Sr. Principal Scientist / Advisor - Cryo-EM

Company: Eli Lilly and Company
Location: Boulder
Posted on: October 28, 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. Lilly is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Cryo-Electron Microscopy Scientist to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for executing and coordinating a wide range of experimental activities within the Cryo-EM facility. You will independently perform advanced laboratory techniques and support all stages of the Cryo-EM workflow - from sample preparation to data acquisition and analysis. Your contributions will directly support drug discovery efforts and technology development, advancing our ability to study biological systems at high resolution. Key Responsibilities: Operate, calibrate, and maintain high-end cryo-EM instrumentation, including Thermo Fisher Titan Krios, Glacios, and Talos L120C. Prepare cryo-EM samples, including vitrification, grid screening, and optimization of sample conditions. Acquire high-resolution cryo-EM data and monitor the quality and integrity of collected datasets. Support negative staining sample preparation, as well as image acquisition and analysis using the Talos L120C. Perform image processing and structural analysis using tools such as RELION, cryoSPARC, cisTEM, and Warp. Collaborate with cross-functional teams in structural biology, medicinal chemistry, computational biology, pharmacology, and drug discovery. Stay current with advances in cryo-EM instrumentation, data processing methodologies, and software tools. Document experimental procedures, analyze results, provide feedback for experimental optimization, and assist in developing and refining laboratory protocols as needed. Coordinated instrument maintenance and communicated with vendor engineers for equipment such as the Vitrobot, Leica GP2, EasiGlow glow discharger, and plasma cleaner. Supported general laboratory operations, including liquid nitrogen (LN?) tank replacement and routine maintenance of water chillers. Manage purchasing and inventory while adhering to laboratory safety protocols to ensure optimal and safe facility operations. Required Qualifications: PhD in Structural Biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry, or a relevant scientific field is required OR Bachelors / Masters and 5 years in the pharmaceutical industry Hands-on experience in cryo-EM data collection, image processing, and model building. Experience with cryo-EM software tools (EPU, RELION, cryoSPARC, etc.). Preferred Qualifications: Strong understanding of protein biochemistry and sample preparation techniques. Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail. Strong communication and teamwork abilities. Experience working in a core facility, CRO, or industry setting. Knowledge of small-molecule ligand fitting or fragment screening by cryo-EM. Knowledge of HPLC and UHPLC instrumentation and use Experience with cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), including data acquisition and analysis. 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 $122,250 - $195,800 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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