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.
Scientist / Sr Principal, Bioanalytical Research
**Location: **Indianapolis, IN
**Function: **iADMET-BAR
Lilly's iADMET-BAR (Investigative ADMET, Toxicology, and Bioanalytical Research) is seeking an experienced scientist to support discovery and early development programs focused on small molecule therapeutics. The role encompasses quantitative bioanalysis, metabolite identification, and biotransformation characterization across diverse chemical scaffolds.
This is an individual-contributor role responsible for shaping bioanalytical strategy at the project level and delivering high-impact mass spectrometry data to advance small molecule candidates through development. The position emphasizes method development, structural elucidation, and cross-functional scientific partnership.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and validate quantitative LC-MS/MS bioanalytical methods for small molecule drug candidates in biological matrices (plasma, tissue, urine, bile).
- Perform metabolite identification (Met-ID) studies using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), integrating data from in vitro and in vivo systems to characterize biotransformation pathways.
- Serve as the bioanalytical lead on discovery programs, partnering closely with medicinal chemistry, DMPK, and toxicology teams to inform compound optimization and candidate selection.
- Apply MS-informatics tools for automated data processing, spectral interpretation, and metabolite structure elucidation.
- Interpret complex MS datasets and communicate clear, actionable scientific insights to project teams and leadership.
- Mentor junior scientists and promote best practices in bioanalysis, data quality, and method development.
Must Have Qualifications
- BS with 7+ years in bioanalytical experience.
- Experience with quantitative LC-MS/MS method development for small molecules, including sample preparation optimization, matrix effect evaluation, and assay validation.
- Experience with high-resolution mass spectrometry (Orbitrap, QTOF) for metabolite identification and structural characterization.
- Experience with small molecule ADME principles and drug metabolism pathways.
- 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.
Preferred Qualifications
- MS with 5+ years of relevant bioanalytical experience.
- Hands-on expertise in quantitative LC-MS/MS method development for small molecules, including sample preparation optimization, matrix effect evaluation, and assay validation.
- Excellent scientific communication, problem-solving, and project-level collaboration skillsExperience with MS-informatics tools such as Compound Discoverer, MassMetaSite, MetaSite, or Metabolynx for automated metabolite detection and structure prediction.
- Proficiency with triple quadrupole (QQQ) LC-MS/MS platforms (e.g., Sciex, Waters, Agilent) for high-throughput quantitative bioanalysis.
- Familiarity with in vitro metabolism systems (microsomes, hepatocytes, S9 fractions) and reaction phenotyping approaches.
- Experience supporting regulatory submissions (IND-enabling studies, DDI assessments) with bioanalytical data packages.
- Knowledge of reactive metabolite trapping experiments and bioactivation risk assessment.
Added Advantage
- Experience supporting New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) studies, including bioanalysis of samples from organ-on-chip, 3D cell culture, or microphysiological systems.
- Experience with quantitative mass spectrometry imaging platforms (MALDI-MSI, DESI, IR-MALDESI) for spatial distribution studies.
- Experience with ICP-MS for elemental analysis and quantitation of metal-containing therapeutics.
- Exposure to radioligand therapeutic (RLT) bioanalysis, including multi-platform strategies integrating LC-MS, ICP-MS, and radio-HPLC.
Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form (https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.
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Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is
$132,000 - $193,600
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).Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly’s compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.
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