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

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Position Summary:

The Large Molecule Discovery team at Lilly Oncology is seeking a Scientific Lead in Enzymology and Protein Chemistry to drive research efforts supporting our growing biologics portfolio. The successful candidate will lead enzymology studies related to Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs), focusing on the design, development, and optimization of enzyme assays for linker cleavage, stability, and activity. This role will require deep expertise in enzyme kinetics, mechanistic enzymology, and protein chemistry to advance our discovery and development goals.

Responsibilities:

Design, develop, and optimize high-quality enzymatic assays (plate-based, real-time, and endpoint) to evaluate enzyme activity, kinetic parameters, and inhibitor screening.

Perform detailed mechanistic studies to understand enzymatic processes relevant to ADC linker cleavage and drug release.

Develop and validate assays to quantify enzymatic activity.

Characterize enzyme to support ADC linker discovery and optimization.

Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate enzymology insights into ADC design and development.

Troubleshoot, refine, and enhance assay protocols for sensitivity, specificity, and robustness.

Evaluate enzymatic activity in complex biological matrices, including plasma, cell lysates, and subcellular fractions.

Stay current on emerging technologies and trends in enzymology and protein chemistry, integrating these into ongoing projects.

Prepare and present detailed experimental data, analyses, and recommendations to internal teams and stakeholders.

Maintain compliance with safety and regulatory requirements in all laboratory activities.

Basic Requirements:

PhD in Biochemistry, Enzymology, Chemical Biology, or related disciplines with a strong track record of enzymology-focused research with 1-5 years ADC industry experience.

Extensive hands-on expertise in enzymology techniques, including kinetic (e.g., Michaelis-Menten, single and multiple turnover) and binding analysis (e.g., FP, FRET)

Additional Preferences:

Proven experience developing enzymatic assays for drug-conjugate linker cleavage mechanisms, in-vitro stability and reagent generation

Proficiency in analytical instrumentation, including HPLC and LC-MS (e.g., intact protein analysis, small molecule quantification).

Experience in enzymatic activity profiling and specific activity determination in biological samples (e.g., subcellular fractions, plasma).

Knowledge of high-throughput screening and assay automation methodologies (e.g., plate-based assays, fluorescence, absorbance).

Strong data analysis skills with a focus on assay reproducibility, sensitivity, and specificity.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams.

Ability to independently manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and deliver high-quality results in a dynamic research environment.

Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and enthusiastic about process optimization and innovation.

Physical Demands/Travel:

The physical demands of this position are consistent with working in a laboratory/ bench environment. Some light lifting, and maneuvering may be required.

The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

  Work Environment:

 This position’s work environment is based in a laboratory/ bench environment.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

*To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each role and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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 an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, 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 help our company develop talented individuals for future leadership roles. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia Network, African American Network, Chinese Culture Network, Early Career Professionals, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinos at Lilly, PRIDE (LGBTQ + Allies), Veterans Leadership Network, Women’s Network, Working and Living with Disabilities. Learn more about all of our groups.

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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