Sr. Scientist - Viral Vector Expression (Biotechnology Discovery Research)

Eli Lilly and Company • San Diego, CA

2d • $71,250 - $187,000

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. The Biotechnology Discovery Research Division at LBC-San Diego, responsible for generating, characterizing, and optimizing biotherapeutics from lead generation through lead optimization and preclinical development is hiring. We support cross-disciplinary efforts to engineer innovative biotherapeutics that treat metabolic, autoimmune, and neurologic diseases. Join our team of scientists working to improve lives of patients around the world. We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist to join our group, supporting AAV and Lentiviral vector generation workflows. This role will primarily involve transfection-based viral production in mammalian systems and plasmid construction, contributing to preclinical research programs for cell reprogramming. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in cell culture, transfection techniques, and molecular/cell biology, with a passion for working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of post-BS or MS experience in Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Candidates should have a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in an academic, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical setting.
• Cell Culture Expertise: Proficient in mammalian cell culture, including aseptic maintenance of both adherent and suspension HEK293 systems in BSL-2 environments
• Transfection Skills: Hands-on experience with transfection methods such as PEI-mediated, lipofection, or electroporation-based techniques.
• Molecular Cloning: Skilled in workflows including restriction digestion, ligation, Gibson assembly, bacterial transformation, and plasmid preparation.
• Analytical & QC Assays: Familiar with techniques such as qPCR, ELISA, and Western blot for viral vector characterization.
• Software Proficiency: Competent in molecular biology tools (e.g., Benchling, SnapGene) for DNA construct design and sequence analysis.
• Professional Competencies: Strong organizational, documentation, and communication skills; attention to detail and data integrity; collaborative mindset in cross-functional environments.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with viral vector systems (AAV or Lentivirus) is a plus but not required.
• Experience with advanced vector characterization assays, such as digital PCR (dPCR) or AlphaLISA.
• Experience with flow cytometry (FACS) for transduction analysis.

Responsibilities

• Perform mammalian cell culture (adherent and suspension HEK293 systems) and execute transfection protocols for AAV and Lentiviral vector production.
• Support plasmid construction and preparation, including cloning (ligation, Gibson assembly, transformation) and sequence verification.
• Conduct basic QC and analytical assays (qPCR, Western blot, ELISA) to assess vector quality and cell-based responses.
• Maintain accurate documentation of all experimental procedures and results in electronic lab notebooks (eLN) and contribute to SOP development.
• Collaborate with purification and analytical teams to ensure timely generation of high-quality viral materials for research programs.
• Participate in troubleshooting and process optimization to improve vector yield, quality, and reproducibility.

Benefits

• Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance).
• 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