Scientific Lead, Discovery Oncology
Eli Lilly and Company
August 25, 2026
On-site
San Francisco, CA
Clinical Research and Development
Position Summary
- Support lab-based oncology research to identify and validate novel druggable targets across small molecules and biologic platforms, focused on cancer-relevant signal transduction pathways.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain and generate mammalian cell models for target validation.
- Design and establish cellular assays to validate targets and support hit-to-lead progression.
- Execute and optimize high-throughput screening assays for compound evaluation.
- Troubleshoot experiments and iteratively improve assay performance.
- Investigate cancer signal transduction pathways and protein interactions for target validation.
- Use multi-omics (proteomics, genomics, transcriptomics) to elucidate mechanisms and identify pharmacodynamic biomarkers.
- Analyze, interpret, and communicate complex scientific data to cross-functional teams.
- Generate data-driven insights to support go/no-go decisions.
- Learn and implement new techniques/technologies; propose experimental strategies.
- Collaborate across chemistry, bioinformatics, and translational research; maintain scientific documentation.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in biology/cancer biology/molecular/cell biology/biochemistry or related field, with 5+ years hands-on lab-based experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong cancer biology background in signal transduction/protein interactions/cancer mechanisms.
- Track record via publications and/or successful drug discovery/target validation outcomes.
- Experience with proof-of-concept and early-stage hypothesis validation.
- Molecular/cellular biology expertise; proficiency in cell culture, cell-based assays, and data analysis.
- Gene editing (e.g., CRISPR/TALEN), high-throughput/high-content screening.
- Multi-omics/bioinformatics familiarity; target validation/early drug discovery experience; oncology/cancer cell models.
- Antibody generation/characterization experience; small molecule/biologic project exposure.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills; experience with senior stakeholder updates.
- Support lab-based oncology research to identify and validate novel druggable targets across small molecules and biologic platforms, focused on cancer-relevant signal transduction pathways.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain and generate mammalian cell models for target validation.
- Design and establish cellular assays to validate targets and support hit-to-lead progression.
- Execute and optimize high-throughput screening assays for compound evaluation.
- Troubleshoot experiments and iteratively improve assay performance.
- Investigate cancer signal transduction pathways and protein interactions for target validation.
- Use multi-omics (proteomics, genomics, transcriptomics) to elucidate mechanisms and identify pharmacodynamic biomarkers.
- Analyze, interpret, and communicate complex scientific data to cross-functional teams.
- Generate data-driven insights to support go/no-go decisions.
- Learn and implement new techniques/technologies; propose experimental strategies.
- Collaborate across chemistry, bioinformatics, and translational research; maintain scientific documentation.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in biology/cancer biology/molecular/cell biology/biochemistry or related field, with 5+ years hands-on lab-based experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong cancer biology background in signal transduction/protein interactions/cancer mechanisms.
- Track record via publications and/or successful drug discovery/target validation outcomes.
- Experience with proof-of-concept and early-stage hypothesis validation.
- Molecular/cellular biology expertise; proficiency in cell culture, cell-based assays, and data analysis.
- Gene editing (e.g., CRISPR/TALEN), high-throughput/high-content screening.
- Multi-omics/bioinformatics familiarity; target validation/early drug discovery experience; oncology/cancer cell models.
- Antibody generation/characterization experience; small molecule/biologic project exposure.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills; experience with senior stakeholder updates.