Jobs / Eli Lilly / Principal Scientist/ Senior Principal Scientist, Large Molecule Biology

Principal Scientist/ Senior Principal Scientist, Large Molecule Biology

Eli Lilly
US, New York NY Onsite Research & Development
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About this role

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.

Job Title: Principal Scientist / Senior Principal Scientist (level based on relevant experience)

Organization Overview: 

At Lilly, we serve an extraordinary purpose: we make a difference for people around the globe by discovering, developing, and delivering medicines that help them live longer, healthier, more active lives. Beyond breakthrough medicines, we support communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. As a member of Oncology – Large Molecule Biology, you will join a team at the forefront of pharmaceutical science, designing and executing studies that advance portfolio programs with minimal supervision. You will apply deep expertise in biological assays, develop and optimize specialized methods, and collaborate cross-functionally to support multiple research programs.

Responsibilities:

In this role, you will design and execute in vitro and ex vivo studies that advance priority oncology targets through the drug discovery pipeline. Working with minimal supervision, you will contribute to multiple programs, develop new methods, and partner across disciplines to inform decisions on therapeutic candidates.

  • Execute in vitro pharmacology assays to evaluate tumor cell signaling, antibody binding and internalization, cytotoxicity, effector function, cytokine release, and other cellular responses for medium- and high-throughput drug screening.

  • Develop, validate, and run bioanalytical assays and maintain, culture, and passage multiple cell lines to support experimental objectives.

  • Conduct multiparameter flow cytometry and other in vitro and ex vivo assays (e.g., receptor occupancy, receptor density, PK/PD, tumor isolation, and blood cell analysis) to characterize binding interactions and cellular responses.

  • Oversee experimental work conducted by third-party collaborators and vendors, and partner with project and senior leaders to advance molecules through development.

  • Present findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders through preclinical reports, team meetings, and presentations.

Basic Requirements: 

  • B.S. in Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacology or a related field with 5+ years of relevant experience, or an M.S. in Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacology or a related field with 3+ years of relevant experience (role level based on relevant 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/Preferences:

  • Demonstrated expertise in mammalian cell culture techniques.

  • Extensive hands-on experience performing in vitro and ex vivo assays.

  • Strong understanding of in vitro pharmacology and related data analysis.

  • Ability to design and execute comprehensive experimental plans on schedule.

  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate across scientific disciplines to achieve business objectives.

  • Demonstrated excellence in written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

  • Previous experience with biologic modalities such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and CD3-engaging platforms.

  • Proficient in multiparameter flow cytometry, including panel design and data analysis.

  • Prior work developing and validating bioanalytical assays.

  • Proven ability to independently lead and advance multiple research programs with minimal supervision.

  • Track record of managing external collaborations and CRO/vendor relationships.

  • Strong record of presenting scientific findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.

  • Knowledge of, and strong interest in, cancer disease states (indications, mutational status, tumor cell drivers, etc.).

Additional Information:

  • Location: New York, NY.

  • Travel: less than 10% expected.

  • Physical demands are consistent with a laboratory bench setting and are required to perform the essential functions of this role.

  • Work environment: this role is based in a research laboratory and reflects the conditions typically encountered while performing the essential functions of the position.

Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form (https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.

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. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia Network, Black Employees at Lilly, Chinese Culture Network, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), PRIDE (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN), Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL), enAble (for people with disabilities). Learn more about all of our groups.

Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location.  The anticipated wage for this position is

$71,250 - $187,000

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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About Eli Lilly

Global pharmaceutical company leading in diabetes, obesity, oncology, and neuroscience treatments. Headquartered in Indianapolis, IN.

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Job Details
LocationUS, New York NY
Work typeOnsite
DepartmentResearch & Development
SenioritySenior
Salary71,250 – 187,000 USD / year
CountryUnited States
About the company
Eli Lilly
Global pharmaceutical company leading in diabetes, obesity, oncology, and neuroscience treatments. Headquartered in Indianapolis, IN.
View all 768 open jobs at Eli Lilly
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Hiring locations: United States (465), China (54), Germany (41)
Salary benchmark for Research & Development roles in United States: median 145,600 – 244,200 USD · based on 199 similar roles