Position:The Biologics Automation and High-throughput Technologies Group at the Lilly Biotechnology Center in San Diego is seeking a versatile Associate Scientist to accelerate early drug discovery through innovative protein expression and purification technologies. Join our dynamic team where you'll leverage state-of-the-art automated systems to drive breakthrough therapeutics from concept to reality.
In this role, you will be at the forefront of high-throughput biologics production, directly impacting the speed and success of our drug discovery pipeline.
Key Objectives/Deliverables:- Mammalian cell line maintenance, including culture expansion, harvesting, and cryopreservation
- Master complex integrated liquid handling platforms to execute high-throughput transfections and plate-based purifications (protein A/G/HIS capture)
- Ensure scientific rigor through reagent preparation and validation, meticulous process documentation, QC execution, and expression performance monitoring
- Serve as a technical liaison between automation teams, requestors, and collaborators to optimize biological outcomes and resolve process challenges
- Drive improvement by identifying workflow bottlenecks, implementing innovative solutions, and expanding platform capabilities through independent initiative and collaborative partnerships
- Partner with antibody discovery, protein engineering, and purification teams across sites to share insights, accelerate learning, and anticipate evolving business needs
Basic Qualifications- Bachelor's Degree in biological sciences (biology, molecular biology, biochemistry or similar disciplines)
- Experience in tissue culture (aseptic technique) required
Additional Skills/Preferences:Technical Excellence:- Understanding of protein expression and purification techniques preferred
- Hands-on experience with automation equipment (e.g., BioMek liquid handlers, reagent dispensers) advantageous
- Experience with integrated liquid handling platforms and/or laboratory automation scheduling software not required but beneficial
- Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Programming skills, experience leveraging AI tools to enhance productivity and scientific workflows, and robust statistical background highly valued
- Strong data analysis capabilities with meticulous attention to detail
Professional Attributes:- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with ability to translate complex technical concepts
- Proven ability to excel both independently and within collaborative team environments
- Demonstrated learning agility and adaptability in fast-paced settings
- Strong organizational and work planning capabilities
Why This Role MattersThis position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of biology and automation, where your contributions will directly accelerate the discovery of life-changing medicines. You'll have access to industry-leading technology, collaborate with world-class scientists, and develop expertise that will define the future of automated drug discovery.
Actual compensation will depend on a candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is
$71,250 - $161,700
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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