Associate Scientist - Downstream Process Development

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. We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist to join the Downstream Process Development team. The successful candidate will lead development and optimization of downstream purification processes supporting viral vector programs from research through preclinical development. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise in downstream purification technologies including ultracentrifugation, chromatography, and tangential flow filtration (TFF), with demonstrated experience driving process development strategies, platform development initiatives, technology implementation, and multi-functional collaboration. This role requires strong scientific leadership, hands-on technical capability, and the ability to independently lead complex purification development activities in a fast-paced environment. Key Responsibilities Lead development, optimization, and scale-up of downstream purification workflows for viral vectors. Design and implement purification strategieusingng Iodixanol and CsCl density gradient ultracentrifugation, affinity chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography (AEX/CEX), membrane chromatography, and polishing operations. Lead AKTA-based chromatography workflow development and process intensification initiatives. Develop scalable downstream platform approaches to support rapid material generation and process consistency across programs. Independently design experiments, analyze data, interpret results, and present technical conclusions to multi-functional teams and leadership. Drive troubleshooting, process characterization, and process robustness studies. Collaborate closely with upstream, analytical, manufacturing, and external partners to support program work and timelines. Support technology transfer, process documentation, and development reports. Lead development and optimization of TFF/UFDF workflows for concentration, buffer exchange, formulation, and process scalability. Mentor junior scientists/engineers and provide technical guidance across purification activities. Contribute to implementation of new purification technologies, automation tools, and continuous process improvements. Ensure compliance with safety, documentation, and quality standards. Basic Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, chemical engineering, biotechnology, or related scientific field 5+ years(master’s/PhD) with 3+ years, of relevant downstream process development experience in industry Additional Skills/Preferences: CsCl and iodixanol ultracentrifugation Affinity chromatography Ion-exchange chromatography TFF/UFDF operations including concentration, diafiltration, and formulation development AKTA systems and Unicorn software Strong understanding of process scale-up, platform development, and purification process characterization. Experience analyzing purification performance and product quality attributes using relevant analytical methods. Experience in AAV downstream process development and capsid enrichment workflows. Experience with automated chromatography systems and process intensification strategies. Experience supporting technology transfer and manufacturing readiness activities. Familiarity with GMP development environments and regulatory expectations. 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 - $189,200 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