Advisor/sr. Advisor - Molecular Biology, Cell Culture Upstream Process Development

Eli Lilly Eli Lilly · Pharma · Indianapolis, IN

This role focuses on upstream process development for bioproducts, including cell line development, cell culture optimization, process robustness, and regulatory submissions within a healthcare/pharmaceutical context.

What you'd actually do

  1. Design, execute and interpret appropriate upstream development experiments for generation of bioproduct active pharmaceutical ingredients including protein intermediates for bioconjugation.
  2. Provide support including hands-on experiments for troubleshooting technical issues and driving innovation projects with novel ideas and technologies.
  3. Participate in cross-functional process development teams and effectively collaborate with other groups in BR&D, Discovery, Technical services for Manufacturing and Manufacturing.
  4. Support transfer of cell culture processes to pilot plant and manufacturing sites.
  5. Author technical reports and regulatory documents.

Skills

Required

  • PhD in Microbiology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biology, Chemical Engineer, or related field, or BS with >12 years, or MS with >8 years of relevant industrial experience.
  • Knowledge of cell biology, cell culture, molecular biology with an emphasis on recombinant protein expression.
  • General knowledge and understanding of the scaling of upstream processes, and potential issues and mitigation strategies.
  • Extensive experience with designing experiments, generating data, interpreting results, and documenting the work independently.
  • Ability to work well in a team environment incorporating a variety of functional relationships and desire to be a point of accountability.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills, self-management, task planning and organization.

Nice to have

  • Solid molecular biology background, including understanding of cell line development, gene expression, and vector design is a plus.
  • Hands-on experience with cell line generation, fed-batch and/or perfusion cell culture processes, bioreactor control strategies, and process parameter optimization.
  • Experience with integrating automation and AI tools to enhance process development and data management is a plus.
  • Demonstrated strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
  • Work productively in an interdisciplinary team environment.

What the JD emphasized

  • Ensure work is aligned with all relevant Development Quality, Regulatory, HSE, GLP and GMP requirements.