Research Advisor - Protein Biochemist

Company: Eli Lilly and Company
Location: Indianapolis
Posted on: February 15, 2026

Job Description:

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world. Position Summary: Join a team at the forefront of next-generation biologics discovery within the BioTDR team at Lilly, where your hands-on scientific contributions will directly enable breakthrough therapeutics targeting some of the most challenging diseases in medicine. This role offers a unique chance for a PhD scientist to build industry-leading workflows that generate transformative molecules—contributing to both foundational research and translational medicine while growing as a technically skilled leader within a collaborative, high-impact environment. As a core team member, you will drive research across cutting-edge protein platforms—leading efforts in small- and large-scale protein production, bioconjugation optimization, and protein-protein interaction analysis. This is a bench-forward role where strong wet lab acumen and technical execution are paramount; you will be expected to lead from the bench, designing and executing experiments with rigor while troubleshooting complex technical challenges in real time. The successful candidate will apply bioconjugation expertise as a central tool in molecular design, understanding how conjugation chemistry, site-specificity, and payload attachment strategies influence molecular behavior and therapeutic potential. You will have the autonomy to develop and champion your own scientific ideas while collaborating extensively across the organization to advance diverse research programs. We are seeking a PhD-level scientist with demonstrated expertise in innovative protein production platforms, profiling techniques, biochemical assay and reagent development. A strong command of biophysical and analytical characterization methods—such as binding kinetics, thermostability assessments, and higher-order structure analysis—is essential. Equally important is deep expertise in protein-protein interactions, bioconjugation chemistry, and molecular design principles, paired with the ability to connect biological context to molecular engineering strategies. The ideal candidate will understand how bioconjugate architecture—including linker chemistry, drug-to-antibody ratio, and conjugation site selection—impacts molecular function and developability. We seek a scientist with a proven track record of hands-on technical excellence—someone who thrives at the bench, brings meticulous attention to experimental detail, and can translate scientific concepts into robust, reproducible workflows. Responsibilities: Apply knowledge of protein structure–function relationships, structure–activity relationships (SAR), and bioconjugate design principles to guide molecular engineering efforts and inform rational molecule optimization. Lead independent research projects from concept to execution, critically analyzing experimental results, drawing appropriate conclusions, and identifying new strategies to design and optimize novel biotherapeutics. Develop scalable production, bioconjugation, and purification workflows for therapeutic and targeting proteins across diverse architectures including mAbs, multispecifics, scFvs, Fabs, and VHHs. Design, develop, and implement biophysical and biochemical assays—including SPR, BLI, ELISA, MSD, ITC —to characterize protein behavior and support reagent development efforts. Solve complex challenges in protein engineering and bioconjugation, developing innovative solutions in real time at the bench. Advance core capabilities in antibody and protein engineering while contributing to the development of new platform technologies. Stay current on modern technologies and collaborate with internal core teams to validate and implement novel processes, protein designs, and analytical methods. Collaborate multi-functionally with discovery, manufacturing, and translational teams to advance research programs from early concept through development. Present research findings at internal meetings and contribute to scientific publications and regulatory documents as appropriate. Maintain rigorous standards for laboratory safety, regulatory compliance, data integrity, and proper documentation practices. Basic Requirements: Ph.D. in protein engineering, protein biochemistry, structural biology, protein biophysics, molecular biology, or related field. Strong foundation in protein structure and function, including demonstrated success in applying rational protein design and experimental approaches in affinity, function or stability engineering. Additional Preferences: Proven track record of scientific productivity (first-author publications, patents, or conference presentations). Proficiency in computational tools for structure modeling and analysis (e.g., Rosetta, Schrödinger, Chimera, PyMOL, MOE, AlphaFold). Hands-on experience in protein purification, characterization, and engineering. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail. Effective written and verbal communication skills and a collaborative, team-oriented attitude. Proficiency with scientific software (e.g., Spotfire, JMP) and Microsoft Office applications. Extensive knowledge in protein sciences (cloning, expression, purification, characterization), structural biology, protein-protein interactions, and SAR. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic research environment with strong organizational and multitasking skills. Hands-on experience and thorough understanding of thiol-based protein conjugations and click chemistry reactions Demonstrated experience developing and validating novel processes and/or analysis techniques to drive projects Understanding of antibody generation and biologics drug discovery research Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Desire and commitment to continue learning. Additional Information: Physical Demands/Travel: The physical demands of this job are consistent with a lab environment. Travel The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Work Environment: This position’s work environment is in a laboratory environment. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. *To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the role and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Note: When applying internally for a position your current supervisor receives notification that you have applied to the position. We encourage employees to discuss the opportunity with their supervisor prior to applying. Lilly is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form ( https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation ) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response. Lilly is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia Network, Black Employees at Lilly, Chinese Culture Network, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), PRIDE (LGBTQ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN), Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL), enAble (for people with disabilities). Learn more about all of our groups. Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $126,000 - $204,600 Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly’s compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees. WeAreLilly

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