Senior Cell Line Development Advisor — AI/ML Innovator

Eli Lilly and Company; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 129,000 - 211,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus

401(k) plan

Healthcare benefits

Life insurance

Job summary

Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis seeks a Senior Advisor Scientist to lead the cell line development platform, setting strategy and driving innovations across the pipeline. You will mentor scientists, collaborate across CMC teams, and champion AI/ML to accelerate clone selection and data-driven decisions.

This role requires a PhD with 4+ years in biopharma, strong mammalian cell culture, genome editing, and regulatory document experience (IND, BLA).

Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related field with 4+ years in biopharmaceutical industry and leadership.
• Hands-on mammalian cell culture, transfection, clone screening, stability assessment, and cell banking.
• Experience integrating automation, high-throughput screening, and digital tools into CLD workflows.
• Proficiency in CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing and molecular analytics (digital PCR, NGS).
• Working knowledge of CMC regulatory expectations for cell line development and submission-ready documentation (IND, BLA).
• Demonstrated ability to coach and mentor scientists and set technical direction for a team.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally, plan effectively, and prioritize goals to meet accelerated timelines.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and deploy emerging molecular, automation, and analytical technologies to increase cell line productivity and shorten CLD timelines.
• Champion AI/ML across the CLG workflow to accelerate clone selection and data-driven decisions.
• Serve as the cell line development lead on cross-functional CMC teams, translating platform advances into faster, robust delivery across the pipeline.
• Coach and develop scientists to establish best practices and data standards for the group.
• Author and review technical reports and regulatory documentation (IND, BLA).
• Lead external collaborations with academic partners and industry consortia to scout emerging technologies.
• Present findings internally and externally through conferences and peer‑reviewed publications.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing

Automation & high-throughput screening

Data analysis & digital tools

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentoring & coaching

Education

PhD in Biochemistry / Biotechnology

Tools

FACS

ambr micro-bioreactors

NGS

digital PCR

Job description

Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis seeks a Senior Advisor Scientist to lead the cell line development platform, setting strategy and driving innovations across the pipeline. You will mentor scientists, collaborate across CMC teams, and champion AI/ML to accelerate clone selection and data-driven decisions.

This role requires a PhD with 4+ years in biopharma, strong mammalian cell culture, genome editing, and regulatory document experience (IND, BLA).