Sr. Protein Biochemist - Discovery Technology Platforms

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.

Lilly Small Molecule Discovery is an organization purpose-built to create molecules that make life better for people. We focus on using cutting edge science to unlock new approaches that can treat people suffering from diseases with poor treatment options. We continually challenge ourselves to deliver molecules that can provide breakthrough efficacy with the highest possible safety margins. We are dedicated to optimizing our mindset, technology, and processes for faster, more nimble execution. Our success is built on a culture that empowers innovative problem solving through open collaboration and individual accountability.

Discovery Technology and Platforms is a newly established function within this organization. Its mission is to accelerate molecule discovery by building highly optimized foundational platforms, streamlining lab operations through advanced technologies and data connectivity, and intentionally investing in novel technologies and capabilities.

Responsibilities for the position

The individual will work with diverse team of scientists to advance structural biology and in vitro pharmacology activities on soluble and membrane protein targets and protein complexes. Broad experience with protein biochemistry and hands-on execution of protein purifications is required. Proficiency in column chromatography for proteins, protein concentration, and protein analytical techniques will be key to this position. 

• High-throughput purification of recombinant proteins for structural studies and biochemical assays using standard chromatographic methods and automated parallel processing systems

  • Lysis of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell pellets and clarification of lysates by centrifugation

  • Protein purification by affinity, ion exchange, and size exclusion chromatography

  • Analysis of protein purity using SDS-page gel electrophoresis

  • Quantitation of protein concentration by Bradford assay and UV spectroscopy

• Accurate and timely entry of all experimental data into a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and electronic laboratory notebooks

• Storage, retrieval, and shipping of protein samples utilizing Microsoft Excel, barcodes, and LIMS

• Work closely with cross-functional colleagues and project teams to generate appropriate target proteins for drug discovery

• Interact effectively with other team members to address technical challenges

Basic Requirements:

• BS/MS degree in Biological Sciences (or related field) and minimum of 3 years laboratory experience in either industry or academia is required.
   

Additional Skills/Preferences

• Experience in membrane protein biochemistry is a must

• Familiarity with AKTA chromatography systems is a plus

• Experience with cryo-EM grids preparation is a plus

• Familiarity with protein biophysics techniques is a plus (SEC-MALS, fSEC)

• Experience in using ultrafiltration/diafiltration/tangential flow filtration device is a plus

• Experience in protein crystallization and crystallography is a plus

• Flexibility to work in an environment with constantly evolving priorities and completion timelines

• Strong interpersonal, written & verbal communication, and problem-solving skills

• Strong capability to collaborate with scientists in multiple fields

• Must exhibit the ability to solve problems, be self-motivated and capable of working independently, while contributing to a project team environment

• Organized and effective at multi-tasking, with the ability to run several purification experiments simultaneously

• Attention to detail and ability to keep accurate records