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.
• 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, including but not limited to F‑1 CPT, F‑1 OPT, F‑1 STEM OPT, J‑1, H‑1B, TN, O‑1, E‑3, H‑1B1, or L‑1.
• 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.

Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $79,500 - $149,600.

Full‑time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). Lilly offers a comprehensive benefits program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company‑sponsored 401(k), pension, vacation benefits, and eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits. Additional benefits include 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 also applies regarding any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.

• Position located in Indianapolis, IN (Lilly Technology Center North).
• 8‑hour days with flexibility to support activities. Position…