Principal Scientist, Upstream Process Development

Position Summary

This role is within Bioproduct Research and Development (BR&D), a multidisciplinary organization that develops and optimizes biologically derived products. Upstream Process Development engineers develop and optimize processes for recombinant therapeutic proteins and genetic medicines, including control strategy, characterization, qualification, scale-up, and technology transfer.

This is a hands‑on, lab‑based role supporting program progression from Research to Manufacturing. The successful candidate is self‑motivated, analytical, and an effective communicator who works well across functions and with external partners (vendors/academia) to evaluate new technologies and benchmark best practices.

• Design and execute experiments to evaluate, optimize, characterize, and troubleshoot processes and equipment with minimal guidance.
• Operate suspension cell culture in shake flasks and small‑scale bioreactors (e.g., Ambr
  250, 5 L benchtop bioreactor).
• Analyze and interpret data independently.
• Author technical reports, protocols, and regulatory‑supporting documentation.
• Present clear, actionable, scientific insights to project teams and leadership.
• Support equipment qualification, scale‑up/scale‑down, and technology transfer of mammalian‑based bioprocesses to clinical and commercial manufacturing.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and equipment to advance platform capabilities.
• Develop novel hypotheses, connect insights across fields, and propose experiments beyond the project plan.
• Build internal and external networks to leverage capabilities and accelerate progress.
• Implement automation to streamline analysis, improve visualization, and maintain data integrity.
• Occasional weekend work may be required for sampling or equipment preparation.

• B.S. degree with 6-9 years, or M.S. degree with 3-6 years, of relevant industry experience; degree in chemical engineering, biological engineering, or related discipline.
• PhD will not be considered at this job level.
• Experience in operating cell culture in shake flasks and small‑scale bioreactors.
• Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or visas for this role.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to communicate with operations staff and management.
• Strong problem‑solving skills.
• High learning agility.

• Ability to work independently and mentor junior scientists in a collaborative, cross‑functional environment.
• Comfort using AI tools (e.g., Claude, Copilot) for analysis and design.
• Working knowledge of molecular biology, omics, metabolic flux analysis, and PAT.
• Creativity to identify improvement opportunities and the initiative to implement them.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast‑paced, evolving environment.
• Experience managing external collaborations with CDMOs.

The physical demands of this job are consistent with a lab environment.

• Position located in Indianapolis, IN (Lilly Technology Center North).
• 8‑hour days with flexibility to support activities (Position requires on‑site presence, five days per week).
• 0‑10% travel.

This position’s work environment is in a laboratory environment.

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 for further assistance.

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.

Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s…