Director, Immunoassay-based Biomarker Discovery and Analysis - Neuroscience

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 153,000 - 282,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Lilly is seeking an experienced biomarker scientist to design, develop, and validate immunoassay-based methods for brain disease studies. You will collaborate with project leads to drive preclinical and clinical biomarker programs, ensuring robust assay performance and timely data delivery.

Ideal candidates hold a Master’s or PhD in Neuroscience or Biochemistry with hands-on experience in antibody-based assays, protein quantification, and relevant technologies, contributing to high-impact

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Neuroscience, Biochemistry or related field with 0+ years in biomarker development.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and validate immunoassay methods for biomarker analysis in neurodegenerative diseases.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support preclinical and clinical programs.
• Lead biomarker assay development initiatives and mentor teams.

Skills

Immunoassay development

Antibodies & affinity molecules

Electrophoresis

Western blot

ELISA / MSD / Ella / Simoa

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Protein purification

NuLISA experience

Education

Master’s or PhD in Neuroscience/Biochemistry

Tools

HPLC

Immunoprecipitation

ELISA platforms

Simoa

Job description

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, knowing that every decision, every detail, and every day matters. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, our over 50,000 employees around the globe take on complex challenges to discover and deliver life-changing medicines, strengthen how health is understood and managed, and support the communities we serve. This is hard, urgent, selfless work—but it’s work worth doing. If you’re driven by purpose and ready to bring your best to work that truly matters for patients, we invite you to join us.

• Design, development and validation of novel immunoassay‑based biomarker methods, as well as apllications of these methods for early‑and late‑phase clinical trials in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, and rare brain disorders.
• Work with project team leads, including Dr. Kaj Blennow (Vice President of Neuroscience Biomarker Development), and other associates to perform experiments to support both the preclinical and clinical characterization and evaluation of therapeutic molecules through biomarker assay development.
• Assist with the planning and execution of immunoassay method developments, method optimization and validation, as well as sample analyses from cohorts, working with both internal and external partners in complex studies.
• Work directly on‑site with methods in the laboratory, and with summarizing and reporting method status of results for internal partners.
• Implement assay validation procedures to deliver high performance biomarker assays for preclinical and clinical sample analyses.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with internal stakeholders (medical, operations, statistics, regulatory) and external partners (CROs, academic institutions) to ensure biomarker validation and successful integration into clinical programs.

Basic Qualifications:

• Master’s and/or PhD in Neuroscience, Biochemistry or a related scientific field, with 0-5+ years of industry, academic, or postdoctoral experience in biomarker development, with recognized expertise in immuno‑assay‑based methods for brain diseases.

Additional Skills/Preferences:

• Must have an understanding of the principles for antibodies and other affinity‑based molecules, for immunoassay design and protein biomarker quantification as well as documented hands‑on experience in immunoassay development and validation for biomarker applications in clinical diagnostics, clinical trials, or preclinical sample analysis.
• Must be technically skilled to in the field of qualitative (e.g. electrophoresis techniques, Westen blot) and quantitative (e.g. ELISA, MSD, Ella, Simoa) immunoassay‑based analyses.
• Proven leadership in managing and mentoring biomarker research teams in academic or industry settings.
• Experience in ultrasensitive technologies (e.g. NuLISA) and protein sepearation and purification techniques (e.g. HPLC, immunoprecipitation) is a merit.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to present to influence both internal and external stakeholders.

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 https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation for further assistance. Please 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.

Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia (AMECA), Black Employees at Lilly (BE@Lilly), Chinese Culture Network (CCN), EnAble, Evolve, Lilly Indian Network (LIN), Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), Pride (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN) and Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL).

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

$153,000 - $281,600

Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, 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.

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