Senior Research Biologist

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. The Bioproduct Research and Development (BR&D) organization delivers innovative medicines through the development and commercialization of insulins, peptides, oligonucleotides, monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), novel therapeutic proteins, and gene therapy systems. BR&D is a multidisciplinary group with deep scientific expertise that collaborates closely with discovery and manufacturing partners. Located in Indianapolis, IN, our scientists have access to world-class pharmaceutical development and engineering capabilities.

In this role, you will join a collaborative team of scientists dedicated to advancing bioassay science in support of Lilly's growing portfolio of biotherapeutics and next-generation modalities.

This is an opportunity to work hands-on with cutting-edge technologies - including cell and gene therapy platforms, engineered cell lines, and genome editing tools - while building deep technical expertise in bioassay development, a discipline central to both product quality and regulatory success. You will partner closely with colleagues across Analytical Development, Quality Control, Manufacturing, and Regulatory Affairs, gaining broad visibility into the end-to-end product lifecycle and the chance to shape how new assay technologies are evaluated and adopted across the organization.

For scientists looking to grow their careers in bioanalytical and cell-based assay science within a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment, this role offers meaningful technical challenges alongside strong mentorship and cross-functional exposure.

Support the development, optimization, and implementation of assays to assess the biological activity of therapeutic proteins, peptides, and new modalities, including gene and cell therapies, in the laboratory.
Support the transfer of potency assays for QC release and stability testing to meet product and corresponding regulatory requirements.
Execute experiments, review and analyze data, author technical documents, and contribute to sections of regulatory submissions.
Support bioassay lab operations, including cell culturing, reagent acquisition and qualification, and instrument purchase and qualification.
Basic Requirements MS in Molecular Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Bioanalytical Chemistry or a related field with a minimum of 0-2 years of experience in the pharma/biotech industry; BS in Molecular Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Bioanalytical Chemistry, or a related field with a minimum of 2-3 years of experience in the pharma/biotech industry
Hands-on experience executing potency assays, such as binding assays (e.g., 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 Experience with genome editing techniques (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9, HDR, NHEJ), including design, execution, and confirmation of edits via molecular characterization
Experience with core molecular biology techniques, including PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, plasmid preparation, and sequencing
Understanding of GMP quality systems
Experience with statistical analysis of bioassays using software such as SoftMax Pro, PLA 2.0, or JMP (SAS)
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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. 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).

Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). pension; 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; employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).