Eli Lilly

Sr. Scientist / Principal Scientist, Global Sample Management

Eli Lilly • $65K — $169K *
Indianapolis, IN 46227In-Person
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS or MS in Chemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutics, Informatics, Engineering, Logistics or a related field.
  • 3-5+ years of laboratory, sample management, or data stewardship experience.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail across workflows.
  • Hands-on experience with LIMS platforms or similar systems.
  • Basic SQL skills and interest in data querying.

Responsibilities

  • Support manual and automated workflows from registration to powder handling.
  • Design and enhance workflows for sample storage and handling operations.
  • Support maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.
  • Engage with scientific project teams to understand research context.
  • Act as steward for physical inventory and associated data.
  • Resolve complex issues related to software and sample dispensing.
  • Coordinate sample shipments while maintaining documentation.

Benefits

  • Onsite (5 days), lab-based position in Indianapolis, IN.
  • Opportunity to grow into data stewardship or operational focus over time.
  • Engagement with cutting-edge research in a collaborative environment.
  • Enhancement of scientific workflows and operational efficiency.
  • Commitment to maintaining high standards of scientific excellence.
Full Job Description
Position Summary

At Lilly, the molecules that become medicines start as ideas, and behind every breakthrough is a team that ensured the right compound reached the right assay at the right time. The work of Global Sample Management (GSM) is foundational to drug discovery, and the people who do it well make science move faster.

The Sr. Scientist / Principal Scientist within Global Sample Management executes daily sample management operations while taking active ownership of the data behind that work. This role requires strong information management abilities and effective communication skills to ensure clear sharing and interpretation of information within the Discovery team. The focus is on operationalizing and enhancing Sample Management, which involves improving and building processes for maintaining and distributing various sample types and responding to evolving scientific needs while improving operational efficiency.

Over time, this role may grow more towards data stewardship or operational focus depending on the individual and organizational needs. The level of appointment will be determined by the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate.

Responsibilities
  • Support manual and automated workflows from registration to powder handling through preparation of assay-ready plates and format compound libraries using automated liquid handling and acoustic dispensing instrumentation (e.g., Echo, Hamilton) following established protocols; apply care and consistency to ensure outputs are fit for purpose.
  • Design and enhance workflows for sample storage, manual and automated powder handling operations, liquid handling, ensuring high standards of scientific excellence and integrity.
  • Support instrument qualification, routine maintenance, and basic troubleshooting of laboratory equipment; log maintenance activities accurately and escalate issues to appropriate personnel as needed.
  • Build scientific understanding of assigned sample types and their handling requirements, including how physicochemical properties, storage conditions, and registration accuracy collectively determine whether a compound is fit for assay.
  • Actively engage with scientific project teams to understand the research context behind sample requests, building scientific relationships and situational awareness to become a key scientific partner across Molecule Discovery.
  • Serve as steward for both physical inventory and its associated data, acting as the technical resource for compound registration and data governance across GSM's LIMS platforms.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to software, hardware, and sample dispensing, applying creative problem-solving skills and technical expertise.
  • Develop, test, and validate updates to software, hardware, and procedures, proactively recommending and implementing usability and efficiency improvements to drive scientific progress.
  • Perform quality checks on inbound and outbound samples; resolve deviations from quality guidelines before material ships or is used.
  • Coordinate sample shipments across the GSM network and externally, maintaining proper documentation, chain of custody, and regulatory compliance.
  • Collaborate with informatics, IT, scientific, and operational partners to ensure GSM's data systems meet evolving research requirements; build relationships that enable proactive identification of data risks and opportunities for system improvement.
  • Support the material restriction processes and controlled substance tracking within assigned scope; escalate compliance risks to appropriate stakeholders with clear documentation.
  • Develop and maintain SOPs, governance documentation, and training materials for registration, data, and operational workflows.


