Protein Biochemist – Associate / Senior Associate Scientist
Eli Lilly and Company
September 03, 2026
On-site
Indianapolis, IN
Clinical Research and Development
Position Summary
The Associate / Senior Associate Scientist will join the Lead Optimization Team within the BioTDR organization (Indianapolis). The team generates, characterizes, and optimizes biotherapeutics from lead generation through lead optimization and preclinical development.
Responsibilities
- Express, purify (ÄKTA), and characterize (HPLC; Biacore) proteins and antibodies using biochemical and biophysical techniques to address physicochemical properties of reagents/biotherapeutics
- Perform analytical characterization of purified proteins and antibodies
- Characterize protein structure, stability, and critical quality attributes
- Characterize protein–protein interactions
- Collaborate with multifunctional teams; coordinate and present experimental data/results
- Independently design experiments, generate data, interpret results, and document work
- Communicate clearly (spoken/written) with strong self-management and organization
Basic Requirements
- BS or MS in biochemistry, chemical/biomedical engineering, biotechnology, molecular biology, protein chemistry, or related STEM field
- At least 2 years (MS) or 4 years (BS) of protein expression characterization experience
Additional Preferences (Skills)
- Protein biochemistry/design/engineering; structure–function knowledge; biochemical analysis experience
- Multi-mode ÄKTA chromatography (affinity: Protein A, CH1, IMAC, light-chain/VH capture; ion exchange, HIC, preparative SEC) and method development
- Analytical characterization: aSEC, CE-SDS, icIEF, LC-MS (intact/reduced/subunit); interpret mass spectra for identity/purity/PTMs
- Biophysical/binding: SPR (Biacore), light scattering, DSF/DSC, ITC; kinetic/thermodynamic analysis
- ADC/protein–antibody conjugate knowledge (site-specific conjugation, DAR determination)
Additional Information
- Travel: < 5%
- Work environment: laboratory
The Associate / Senior Associate Scientist will join the Lead Optimization Team within the BioTDR organization (Indianapolis). The team generates, characterizes, and optimizes biotherapeutics from lead generation through lead optimization and preclinical development.
Responsibilities
- Express, purify (ÄKTA), and characterize (HPLC; Biacore) proteins and antibodies using biochemical and biophysical techniques to address physicochemical properties of reagents/biotherapeutics
- Perform analytical characterization of purified proteins and antibodies
- Characterize protein structure, stability, and critical quality attributes
- Characterize protein–protein interactions
- Collaborate with multifunctional teams; coordinate and present experimental data/results
- Independently design experiments, generate data, interpret results, and document work
- Communicate clearly (spoken/written) with strong self-management and organization
Basic Requirements
- BS or MS in biochemistry, chemical/biomedical engineering, biotechnology, molecular biology, protein chemistry, or related STEM field
- At least 2 years (MS) or 4 years (BS) of protein expression characterization experience
Additional Preferences (Skills)
- Protein biochemistry/design/engineering; structure–function knowledge; biochemical analysis experience
- Multi-mode ÄKTA chromatography (affinity: Protein A, CH1, IMAC, light-chain/VH capture; ion exchange, HIC, preparative SEC) and method development
- Analytical characterization: aSEC, CE-SDS, icIEF, LC-MS (intact/reduced/subunit); interpret mass spectra for identity/purity/PTMs
- Biophysical/binding: SPR (Biacore), light scattering, DSF/DSC, ITC; kinetic/thermodynamic analysis
- ADC/protein–antibody conjugate knowledge (site-specific conjugation, DAR determination)
Additional Information
- Travel: < 5%
- Work environment: laboratory