Advisor, Downstream Process Development – Viral Vectors

Position Overview

At Lilly, the work is demanding because patients are waiting. We unite caring with discovery to help make life better for people around the world. This company, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, is seeking a highly motivated scientist to drive innovation in viral vector purification. The successful candidate will lead platform development to advance DSP capabilities for recombinant adeno‑associated virus (AAV) gene therapy products, supporting programs from early development through GMP manufacturing and regulatory submission;

collaborating with Analytical Development, CMC Regulatory, and MFG to deliver robust, scalable and efficient manufacturing processes.

• Design and execute downstream process development experiments for AAV purification, including affinity capture, ion-exchange chromatography, ultrafiltration/diafiltration, viral filtration, and ultracentrifugation.
• Develop and implement novel AAV purification strategies; establish DSP operating principles and process understanding across diverse serotypes.
• Develop and apply mechanistic chromatography models to predict column performance, guide operating condition selection, and accelerate scale-up decisions, enabling rapid initiation of new gene therapy programs.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with upstream process development, analytical development, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure seamless technology transfer and successful clinical manufacturing.
• Present experimental findings at internal team meetings, cross-functional reviews, and external conferences; contribute to scientific publications and patent applications as appropriate.
• Author and review technical documents including process descriptions, batch records, process characterization reports, and CMC sections of IND/BLA filings.
• Mentor junior scientists, fostering a culture of scientific excellence and continuous improvement.

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related scientific discipline with at least 2 years of relevant experience in downstream process development for biologics or gene therapy products, OR M.S. in the same fields with at least 10 years of relevant industry experience.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with various protein purification techniques: chromatography (affinity, ion exchange, HIC) and membrane‑based separations (UF/DF, depth filtration).
• Demonstrated fundamental understanding of chromatography principles.
• Proficiency in statistical design of experiments (JMP, Minitab) and data analysis.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills, critical thinking, and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively present complex scientific information.
• Adaptability in a fast‑paced environment.

• Experience with recombinant AAV or other viral vector purification (lentivirus, adenovirus).
• Experience with automation platforms for HTP process screening.
• Proficiency in Python and/or MATLAB for data analysis, model implementation, and automation scripting.
• Knowledge of machine learning / multivariate analysis applied to bioprocess data.
• Strong understanding of viral vector biology, expression systems, and analytical methods used for viral vector characterization.

• Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $138,000 - $202,400.
• Full-time employees will also be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance).
• 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.

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.