Protein Biochemist - Associate / Senior Associate Scientist

Job ID: R-111156Company: LillyLocation: Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of AmericaJob Type: Full TimeCategory: Research & DevelopmentPosted Date: 2026-09-02At Lilly, the work is demanding because patients are waiting. We unite caring with discovery to help make life better for people around the world, knowing that every decision, every detail, and every day matters. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, our over 50,000 employees around the globe take on complex challenges to discover and deliver life-changing medicines, strengthen how health is understood and managed, and support the communities we serve. This is hard, urgent, selfless work—but it’s work worth doing. If you’re driven by purpose and ready to bring your best to work that truly matters for patients, we invite you to join us. Lilly's Biotechnology Discovery Research (BioTDR) organization has a track record of delivering novel biotherapeutic medicines into clinical research across key areas of unmet medical need, including diabetes, oncology, immunology, and neuroscience. Our diverse team is committed to making a meaningful impact by developing therapies that transform lives.Position Summary:The Associate / Senior Associate Scientist will join the Lead Optimization Team within the BioTDR organization, based in Indianapolis. Our team generates, characterizes, and optimizes biotherapeutics from lead generation through lead optimization and preclinical development. In this role, you will work closely with cross-functional teams to understand and address the properties of protein reagents and potential biotherapeutics, and to help turn innovative ideas into clinical candidates.We are looking for a motivated and creative scientist with a background in protein design and engineering. You will apply expertise in protein expression, purification, and characterization to support the delivery of novel medicines to patients. You will also be encouraged to develop your own ideas and contribute them to the broader group, designing your own experiments while collaborating across the organization to advance research programs. This role offers a meaningful opportunity to build workflows that support both foundational research and translational medicine.Responsibilities:Express, purify (ÄKTA), and characterize (HPLC) proteins and antibodies using a variety of biochemical and biophysical techniques (Biacore) to identify and address issues related to the physicochemical properties of protein reagents and potential biotherapeuticsPerform analytical characterization of purified proteins and antibodiesCharacterize protein structure, stability, and other critical quality attributes using a range of biochemical and biophysical approachesCharacterize protein–protein interactionsCollaborate within multifunctional teams, and coordinate and present experimental data and results at team meetingsIndependently design experiments, generate data, interpret results, and document your workCommunicate clearly in both spoken and written form, with strong self-management, task planning, and organizationBasic Requirements:BS or MS degree in biochemistry, chemical/biomedical engineering, biotechnology, molecular biology, protein chemistry or related STEM field with at least 2 years (with MS) and at least 4 years (with BS) of expression characterization experienceAdditional Preferences:Strong proficiency in protein biochemistry, protein design and engineering, and knowledge of protein structure–function relationships, along with experience in biochemical analysesHands-on multi-mode chromatography experience on ÄKTA systems, including affinity (Protein A, CH1, IMAC, light-chain/VH-domain capture), ion exchange, HIC, and preparative SEC, plus method development for resolving closely related product speciesAnalytical characterization of proteins and antibodies by aSEC, CE-SDS, icIEF, and LC-MS (intact, reduced, and subunit-level), with the ability to interpret mass spectra for identity, purity, and post-translational modificationsBiophysical and binding characterization by SPR (Biacore), light scattering, DSF/DSC, and ITC, including protein–protein interaction kinetics and thermodynamic analysisFamiliarity with the generation and characterization of protein/antibody conjugates (ADCs), including site-specific conjugation approaches and DAR determinationDemonstrated ability to design experiments independently, interpret and document results carefully, and present data clearly to cross-functional project teamsAdditional Information:Physical Demands / Travel:The physical demands of this job are consistent with a lab environment. Travel < 5%.The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.Work Environment:This position's work environment is a laboratory environment.The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the role and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.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 () 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.Lilly is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia (AMECA), Black Employees at Lilly (View email address on click.appcast.io), Chinese Culture Network (CCN), EnAble, Evolve, Lilly Indian Network (LIN), Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), Pride (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN) and Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL).Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is$81,000 - $148,500Full-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.#WeAreLillySkillsprotein expressionprotein purificationprotein characterizationprotein structure analysisprotein–antibody conjugationaffinity chromatographyion exchange chromatographyhicpreparative secanalytical mass spectrometryce-sdsicieflc-ms intactlc-ms reducedlc-ms subunitbiacoreprotein–protein interaction analysisbiophysical characterizationbinding characterisationprotein–protein interaction kineticsthermodynamic analysismethod developmentexperiment designdata interpretationcross-functional collaborationdata presentationtask planningself-management