Associate Chemist / Biochemist

Job ID: R-107671Company: LillyLocation: Pasadena, California, United States of AmericaJob Type: Full TimeCategory: Research & DevelopmentPosted Date: 2026-08-06At 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. Protomer is a recently -acquired, wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Co. based in Pasadena, CA. The team operates as a group within Lilly Research Laboratories (LRL). LRL is focused on the discovery and development of new therapeutics for the treatment of a plethora of diseases. The scientists in LRL work cross-functionally between therapeutic target area disciplines, including Diabetes, Heart Failure, Renal, Neuroscience, ASCVD, Incretins and Insulins.The team at Protomer is working on responsive biotherapeutics that can be controlled using small molecule modulators. Protomer team and Research Labs are based in Pasadena, CA. We are currently expanding the team to advance several programs, including glucose sensing insulins (GSIs), and are looking for a research associate with experience in biochemistry, synthesis, bioconjugations, and purification/characterization of therapeutic compounds of interest.The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, biology, or a related field, as well as in-depth understanding of basic biochemistry and chemistry techniques and experience with development, validation, and implementation of experiments in a biomedical research setting.The applicant must be a fast-learning, task-oriented, and self-motivated person who can perform detailed work with minimal supervision. A requirement of this role is to work well as a great teammate in a fast-paced research setting. The applicant will be responsible for assisting Protomer’s senior chemists with synthesis, bioconjugation, purification, and characterization of compounds of interest. The successful candidate will actively engage and present in team meetings and is expected to contribute to the team’s progress and success.Responsibilities:Work closely with senior scientist to accomplish team objectives and research milestonesPurify and characterize compounds using HPLC, FPLC, and various biochemical methodsIntroduce and maintain innovative technologies with respect to peptide therapeutics, including developing and implementing assays and maintaining critical instruments.Perform data analysis. Critically evaluate data and results and troubleshoot experiments.Demonstrable ability to function independently, work within a team-oriented lab environment, and work within cross-functional project teams.Maintain accurate record keeping, perform independent data analysis, and report data in written and oral formats and retain excellent electronic lab notes.Perform work in compliance with Lilly Research Policies.Basic Qualifications:Undergraduate degree in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering with working knowledge of standard biochemistry or chemistry lab techniques.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.Additional Skills/Preferences:Position is based onsite full-time in our Pasadena, CA office; candidate will be expected to work on site 5 days/weekAcademic or industry research experienceProven ability to work in a flexible, team-oriented environment.Experience with standard biochemistry techniques.Strong communication skills and experience presenting data in a team environment.Strong relationship-building and interaction skills with peers and management.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$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.#WeAreLillySkillshplcbioconjugationpurificationfplcbiochemical assaysdata analysistherapeutic compound characterizationpeptide therapeuticsinstrument maintenanceexperimental designcross-functional collaborationteamworkscientific presentationrecord keepingindependent worktroubleshootingchemical engineeringbiochemistrylaboratory compliance