Director of Biology & Biochemistry
Eli Lilly and Company
June 27, 2026
On-site
Pasadena, CA
Clinical Research and Development
Responsibilities:
- Lead macrocyclic discovery biology as lead biochemist/assay biologist; develop assay strategy.
- Support molecule testing from lead identification through lead optimization; contribute through Phase 1 and beyond.
- Provide assay development expertise for macrocyclic peptide discovery projects.
- Use target biology to guide and focus molecule discovery efforts.
- Develop methodologies/protocols and run SPR and other protein binding assays for compound characterization.
- Characterize protein reagent functionality; oversee quality/tracking; independently lead a small biochemistry/biology team to support a large discovery group.
- Enhance Protomer platform efforts (assay and biochemical workflows, including automation).
- Provide scientific rationale and collaborate on strategy/execution; prioritize high-conviction targets and advance assay work across Lilly and with collaborators.
- Promote proactive safety culture and effective cross-functional teamwork.
Qualifications (required):
- PhD or post-doctoral degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, biology, chemical biology, or related field; significant experience with proven research success.
- Demonstrated leadership on therapeutic targets with multiple modalities including macrocycles.
- Deep expertise in protein expression and characterization (purification, functional characterization, protein biochemistry).
- Deep knowledge of molecular biology techniques.
- Proficient in experimental design, assay execution, troubleshooting, and data analysis/interpretation.
- Knowledge of lab automation systems; basic AI/ML understanding for oral macrocyclic peptide engineering.
- Understanding of end-to-end drug discovery (lead generation/optimization) and partnership with cross-functional groups (ADME, nonclinical safety, PK/PD).
- Strong communication skills; attention to detail; problem-solving; learning agility; ability to lead in a global matrixed organization.
- Ability to think strategically and drive continuous improvement across Protomer.
- On-site five days/week in Pasadena, CA.
Application instructions:
- If you require an accommodation to submit a resume, complete the workplace accommodation request form: https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation.
Benefits:
- Company-sponsored 401(k), pension, vacation; medical/dental/vision/prescription coverage; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare/dependent day care FSAs); life insurance/death benefits; time off/leave; well-being benefits (EAP, fitness, employee clubs/activities).
- Lead macrocyclic discovery biology as lead biochemist/assay biologist; develop assay strategy.
- Support molecule testing from lead identification through lead optimization; contribute through Phase 1 and beyond.
- Provide assay development expertise for macrocyclic peptide discovery projects.
- Use target biology to guide and focus molecule discovery efforts.
- Develop methodologies/protocols and run SPR and other protein binding assays for compound characterization.
- Characterize protein reagent functionality; oversee quality/tracking; independently lead a small biochemistry/biology team to support a large discovery group.
- Enhance Protomer platform efforts (assay and biochemical workflows, including automation).
- Provide scientific rationale and collaborate on strategy/execution; prioritize high-conviction targets and advance assay work across Lilly and with collaborators.
- Promote proactive safety culture and effective cross-functional teamwork.
Qualifications (required):
- PhD or post-doctoral degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, biology, chemical biology, or related field; significant experience with proven research success.
- Demonstrated leadership on therapeutic targets with multiple modalities including macrocycles.
- Deep expertise in protein expression and characterization (purification, functional characterization, protein biochemistry).
- Deep knowledge of molecular biology techniques.
- Proficient in experimental design, assay execution, troubleshooting, and data analysis/interpretation.
- Knowledge of lab automation systems; basic AI/ML understanding for oral macrocyclic peptide engineering.
- Understanding of end-to-end drug discovery (lead generation/optimization) and partnership with cross-functional groups (ADME, nonclinical safety, PK/PD).
- Strong communication skills; attention to detail; problem-solving; learning agility; ability to lead in a global matrixed organization.
- Ability to think strategically and drive continuous improvement across Protomer.
- On-site five days/week in Pasadena, CA.
Application instructions:
- If you require an accommodation to submit a resume, complete the workplace accommodation request form: https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation.
Benefits:
- Company-sponsored 401(k), pension, vacation; medical/dental/vision/prescription coverage; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare/dependent day care FSAs); life insurance/death benefits; time off/leave; well-being benefits (EAP, fitness, employee clubs/activities).