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 Senior Scientist within the Discovery Technologies Histology group will be a key contributor to a multidisciplinary team conducting research to identify large‑molecule and biologic therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. This role will collaborate closely with discovery teams across New York City, Indianapolis, San Francisco, and Lyon to support the design and execution of non‑clinical studies.
The Senior Scientist will be responsible for end‑to‑end histopathology workflows for non‑clinical specimens, including tissue fixation, processing, embedding, paraffin microtomy, routine and special histological staining, and associated quality control activities, operating with a high degree of independence. Expertise in the development and execution of both simple and advanced immunostaining methodologies – such as immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and enzyme histochemistry – as well as experience with whole‑slide imaging and image analysis techniques, is highly desirable.
In this role, the Histology the Senior Scientist will communicate study findings directly to oncology scientific and executive leadership and will serve as a critical member of the discovery organization. The individual will be accountable for upholding scientific rigor, operational efficiency, and data quality, while also contributing to and helping shape the strategic direction of discovery programs.
The successful candidate will be a highly motivated, innovative scientist capable of independently driving experimental work, while collaborating extensively across functional teams to support and advance multiple research programs.
Key Responsibilities
Operate and maintain histology laboratory equipment, including advanced automated tissue processing and staining platforms.
Perform core histology techniques for FFPE tissues, including fixation, processing, embedding, sectioning, and quality control.
Execute single‑plex and multiplex immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) staining methodologies.
Conduct microscopic evaluation of FFPE tissues using brightfield and multiplex immunofluorescence imaging.
Implement and operate spatial molecular profiling platforms, including CosMx and G4X.
Apply quantitative image analysis using platforms such as Visiopharm, InForm, PhenoChart, ImageJ, and QuPath.
Analyze and interpret laboratory data using strong mathematical, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
Develop and maintain scientific documentation, reports, spreadsheets, and presentations using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Apply working knowledge of human and rodent anatomy and physiology to support non‑clinical research studies.
Remain current with emerging histology, IHC, and image analysis technologies; collaborate with the Histology team to validate and implement new platforms and methodologies.
Provide subject‑matter expertise on the practical application of IHC and histological techniques in support of oncology research programs.
Partner with the Histology team to ensure laboratory instrumentation is properly maintained, calibrated, and compliant with operational standards.
Contribute scientific expertise to the evaluation and selection of external organizations for strategic partnerships.
Ensure accurate documentation, archiving, and traceability of experimental data and analyses.
Collaborate closely with project and discovery teams to plan, execute, and interpret experiments, and to prepare high‑quality study reports.
Serve as a histology and IHC expert on project teams, ensuring appropriate methodologies, priorities, and timelines are established and maintained.
Additional Responsibilities
Communicate scientific results through clear, concise written reports and oral presentations at project and team meetings.
Translate complex technical data for both scientific and non‑scientific audiences.
Support data curation and archiving within internal databases and knowledge‑management systems.
Engage in extensive cross‑functional collaboration with internal stakeholders and external partners to advance discovery programs.
Basic Requirements:
MS or BS degree in biological sciences with 8-10 years of experience working in a clinical or research histology laboratory
Additional Preferences
Histotechnician or Histotechnologist Certification (HT, HTL, ASCP), or eligible for certification.
Demonstrated motivation to build a long‑term career in histology and molecular pathology.
Proven ability to collaborate closely with in vivo teams and cross‑functional research groups to support integrated discovery efforts.
Strong problem‑solving capabilities, coupled with advanced computer proficiency and data literacy.
Willingness and aptitude to learn and adopt new techniques and technologies related to histology and molecular pathology.
Track record of success working within cross‑functional teams in fast‑paced, matrixed organizations.
Demonstrated experience collaborating across diverse scientific disciplines to achieve shared scientific and business objectives.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex scientific concepts clearly and effectively.
Flexibility and adaptability to adjust priorities in response to evolving scientific and organizational needs.
Ability to work independently while also serving as a highly effective contributor to a collaborative team environment.
Demonstrated capability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a dynamic environment with shifting priorities and deadlines.
Strong interpersonal skills, fostering productive working relationships with technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
Knowledge and experience in documenting, processing, and supporting in vivo studies.
Proficiency with GraphPad Prism is preferred.
Additional Information:
Physical Demands/Travel:
The physical demands of this job are consistent with a lab environment.
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 in a Laboratory.
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 the role and responsibilities 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.
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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
$71,250 - $187,000Full-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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