Scientist - Bioassay Screening - Biotherapeutic Drug Discovery

Role Summary

Role: Scientist - Bioassay Screening will support Lilly's Biologics Screening Group by miniaturizing, adapting and executing bioassays to screen biologics using state-of-the-art lab automation. The role collaborates with multiple project teams across therapeutic areas, develops de novo cell-based assays, and uses AI/ML-driven experimental design to accelerate assay development and biologics discovery. The scientist will analyze data, present results, and maintain well-organized records and SOPs.

Responsibilities

• The candidate will interface with multiple project teams across the organization and outside Lilly to independently adapt bioassays to mid-high throughput automated formats (96W/384W), validate and execute screens, and identify hits for biologics discovery efforts using state-of-the-art automation platforms. They will also develop de novo cell-based assays as needed.
• The candidate will leverage AI/ML-driven experimental design and adaptive screening strategies to compress assay development timelines, reduce optimization cycles and generate insights that inform biologics discovery strategies.
• The candidate will apply specialized commercial and internal software tools to perform detailed analysis of biological activity, statistical evaluation of assay performance and generate comprehensive data reports.
• The successful candidate will engage in the identification and evaluation of novel procedures or technologies that could serve to bolster the productivity of the antibody discovery and protein engineering teams or help in development of new capabilities for the screening group. They will proactively identify opportunities to integrate emerging computational tools and automation technologies into existing workflows. This includes piloting new AI-driven optimization platforms, Bayesian optimization tools, and automated design-of-experiment software that can learn from screening outcomes.
• The candidate will clearly present results to collaborators, participate in project team meetings and present at internal forums
• The candidate will maintain clear, organized data, SOPs, and electronic notebook entries with great attention to detail

Qualifications

• Required: 3+ years relevant research experience in assay development and execution, preferably in drug discovery.
• Preferred: Proficient in assay development, optimization, miniaturization and troubleshooting of plate-based bioassays in 96/384W formats. Demonstrated ability to significantly reduce optimization timelines through systematic, data-driven approaches.
• Preferred: Demonstrated expertise in diverse assay methods and technologies, such as reporter, FRET/BRET, AlphaLISA, HTRF, internalization and co-culture bioassays
• Preferred: Strong proficiency in cell culture techniques, complemented by a foundational understanding of cellular signaling pathways.
• Preferred: Demonstrated ability to use multiple software platforms for design-of-experiment, visualization and statistical analysis of large-scale experimental data sets (e.g., Genedata Screener, TIBCO Spotfire, Graphpad Prism, JMP).
• Required: Experience independently operating automated instrumentation (e.g. dispensers, liquid handlers, acoustic dispensers, multi-mode readers) within a high-throughput screening environment. Must demonstrate strong technical aptitude with automation systems to support complex assays and enthusiasm for evaluating and integrating AI/ML tools into automated workflows.
• Preferred: Demonstrated curiosity and initiative in exploring emerging technologies, with a track record of implementing new tools, methods, or approaches that improved efficiency or capabilities.
• Required: Detail-oriented and highly organized with demonstrated ability to run and prioritize multiple projects to meet tight timelines
• Required: Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to work in a highly collaborative team environment.
• Preferred: Highly motivated with ability to work and think independently, research literature, and master new skills, methods and technologies that enhance departmental capabilities.
• Preferred: Experience with advanced imaging, flow cytometry or microfluidics-based assays a plus

Education

• B.S. or M.S. in biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field

Skills

• Biological assay development and execution; miniaturization to 96/384-well formats
• Automation instrumentation operation (dispensers, liquid handlers, acoustic dispensers, multi-mode readers)
• Data analysis and interpretation; statistical evaluation of assay performance
• Software/tools: Genedata Screener, TIBCO Spotfire, GraphPad Prism, JMP; design-of-experiment; visualization
• AI/ML-driven experimental design and automated screening strategies
• Communication and collaboration in cross-functional teams