Principal Scientist/ Senior Principal Scientist, Large Molecule Biology

Eli Lilly Eli Lilly · Pharma · New York, NY

This role focuses on designing and executing in vitro and ex vivo studies to advance oncology targets through the drug discovery pipeline. Responsibilities include performing biological assays, developing and validating bioanalytical methods, conducting flow cytometry, and collaborating cross-functionally. The role requires expertise in mammalian cell culture, pharmacology, and experience with biologic modalities.

What you'd actually do

  1. Execute _in vitro_ pharmacology assays to evaluate tumor cell signaling, antibody binding and internalization, cytotoxicity, effector function, cytokine release, and other cellular responses for medium- and high-throughput drug screening.
  2. Develop, validate, and run bioanalytical assays and maintain, culture, and passage multiple cell lines to support experimental objectives.
  3. Conduct multiparameter flow cytometry and other _in vitro_ and _ex vivo_ assays (e.g., receptor occupancy, receptor density, PK/PD, tumor isolation, and blood cell analysis) to characterize binding interactions and cellular responses.
  4. Oversee experimental work conducted by third-party collaborators and vendors, and partner with project and senior leaders to advance molecules through development.
  5. Present findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders through preclinical reports, team meetings, and presentations.

Skills

Required

  • B.S. in Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacology or a related field with 5+ years of relevant experience, or an M.S. in Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacology or a related field with 3+ years of relevant experience
  • mammalian cell culture techniques
  • _in vitro_ and _ex vivo_ assays
  • _in vitro_ pharmacology
  • experimental plans
  • scientific disciplines
  • written and verbal communication
  • interpersonal skills
  • biologic modalities
  • monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)
  • antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs)
  • CD3-engaging platforms
  • multimeter flow cytometry
  • panel design
  • data analysis
  • bioanalytical assays
  • research programs
  • external collaborations
  • CRO/vendor relationships
  • presenting scientific findings
  • cancer disease states

Nice to have

  • minimal supervision
  • advance portfolio programs
  • develop new methods
  • partner across disciplines
  • inform decisions on therapeutic candidates
  • medium- and high-throughput drug screening
  • receptor occupancy
  • receptor density
  • PK/PD
  • tumor isolation
  • blood cell analysis
  • characterize binding interactions
  • cellular responses
  • project and senior leaders
  • advance molecules through development
  • preclinical reports
  • team meetings
  • presentations
  • data analysis
  • minimal supervision
  • external collaborations
  • CRO/vendor relationships
  • technical and non-technical audiences
  • cancer disease states
  • indications
  • mutational status
  • tumor cell drivers

What the JD emphasized

  • 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 and 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.