Principal Biologist - Cutaneous Biology

Job ID: R-105867Company: LillyLocation: San Diego, California, United States of AmericaJob Type: Full TimeCategory: Research & DevelopmentPosted Date: 2026-08-04At 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. 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 39,000 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 Immunology research group focuses on discovering innovative biotherapeutic medicines treating autoimmune diseases and related complicationsPosition Overview:We are seeking a highly motivated and dedicated scientist with knowledge and experience of cellular and molecular biology, who also shares our passion to help patients live with higher quality of life. You will report to a Ph.D senior scientist in the group and work in a highly team-oriented and collaborative environment. The focus of the work will be to independently design, develop and validate biological assays to test and analyze molecule activities, investigate the mechanism of action of biological drugs, evaluate performance in various animal disease models, and ultimately to deliver preclinical evidence for future clinical testingKey ResponsibilitiesWith minimal guidance, independently develops preclinical (ie. in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo) translational models of various skin and/or hair disorders using state-of-the-art methodologiesEvaluates therapeutic candidates in preclinical models for evidence of potential efficacy in order to advance for future clinical testingIndependently analyzes, interprets, and presents experimental dataAdherence to good research practices and laboratory e-notebook maintenanceMinimum qualifications: B.S (with 5-8 years experience) or M.S. (with 3-5 years experience) in biology, molecular and cellular immunology or a related biological areaExperience in an academic institute or pharmaceutical industry preferredQualified candidates must be legally authorized to be employed in the United States. Lilly does not anticipate providing sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B or TN status) for this employment positionAdditional Preferences Extensive research experience in skin and hair biology particularly working with 3D skin/hair modelsUnderstand and have experience with in vivo skin quality and hair growth models.Experience/familiarity with histology/IF, transcriptomics, proteomics, and flow cytometry methodsLilly 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 us.fitly.work), 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$71,250 - $187,000Full-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.#WeAreLillySkillscellular and molecular biologybiological assay developmenttranslational modelspreclinical researchexperimental data analysisgood research practicesanimal disease modelstranslational researchexperimental designifhtranscriptomicsproteomicsflow cytometryin vivo modelshair biology3d skin modelshistologydata interpretationcollaborationscientific presentation