Principal Scientist, Molecular Biology & Protein Expression

Eli Lilly and Company; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 189,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health benefits

Paid time off

Flexible benefits

Life insurance

Job summary

Eli Lilly and Company in San Diego seeks a Principal Scientist in Molecular Biology & Protein Expression to join a centralized platform. You will own complex expression challenges, mentor staff, and drive platform automation and high-throughput workflows across multiple host systems.

The role emphasizes design of constructs, multi-host expression, and collaboration with purification and structural biology teams to deliver material for projects.

Qualifications

• B.S./M.S. in Biological Sciences or related field with 5+ years of hands‑on cloning and protein expression experience.
• Authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. No visa sponsorship provided.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute molecular cloning strategies and construct design.
• Perform small‑scale expression in multiple host systems to screen constructs and conditions.
• Scale up expression in E. coli and insect cells to provide material for purification and projects.
• Assess expression using SDS‑PAGE, Western blot, SEC, and UV spectroscopy.
• Develop and improve platform workflows to increase throughput and reproducibility.
• Collaborate with purification, structural biology, and project teams to align strategies.
• Maintain accurate records in LIMS and electronic notebooks with rigor.
• Communicate progress, results, and risks clearly to stakeholders.

Skills

Molecular cloning

Protein expression

Gibson assembly

Golden Gate

In-Fusion

Site-directed mutagenesis

E. coli expression

Baculovirus/insect cells

Mammalian expression cells

Transient transfection

Baculovirus infection

Bioreactor development

High-throughput workflows

Laboratory automation

LIMS / electronic notebooks

Data integrity

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Biological Sciences

Tools

AKTA FPLC

Benchling

LIMS

Job description

Eli Lilly and Company in San Diego seeks a Principal Scientist in Molecular Biology & Protein Expression to join a centralized platform. You will own complex expression challenges, mentor staff, and drive platform automation and high-throughput workflows across multiple host systems.

The role emphasizes design of constructs, multi-host expression, and collaboration with purification and structural biology teams to deliver material for projects.