Principal Biologist, Cutaneous Biology

Biopharma Careers; San Diego, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Lilly is seeking a Principal Biologist in San Diego to lead translational skin and hair biology projects. You will design and validate biological assays, study therapeutic candidates, and uncover mechanisms of action to advance programs toward clinical development.

The role requires expertise in cellular/molecular biology, dermatology, and in vivo hair growth models, with a strong emphasis on translational science and collaboration across teams.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology or related field.
• Extensive experience in skin and hair biology using primary human skin and hair models and 3D dermatology models.
• Knowledge of hair follicle biology and in vivo hair growth models.
• Experience culturing primary human cells or stem cells and using complex functional models.
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques and multi-omics data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Independently develop translational models of skin and hair disorders (in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo).
• Evaluate therapeutic candidates in preclinical models and support drug-selection activities.
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data independently.
• Maintain high research standards and accurate electronic lab notebook records.

Skills

cell&molecular biology

dermatology

hair biology

primary human cells

multi-omics data

single-cell transcriptomics

spatial transcriptomics

bioinformatics

histology

flow cytometry

Education

Ph.D. in cell & molecular biology

Job description

# Principal Biologist, Cutaneous BiologySan Diego, California, United States of America FULL\\_TIMEOther / Corporate Functions PrincipalNotify me about similar jobsView Full Job & Apply at LillyLilly is the source of truth for this posting and owns the application process. We surface normalized context and market comparison you won't find on the original listing.## About this opportunityAt 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.Job DescriptionAt Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, we discover and deliver life-changing medicines, improve the understanding and management of disease, and support our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We put people first and seek colleagues who share our commitment to improving lives. The Immunology Research group discovers innovative biotherapeutic medicines for autoimmune diseases and related complications.Position OverviewWe are seeking a highly motivated scientist with expertise in cellular and molecular biology, preclinical dermatology, and early drug discovery. Reporting to a director-level project leader, you will work in a collaborative, team-oriented environment to design and validate biological assays, characterize therapeutic candidates and their mechanisms of action, evaluate candidates in relevant preclinical dermatology models, and generate evidence to advance programs from early discovery toward clinical development.Key ResponsibilitiesIndependently develop translational models of skin and hair disorders, including in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo systems, using state-of-the-art methods.Evaluate therapeutic candidates in preclinical models, generate proof-of-concept data, and support drug-selection activities that advance programs toward clinical development.Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data independently.Maintain high research standards and accurate electronic laboratory notebook records.Minimum QualificationsPh.D. in cell and molecular biology or a related field, such as dermatology, developmental biology, or cancer biology.Extensive research experience in skin and hair biology, including primary human skin and hair models and 3D dermatology models.Knowledge of hair follicle biology and experience with in vivo hair growth models.Experience culturing primary human cells or stem cells and using complex functional models.Proficiency in molecular biology techniques and multi-omics data interpretation.Additional PreferencesKnowledge of single-cell and spatial transcriptomics; applied bioinformatics experience is a plus.Experience with histology, immunofluorescence, transcriptomics, proteomics, and flow cytometry.## Job detailsSeniorityPrincipalFunctionOther / Corporate FunctionsTherapeutic areaNot listedLocationSan Diego, California, United States of AmericaEmployment typeFULL\\_TIME