Job Description
Organization OverviewLilly Small Molecule Discovery is an organization purpose-built to create molecules that make life better for people. Discovery Technology and Platforms is a newly established function within this organization. Its mission is to accelerate molecule discovery by building highly optimized foundational platforms, streamlining lab operations through advanced technologies and data connectivity, and intentionally investing in novel technologies and capabilities. Scale4Insight is the laboratory automation team within the Data Foundry function, responsible for deploying and scaling automation solutions that generate high-quality scientific data across Lilly research sites.
Role SummaryThe Lab Automation Scientist will own the deployment, operation, and continuous evolution of the High Throughput Experimentation (HTE) platform at the Louisville/Colorado site, within the Scale4Insight team of the Data Foundry. This role combines hands-on responsibility for automation systems with deep collaboration with synthetic and analytical chemists, translating scientific needs into robust, scalable automated workflows. The individual will ensure the platform consistently delivers high-quality, reproducible data, while actively partnering with scientists to identify and implement new automation opportunities across the broader Louisville laboratory environment. The ideal candidate combines practical automation expertise with genuine scientific curiosity, someone who understands not only how the system runs, but what chemistry it is trying to accomplish. Increasing strategic contribution and autonomy are expected at higher levels within the R2-R4 band. A Ph.D. may be considered for senior levels.
ResponsibilitiesSafety, Quality and Compliance - Make Safety the Foundation of Every Experiment
- Maintain safety as the top priority in all laboratory and automation work, including proper identification and handling of materials that pose potential risks to health, safety, or the environment.
- Maintain detailed, timely, and compliant documentation of platform configurations, experimental procedures, maintenance activities, and outcomes.
Platform Operations and Technical Ownership - Deliver Consistent Performance and Reliability
- Own the reliability and day-to-day operation of the HTE platform, ensuring high uptime and consistent data quality across all supported workflows.
- Develop, optimize, and validate automation methods and reaction workflows; maintain SOPs, maintenance logs, and method libraries in accordance with internal standards.
- Drive root cause analysis and troubleshooting of automation issues; perform hands-on repairs and adjustments for routine hardware and software problems, and coordinate with vendors for corrective and preventive maintenance when required.
- Collaborate with the Scale4Insight team across sites to share methods, adopt proven solutions, and contribute to a unified automation strategy.
Workflow Development and Scientific Collaboration - Understand the Science, Extend the Impact
- Partner with synthetic and analytical chemists to understand their research needs, translate scientific requirements into automation workflows, and help them extract maximum value from the platform.
- Support the design and execution of high-throughput experimentation campaigns, ensuring data quality and reproducibility standards are met.
- Identify and map opportunities for automation beyond the HTE platform, including systems serving synthetic chemistry and analytical sciences at the Louisville site; develop and present proposals for new capabilities aligned with scientific priorities.
- Contribute to the definition of data generation standards that enable effective data analysis and the training of predictive models and AI tools.
User Support and Enablement - Be the Go-To Person on Site
- Act as the primary point of contact for HTE platform users at the Louisville site, supporting onboarding, adoption, and day-to-day platform questions.
- Train end users on platform operation, best practices, and data interpretation.
Data and Digital Integration - Connect Automation to Data and Science
- Ensure effective integration of platform outputs with scheduling software, LIMS, ELN, and downstream data pipelines, including connections to data management and AI/ML tools.
- Champion the adoption of AI/ML tools and digital workflows within the platform environment, identifying opportunities to enhance automation capabilities, improve data quality, and accelerate scientific decision-making.
- Develop scripts or configuration tools (e.g., Python, C#) to extend platform capabilities and enable new workflow possibilities.
- Maintain accurate technical documentation for all supported systems, methods, and integrations.
Basic Qualifications- B.S. or M.S. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a closely related discipline. A strong scientific understanding of the workflows being automated is essential, whether that comes from a science or an engineering background.
- 2+ years of hands-on experience in laboratory automation in a pharmaceutical, biotech, or chemistry research environment.
- Demonstrated ability to program and troubleshoot automated workflows on liquid handling or integrated robotic platforms.
Additional Skills / Preferences- Experience with high-throughput experimentation platforms or parallel synthesis systems in a pharma or process chemistry context.
- Familiarity with reaction optimization workflows, design of experiments (DoE), Bayesian optimization, and data-driven approaches to chemistry.
- Experience with low-volume dispensing technologies and analytical instrumentation common in medicinal or process chemistry.
- Scripting or programming skills (Python, C#, or equivalent) for workflow automation or data integration.
- Experience integrating automation platforms with LIMS, ELN, or data management tools.
- Strong collaborative skills and the ability to align technical solutions with scientific goals.
- Effective English-language written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage automation projects from requirements through commissioning, including vendor coordination.
- Demonstrated scientific curiosity, initiative, and a solutions-oriented mindset with a disciplined approach to safety and documentation.
- Strong work ethic with proactive, independent initiative; anticipates challenges and proposes solutions.
- Proven ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary, multi-site, international team environment.
- Views personal success in the context of team success.
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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