Scientist, Bioassay Development — Analytical Development

100 Eli Lilly and Company; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 162,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Pension

Vacation benefits

Medical, dental, vision

Flexible benefits

Life insurance

Well-being programs

Job summary

Lilly in Boston, MA seeks a scientist for Analytical Development to design and execute bioassays supporting formulation and process development. You will work with cross‑functional teams to ensure product quality and develop robust potency assays for LNP/mRNA therapies.

The role requires hands-on experience with cell‑based potency assays and mammalian cell culture, along with a strong ability to analyze data and communicate findings to stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related biological science, with 3-6 years of industry experience in bioassay development
• Hands‑on experience with cell‑based potency assays and/or other bioassays (e.g., flow cytometry, qPCR, ELISA)
• Hands‑on experience in mammalian cell culture

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement assays to characterize LNP drug product potency, mRNA cargo, and impurities
• Conduct sample testing using platforms such as cell‑based potency assays, flow cytometry, qPCR, ELISA
• Evaluate assay performance for data reliability and coherency to support in‑process monitoring and release decisions
• Identify and troubleshoot analytical issues and propose solutions
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to meet timelines and program needs
• Analyze data, present findings, and make actionable recommendations to the project team
• Author test protocols, qualification reports, and technical documents
• Manage reference materials and reagents to meet operational requirements
• Track and adopt innovative bioassay techniques based on insights

Skills

Cell-based assays

Bioassay development

Mammalian cell culture

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

BSc/MSc in biology

Tools

Prism

FlowJo

Benchling

Excel

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.

Position Summary Analytical Development (AD) supports formulation, process development, and product release for Lilly’s next‑generation RNA‑LNP‑based therapies, partnering closely with Process Development, Formulation, Bioproduct Research and Development, and other functions to ensure product quality and safety throughout the development lifecycle.

We are seeking a scientist to join the AD team within the Advanced Delivery Systems (ADS) organization in Boston, MA. Reporting to the Senior Advisor, Bioassay Development, this individual will develop, implement, and execute bioassays supporting formulation/process development, in‑process monitoring and product developability studies. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams and bring self‑motivation, independence, and strong hands‑on bench skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement assays to characterize LNP drug product potency, mRNA cargo, and process‑and product‑related impurities.
• Conduct sample testing using a variety of technical platforms (e.g., cell‑based potency assays, flow cytometry, qPCR, ELISA).
• Evaluate assay performance to ensure data reliability and coherency for making critical, data‑driven decisions (e.g., in‑process monitoring, lot release, stability, comparability).
• Identify and troubleshoot complex analytical issues and propose effective, scientifically sound solutions.
• Work closely with cross‑functional teams to ensure analytical deliverables meet project timelines and program needs.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, present findings to stakeholders, and make clear and actionable recommendations to the project team.
• Author test protocols, qualification reports, and other technical documents.
• Develop lifecycle management of reference materials and critical reagents and equipment to meet operational requirements.
• Track and recommend innovative bioassay techniques to address challenging analytical issues based on emerging scientific insights and program needs.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related biological science, with 3-6 years of industry experience in bioassay development. PhD will not be considered at this job level.
• Hands‑on experience with cell‑based potency assays and/or other bioassays (e.g., flow cytometry, qPCR, ELISA).
• Hands‑on experience in mammalian cell culture.
• 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.

Additional Skills and Preferences

Experience characterizing mRNA-LNP‑based genetic medicines, drug product potency, and/or process‑and product‑related impurities. Familiarity with data analysis software (e.g., Prism, FlowJo, Excel) and laboratory information management systems (e.g., Benchling). Working knowledge of ICH guidelines related to analytical methods for cell and gene therapies. Ability to set priorities and effectively manage workflows and deliverables to meet stringent timelines. Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Proven ability to work collaboratively and deliver in a matrixed, cross‑functional environment. Willingness to take on additional responsibilities as needed.

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 $72,000 - $161,700 Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance).

Benefits

• eligible 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.

#WeAreLilly At Lilly we strive to ensure our employees are part of a team that cares about them and our shared purpose of making life better for those around the world. How do we do this? We continue to look for ways to include, innovate, accelerate and deliver while maintaining integrity, excellence and respect for people. We hope that you seek to join us on our journey as we create medicine and deliver improved outcomes for patients across the globe! #WeAreLilly