cell culturing, reagent acquisition and qualification, and instrument purchase and qualification.
• Coordinate and collaborate with internal and external partners as part of cross-functional teams.
• Evaluate and assess emerging technologies suitable for bioassay development.

Benefits

• company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance)
• 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
• 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