This is an opportunity for a self-motivated researcher to join the Protein Engineering group at the Lilly Biotechnology Center in San Diego. We are seeking an associate-level scientist with experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, and protein engineering. The successful candidate will characterize and optimize antibodies, therapeutic proteins, and alternative scaffolds, with a primary focus on antibody discovery and engineering. The ideal candidate is a dedicated teammate with outstanding technical skills who can work collaboratively with the antibody discovery, protein engineering, protein production, protein characterization, and automation groups in San Diego and Indianapolis. As they build expertise, there is an opportunity to take ownership of a project workstream with increasing autonomy. Responsibilities: • Think creatively and assist in designing and performing experiments to identify and validate the next generation of large molecule therapeutics • Contribute to building and improving next-generation technology platforms for future therapeutics • Contribute to process improvement of molecular biology, screening protocols and molecule characterization • Work collaboratively and communicate with project teams to achieve critical research objectives and timelines • Maintain timely, detailed, and well-organized records, including electronic notebooks, laboratory information management systems, presentations, and reports Basic Requirements: • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Protein Engineering, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, or a related STEM field with a minimum of 3 years of relevant laboratory experience • Experience in protein engineering • 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: • Demonstrated hands-on experience with molecular biology and cloning techniques (PCR, Gibson assembly, restriction digest/ligation, site-directed mutagenesis, bacterial transformation) • Experience in antibody engineering and optimization approaches as well as in protein biochemistry • Proficient in ELISA and binding assay techniques; experience with BLI (Octet) or SPR (Biacore) is desirable • Knowledge of protein structure and structure-activity relationships • Confortable using AI tools and agile learning new software • Knowledge/experience in cell culture and cell-based functional assays • Experience working with automation platforms • Familiarity with sequence analysis tools and data visualization/statistics software (e.g., Prism, Excel, Spotfire) is a plus • Highly effective interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills • Excellent analytical and organizational skills with high attention to detail • Ability to work independently as well as in complex cross-functional team settings Location: San Diego, CA | Onsite laboratory position Actual compensation will depend on a candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $88,500 - $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.