Basic Requirements
  • BS or MS in Chemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutics, Informatics, Engineering, Logistics or a related field.
  • 3-5+ years of relevant laboratory or sample management or data stewardship experience.
  • 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 and Preferences
  • Strong organizational skills with attention to detail across both bench and data workflows.
  • Commitment to data and sample quality as a scientific responsibility.
  • Hands-on experience with LIMS platforms for sample management or similar; ability to identify and resolve data integrity issues across complex, high-volume datasets.
  • Clear communicator; able to work collaboratively and escalate issues with appropriate context.
  • Hands-on experience with automated liquid handling or acoustic dispensing platforms (e.g., Echo, Hamilton, Tecan).
  • Experience handling diverse material types in a high-throughput laboratory environment.
  • Basic SQL skills; interest in building data querying and reporting capability in an operational context.
  • Coursework or practical exposure in cheminformatics or scientific databases relevant to compound identity and registration.
  • Compound or biological sample management experience across one or more modalities.
  • Knowledge of logistics for research materials.
  • Familiarity with OEB/PHM compound potency classifications or high-potency material handling.
  • Awareness of controlled substance handling requirements.


Additional Information:
  • This is an onsite (5 days), lab-based position based in Indianapolis, IN


Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job in a laboratory setting.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the role and responsibilities satisfactorily.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands of this job include safe handling of controlled substances and the use of required personal protective equipment.

The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

About Eli Lilly

ICOS Corporation is a biotechnology company that engages in the discovery, development, and commercialization of therapeutic products. It is engaged in the commercialization of treatments for unmet medical conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, cancer, and inflammatory diseases. It is the developer of a treatment known as Cialis (tadalafil), a product for the treatment of erectile dysfunction through its joint venture with Eli Lilly and Company in North America and Europe. It is also engaged in contract manufacturing services for third parties. It is in a strategic alliance with Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ICOS Corporation was established in 1989, based in Bothell, Washington. It is currently operated by Eli Lilly and Company.

Eli Lilly Careers

Joining Eli Lilly offers an unparalleled opportunity to become part of a leading global team dedicated to creating a healthier future. As a company revered for its commitment to innovation and leadership in the pharmaceutical industry, Eli Lilly is where your professional journey can flourish. Work You’ll Do At Eli Lilly, we are passionate about transforming patient care and advancing medical innovation. Our team at Eli Lilly is at the forefront of developing groundbreaking solutions in healthcare. By joining us, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, using cutting-edge technology to make real-world impacts. Lead with Innovation and Leadership Eli Lilly stands out in the marketplace by integrating deep industry expertise with robust research and development efforts. We are looking for professionals who are eager to drive change and lead the way in developing therapeutic breakthroughs. Explore Job Opportunities and Growth Eli Lilly offers a variety of career paths, including full-time positions and internships, across multiple functions such as research, marketing, IT, and sales. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, Eli Lilly provides an environment that promotes career growth and learning opportunities. Our commitment to diversity and leadership training ensures that every employee can achieve their potential. Be Part of Our Team Our team at Eli Lilly is committed to excellence and driven by a mission to improve lives. Employees enjoy a supportive culture that values collaboration, creativity, and diversity. We believe that a diverse workforce fosters innovation and helps us better connect with the communities we serve. Benefits and Culture Eli Lilly is dedicated to supporting our employees, offering competitive benefits, wellness programs, and comprehensive health care. Our culture is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and quality, making Eli Lilly not just a great place to work, but a community to grow with. Networking and Professional Development Eli Lilly encourages continuous professional development and networking. With access to various training programs and mentorship opportunities, employees can enhance their skills and advance their careers. Our leadership is committed to nurturing talent through effective training and development strategies. Join Our Team Discover the exciting job opportunities at Eli Lilly by exploring open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for individuals who are passionate, innovative, and ready to contribute to our mission of making life better for people around the globe. Stay Connected Keep up to date with the latest at Eli Lilly by following our careers blog. Gain insights from industry leaders and get tips on everything from crafting the perfect resume to preparing for your interview. Eli Lilly is not just a company—it's a place where you can make a difference. Explore the positions available and find out how your talents can help change the world. SEARCH ELI LILLY JOBS Stay ahead in your career with Eli Lilly, where innovation, leadership, and a commitment to diversity and growth lead the way to future advancements.
Learn more about Eli Lilly
Size
35,000 employees
Market Cap
$344.2 billion
Industry
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Net Income
$6.1 billion
Founded
1876
5 Year Trend
+5.9%
Revenue
$24.5 billion
NASDAQ
LLY
* Ladders Estimates

Similar Jobs

Ad banner background

Get Ready For Your
Next Interview

More Jobs at Eli Lilly

More Pharmaceuticals & Biotech Jobs

Find similar Sr. Scientist / Principal Scientist, Global Sample Management jobs:

NationwideIndianapolis, IN