Scientist - Immunology

Role Summary

Scientist to join Lilly Immunology Discovery's South San Francisco team, contributing to preclinical drug discovery efforts for immune-related diseases. You will design, execute and analyze cellular biology experiments addressing key biological questions, and develop medium-to-high throughput assays for evaluating drug candidates. Success requires experience with primary and immortalized cells, proficiency in flow cytometry-based readouts and immunoassays, and the ability to independently run high-quality studies in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and troubleshoot in vitro cellular biology experiments to investigate disease biology and study mechanism of action of drug candidates, including flow cytometry, luminescence/fluorescence assays and immunoassays (e.g. ELISA).
• Develop medium-to-high throughput cellular and whole blood assays for evaluating small molecule inhibitors.
• Purify PBMCs and primary immune cells from human blood and maintain primary and immortalized cell cultures.
• Maintain accurate, organized records of experimental data and protocols in electronic lab notebooks.
• Analyze, interpret and clearly communicate experimental findings and recommendations to project leads and cross-functional project teams.

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor's degree in cell biology, immunology or a closely related scientific field.
• Required: 3+ years of laboratory research experience, preferably in industry settings.
• Preferred: Working knowledge of cell biology concepts and understanding of assay principles.
• Preferred: Hands-on experience with cell lines, whole blood and isolation/culture of primary immune cells (from human blood).
• Preferred: Experience with immunoassays (ELISA/MSD/HTRF), multi-color flow cytometry (staining, acquisition, analysis using FlowJo) and protein detection (e.g. Western blotting).
• Preferred: Experience with cellular and biochemical assays in 96- and 384-well format.
• Preferred: Research experience working with small molecules, as well as experience with qPCR and CRISPR, would be advantageous.
• Preferred: Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team.
• Preferred: Excellent communication, time management, and record-keeping skills.
• Preferred: Data analysis using GraphPad Prism and Excel.

Skills

• Cell biology concepts and assay principle understanding
• Flow cytometry (staining, acquisition, analysis)
• Immunoassays (ELISA, MSD, HTRF)
• Protein detection (e.g., Western blotting)
• Cell line and primary immune cell culture
• 96- and 384-well format assay development
• qPCR and CRISPR experience (advantageous)
• Independent and collaborative work style
• Strong communication and data analysis (GraphPad Prism, Excel)

Education

• Bachelor's degree in cell biology, immunology or a closely related scientific field