Advisor - Lab Automation Software Engineer

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.

We are seeking a Lab Automation Software Engineering Advisor to join our biotherapeutics discovery automation team at the Lilly Biotechnology Center in San Diego, where you'll architect and implement revolutionary software solutions that transform how we discover life‑saving biotherapeutics.

As a Lab Automation Software Engineering Advisor, you'll be at the forefront of designing and building AI‑integrated, closed‑loop autonomous discovery ecosystems whereby intelligent systems propose hypotheses, execute experiments through advanced robotics, analyze results instantly, and iteratively refine the next set of experiments — all with minimal human intervention. In your role, you'll harness the latest breakthroughs in AI, machine learning, and laboratory digitalization to build software that makes our biotherapeutics discovery automation lab smarter, faster, and more innovative than ever before.

• Design and develop software applications that orchestrate complex automated laboratory workflows and closed‑loop learning systems.
• Build data pipelines and visualization tools that provide real‑time insights into lab operations and experimental outcomes.
• Implement machine learning models for visual inspection systems, predictive maintenance, and process optimization that enhance operational efficiency.
• Create digital lab infrastructure including IoT integrations, digital lab twin models, and telemetry monitoring systems.
• Develop and maintain integrations across multiple automation schedulers, LIMS, and data platforms.
• Ensure robust software deployment through best Dev Ops practices and cloud‑based solutions.

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Bioengineering/Engineering with at least three years of industry experience.
• M.S. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Bioengineering/Engineering with at least 10 years of experience.
• B.S. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Bioengineering/Engineering with at least 13 years of experience.
• Experience should include relevant industry experience, preferably in a pharmaceutical company or an automation provider.

• Strong proficiency in Python, SQL, and JavaScript, with working knowledge of programming/scripting in C#, VBA, R, C++, MATLAB, and Bash.
• Experience with statistical analysis tools (JMP, SAS, R) and business intelligence platforms (Tableau, Power BI, Spotfire).
• Expertise in best Dev Ops practices, including database management systems (DBMS), data warehousing, software development, cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure), and version control tools (Git Hub, Git Lab).
• Experience with lab digitalization technologies (IoT device integration, digital lab twins, automated usage and error reporting telemetry metrics) as well as autonomous lab systems and closed‑loop learning frameworks is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with lab data platforms including Benchling, Lab Guru, PostgreSQL, Genedata, or similar LIMS/ELN systems.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to work cross‑functionally with scientific and engineering teams.
• Background in life sciences, pharmaceutical research, or high‑throughput screening environments.

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 education, experience, skills, and…