Principal/Sr. Principal Biologist - Mobility and Aging

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people worldwide. The Principal/Sr. Principal Biologist will be a key member of Lilly's Mobility and Healthy Aging discovery team, conducting and leading in vivo studies that evaluate novel targets and therapeutic candidates in preclinical models of age-related musculoskeletal decline, with a primary emphasis on bone. The successful candidate will generate rigorous, decision-enabling data on bone density, strength, and microarchitecture to support target validation and program advancement, and will perform in vitro studies in bone cell systems to build mechanistic understanding and help complement in vivo efforts. This role also offers the opportunity to help expand the team's preclinical capabilities into muscle function and joint health.

Responsibilities

Design, execute, and analyze in vivo studies in rodent models relevant to mobility and healthy aging to evaluate novel targets and candidate therapeutics; Apply rigorous experimental design, including controls, power analysis, group sizing, randomization, and blinding; Perform in-life procedures, including dosing by multiple routes, blood and tissue collection, and terminal harvest; Prepare, submit, and maintain IACUC protocols and amendments; Serve as scientific point of contact for the IACUC, veterinary staff, and animal facility personnel; Collaborate with PK/PD, pharmacology, and translational science colleagues; Acquire and analyze microCT data for trabecular and cortical bone parameters; Perform biomechanical testing and derive structural bone properties; Contribute to histological and histomorphometric analyses of bone remodeling; Conduct in vitro cell-based assays in bone cell systems for target validation and mechanism of action; Assess osteoclast formation and function and evaluate osteocyte-like cell models and co-culture systems; Evaluate target engagement and pathway modulation using qPCR, ELISAs, reporter assays, and other molecular methods; Measure circulating bone turnover biomarkers to connect in vitro mechanism with in vivo response; Develop, optimize, and qualify new assays; Maintain accurate records, analyze and interpret data, and present results; Contribute to development of new methods, models, and capabilities for the Mobility and Healthy Aging discovery platform; Support collaborations with CROs and academic partners

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in biology, physiology, or a related field, with a minimum of 3 years of relevant laboratory experience AND/OR Master's degree in biology, physiology, or a related field; Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis (Lilly will not provide sponsorship or visas for this role)

Nice to have

Experience in drug discovery or pharmaceutical/biotech research; Master's degree in same areas with 3 years of relevant lab experience; Foundational laboratory skills, including aseptic technique, cell culture, qPCR, and ELISAs; Minimum 2 years experience in bone biology; Experience with in vivo rodent models, animal handling, dosing, necropsy, and husbandry; Experience with preclinical models of osteoporosis, bone loss, and aging; Experience preparing IACUC protocols and amendments and working directly with IACUC and veterinary staff; Experience with microCT-based preclinical imaging and analysis; Experience with bone biomechanical testing systems; Experience with in vitro bone cell systems, including osteoblast, osteoclast, and osteocyte assays; Familiarity with bone histology or histomorphometry; Experience assessing muscle function in preclinical models; Familiarity with preclinical models of age-related muscle loss and weakness; Experience with preclinical models of joint disease and degeneration; Familiarity with functional assessments of mobility and joint health in rodents; Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills; Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team; Passion for advancing innovative therapies that address unmet needs in mobility and healthy aging

Benefits

Company bonus (depending in part on company and individual performance, for full-time equivalent employees); Company-sponsored 401(k); Pension; Vacation benefits; Medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; Flexible benefits (healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); Life insurance and death benefits; Certain time off and leave of absence benefits; Well-being benefits (employee assistance program, fitness benefits, employee clubs and activities)