Advisor - Protein & CAR Construct Engineering

Role Summary

Advisor - Protein & CAR Construct Engineering aligns protein engineering and CAR construct design and optimization within Lilly's Biotechnology Discovery Research group. The role focuses on applying advanced protein sciences and immunotherapy development in a dynamic biotechnology environment, with opportunities to transition into an independent research career.

Responsibilities

• Design, engineer, and optimize proteins for therapeutic applications using rational design, computational modeling, and directed evolution approaches
• Conduct structure-function analyses to enhance protein stability, binding affinity, specificity, and therapeutic properties
• Contribute to cross-functional project teams as protein engineering lead
• Develop novel protein engineering strategies to address challenging therapeutic targets
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets using bioinformatics and computational tools
• Design and construct sophisticated CAR architectures incorporating various antigen-binding domains, costimulatory modules, and signaling elements
• Engineer next-generation CAR platforms including multi-specific, switchable, and logic-gated constructs
• Optimize CAR expression, cell surface presentation, and functional properties through iterative molecular engineering
• Design and execute validation studies for CAR constructs in relevant cell-based functional assays
• Contribute to intellectual property generation and patent applications
• Independently design and execute experimental plans to address key research objectives
• Troubleshoot complex technical challenges and develop innovative solutions
• Mentor research associates and provide technical guidance
• Author scientific manuscripts, technical reports, and regulatory documents
• Present research findings at internal meetings and external scientific conferences
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including immunology, cell biology, analytics, and process development
• Participate in project planning and contribute to research strategy development

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Immunology, or related discipline
• Proven expertise in protein expression and purification across multiple systems (bacterial, yeast, mammalian, cell-free)
• Expertise in CAR-T (preferred)

Preferred Qualifications

• Postdoctoral or industry experience in cell and gene therapy, immunotherapy, or protein therapeutics
• Deep understanding of protein structure-function relationships and engineering principles
• Strong publication record demonstrating scientific productivity and impact
• Expertise in CAR-T, TCR engineering, or synthetic immunology
• Advanced knowledge of T cell biology, immune signaling pathways, and cancer immunology
• Experience with structural biology techniques (X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, NMR) or computational protein design
• Proficiency with bioinformatics tools, sequence analysis, and protein modeling software
• Extensive hands-on experience with molecular cloning, gene synthesis, and advanced DNA assembly methods
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and transfection techniques
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and solve complex problems
• Excellent scientific writing and oral communication skills
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency with data analysis software
• Hands-on experience with flow cytometry, functional immunoassays, and cell-based screening platforms
• Familiarity with high-throughput methods, library construction, and next-generation sequencing
• Experience using established ML-based tools for sequence analysis, developability assessment, and protein design
• Basic Python or R skills for data processing and plotting