Scientific Director - Mechanistic Cell Biology - Early Molecule Discovery

Company: Society for Conservation Biology
Location: San Diego
Posted on: May 23, 2025

Job Description:

Scientific Director - Mechanistic Cell Biology - Early Molecule DiscoveryEmployer: Eli Lilly and CompanyLocation: San Diego, California, USSalary: CompetitiveClosing date: May 21, 2025At 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 work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those in need, improve understanding and management of disease, and give back through philanthropy and volunteerism. We prioritize our work and put people first.The Lilly Small Molecule Discovery group focuses on creating molecules that improve lives, using cutting-edge science to develop new treatments for diseases with limited options. We challenge ourselves to deliver breakthrough efficacy with high safety margins, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability.Position Summary:The Early Molecule Discovery team is responsible for small molecule hit-to-lead prosecution, utilizing traditional and novel mechanisms and technologies on early targets. We seek 1-2 experienced drug hunters for the role of Director of Mechanistic Cell Biology, leading efforts to evaluate early hits and leads using mechanistic readouts to identify the most promising candidates. This includes confirming target occupancy, protein complex formation, drug efficacy, and signaling effects. The candidate will also develop robust, innovative cell-based assays for screening and mechanism interrogation across therapeutic areas, coordinating efforts across multiple projects.Responsibilities:

• Lead research activities hands-on, including experimental design, advanced analysis, and laboratory work.
• Design cell-based assays and characterize ligand pharmacology for various targets such as GPCRs, cytokine receptors, kinases, transcription factors, and signaling proteins.
• Deep expertise in ligand identification for at least one target class, with the ability to translate learnings across classes.
• Proficient in methods like high-content imaging, immunoassays, reporter gene assays, viability, and cAMP measurements.
• Develop screening deconvolution plans to identify target-engaging compounds and eliminate nuisance mechanisms.
• Engineer innovative cell lines and approaches, incorporating molecular pharmacology insights and novel techniques like deep mutational scanning.
• Enable high-throughput sample processing to evaluate hit quality.
• Mentor early discovery cell biologists to foster creative, deep scientific thinking.
• Participate in cross-disciplinary meetings to identify and solve problems, guiding project strategies.
• Communicate progress and plan future strategies effectively.
• Advance knowledge of molecular pathways relevant to our discovery and research programs.
• Explore new technologies and methods, including automation, to enhance discovery.
• Maintain proper documentation and data archiving in electronic systems.
• Ensure high-quality data output across instrumentation platforms.
• Lead efforts in identifying, elaborating, and characterizing early lead molecules across projects and mechanisms.Basic Requirements:
  • PhD with at least 7+ years of academic, research, or industry experience (including post-docs); MS with 10+ years; BS with 13+ years.
  • Ability to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and dedication.
  • Experience in leading teams of experts.Additional Preferences:
    • Experience in drug discovery.
    • Proven ability to collaborate across disciplines and meet project goals.
    • Flexibility to adapt priorities.
    • Ability to work independently and in teams.
    • Strong organizational, analytical, documentation, and multitasking skills.
    • Team-oriented mindset, viewing personal success as linked to team success.
    • Self-driven, hardworking, and data-dependent decision-maker.Additional Information:Physical Demands/Travel: Lab environment; some travel (-5-10%).Work Environment: Laboratory setting.Lilly provides accommodations for disabilities and is an equal opportunity employer. Compensation ranges from $156,000 to $250,800, with potential bonuses and comprehensive benefits. Actual salary depends on experience, education, and location.
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Keywords: Society for Conservation Biology, Calexico , Scientific Director - Mechanistic Cell Biology - Early Molecule Discovery, Executive , San Diego, California