Scientist, ADME RLT

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.

Overview:

At Lilly, we serve an extraordinary purpose. We make a difference for people around the globe by discovering, developing and delivering medicines that help them live longer, healthier, more active lives. Not only do we deliver breakthrough medications, but you also can count on us to develop creative solutions to support communities through philanthropy and volunteerism.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Advisor, ADME RLT, the ADME Scientist will be responsible for the analysis of new candidate radioligands that are being developed as part of POINT’s discovery pipeline. This role will involve performing analytical methods to profile the distribution, metabolism, and clearance of experimental pharmaceuticals being tested in vivo and in vitro. The ideal candidate will have technical experience with inductively coupled plasma analyzers, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis methods, familiarity with handling and analysis of biological samples, and experience working with radioactive materials. We are searching for a motivated and enthusiastic scientist who possesses these skills and has an appreciation and understanding of in vivo pharmacology and the drug discovery process.

Responsibilities:

• Perform sample preparation including digestion of cultured cells and animal tissues.
• Perform instrumental analysis of samples to assess properties of candidate therapeutics.
• Perform metabolite profiling of biological samples (serum, tissues, urine, etc.) using mass spectrometry for both non-radioactive and radioactive ligands.
• Quantify metals in animal tissue sections using ICP-MS.
• Quantify ligands in biological samples using radiometric LC/MS or related approaches.
• Plan and perform research work both independently and with the guidance of senior scientists, working cross-functionally to support discovery and preclinical activities.
• Proactively carry out routine maintenance of analytical equipment to ensure consistent and high-quality data collection.
• Maintain accurate records of experimental details and results.
• Manage time effectively and establish priorities to meet timelines for key experiments across multiple projects.
• Maintain a safe working environment for themselves and others through full compliance with health and safety protocols and regulatory requirements governing the use of hazardous chemicals and radioactive materials.

Basic Requirements:

• Minimum B.Sc. in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical biology, pharmacy, or related discipline.
• Minimum 2 years relevant postgraduate experience in either academic or industry laboratory environment.
• Experience with research and analysis of radioactive materials preferred; willingness to work with radioactive materials required.
• Experience performing quantification and analysis of biochemical/biological samples.
• Understanding of drug properties and in vivo behavior (PK/PD, ADME, and principles of medicinal chemistry).
• Working knowledge of MS-Office.

Additional Preferences:

• Familiarity and experience with inductively coupled plasma ionization methods and their application to mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
• Ability to communicate scientific data effectively to an interdisciplinary team.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Graduate degree in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical biology, pharmacy, or related discipline.
• Industry experience is preferred.
• 1-2 years of experience in high throughput sample preparation highly preferred.
• Technical training and experience using liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and related instrumentation.
• Competent in data processing, data analysis, critical thinking, and production of publication-quality visuals and writing.
• Prior experience with in vivo pharmacology is a strong asset.
• Knowledge or experience with radiopharmaceuticals and GLP/GMP protocols is an asset.
• Proficiency in computer programming (R, Python, etc.) and Benchling.

Additional Information:

Physical Demands/Travel:

• Work environment is onsite downtown Toronto near College Street and University Avenue at the MaRS building.
• Anticipate travel for team and client meetings. Traveling across borders may be required, proper travel documentation such as a valid passport and travel visas are required.
• Wearing standard PPE in the lab is required.
• Must have use of full dexterity to perform routine tissue culture, benchwork, etc. in a laboratory setting.

This position’s work environment is in a Laboratory.