Advisor - DNA Encoded Library (DEL) Early Molecule Discovery

Location: Boston
Posted on: June 23, 2025

Job Description:

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world. The Lilly Small Molecule Discovery group is an organization purpose-built to create molecules that make life better for people. We focus on using cutting edge science to unlock new approaches that can treat people suffering from diseases with poor treatment options. We continually challenge ourselves to deliver molecules that can provide breakthrough efficacy with the highest possible safety margins. We are dedicated to optimizing our mindset, technology, and processes for faster, more nimble execution. Our success is built on a culture that empowers innovative problem solving through open collaboration and individual accountability. Position Summary: Lilly’s newly created Early Molecule Discovery team is responsible for small molecule hit to lead prosecution using traditional, and where warranted, novel mechanisms and technologies on early pre-portfolio targets. Our group is looking for 1-2 experienced and motivated biologists to join our DNA Encoded Library (DEL) platform team, who will be responsible for designing and executing DEL screening campaigns for novel protein targets to facilitate identification and characterization of binders or inhibitors, often in the tough to drug space. In this position, the candidate will work closely with project teams across Lilly early drug discovery programs to design suitable protein constructs, plan screening conditions, conduct DEL selections and analyze selection data. In parallel, the candidate will also drive the evaluation and development of cutting-edge screening techniques in the DEL field, both internally and externally, to further evolve Lilly DEL strategy to best contribute to Lilly Early Molecule Discovery. Responsibilities: Be accountable for the design and execution of DEL screening campaigns to support Lilly early small molecular discovery projects. Develop, optimize and streamline DEL screening protocols to enable efficient identification of on-DNA binders to target proteins of interest under accelerated timelines. Ensure accurate documentation and archiving of data and analyses in database. Work closely with project teams and Lilly structure biology team to design and validate protein constructs to meet screening objectives and project goals. Effectively communicate project progress, screening results and next steps with project stakeholders. Collaborate closely with chemists, informaticians, and biophysics teams to interpret DEL selection data, identify process gaps, and propose, evaluate and validate hypotheses to further improve DEL performance and efficiency. Partner with internal and external collaborators to optimize DEL screening workflow through automation and high throughput technologies. Optimize DEL screening for challenging protein targets and novel therapeutic modalities to expand DEL applications. Contribute to multidisciplinary team discussions, offering scientific insights and solutions that advance project goals. Proactively make connections and investigate emerging technologies and methodologies in DEL and other affinity-based screening approaches to improve capabilities and impact. Basic Requirements: PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry or related discipline with minimum of 3 years academic/research/industry exp (may include post-doc experience); MS with 7 years industry/academic/research exp BS with 10 years industry/academic/research experience. Minimum of 3 years' experience developing or applying DEL technology for drug discovery in an academic or industrial setting. Additional Preferences: Proficient in molecular biology, biophysical and biochemical techniques, such as SDS-PAGE, NGS, qPCR, and SPR. Demonstrated experience in working collaboratively across various disciplines to meet project goals and timelines. Ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot complex experiments independently. Ability to create, sustain and model culture of innovation, collaboration, and dedication. Excellent scientific communication, documentation, and teamwork skills. Flexibility to adjust priorities to meet organizational and scientific goals. Ability to work independently and as an integral part of a larger collaborative team. Continual learner. Highly organized with excellent analytical, documentation, time management, and multi-tasking skills. Views personal success is a consequence of team’s success. Self-accountable for the timely delivery of progressable results to the larger organization. Self driven, hard working, lab first, data dependent decision maker. 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 Network, Black Employees at Lilly, Chinese Culture Network, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), PRIDE (LGBTQ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN), Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL), enAble (for people with disabilities). Learn more about all of our groups. Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $133,500 - $217,800 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. WeAreLilly

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