Advisor, Process Development, iPSCs Differentiation - Initial Therapeutics, Inc.

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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.

Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist to lead the scale-up of iPSC-derived pancreatic islet cell differentiation processes, with a primary focus on enabling robust and reproducible production of insulin-producing beta cells. The ideal candidate will bring hands-on experience with bioreactor systems, suspension culture, and differentiation of pluripotent stem cells. This role is key to translating early-stage protocols into scalable, GMP-compliant manufacturing platforms for cell therapy products targeting diabetes.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Design and optimize scalable differentiation protocols for iPSCs into islet-like clusters or beta cells using suspension bioreactor platforms (e.g., stirred-tank).

• Evaluate and optimize key process parameters (e.g., agitation, oxygenation, nutrient supply, aggregate size) to support high yields, purity, and function of islet cells.

• Conduct comparability studies across different scales and vessels to ensure consistent product quality.

• Troubleshoot and mitigate issues such as shear sensitivity, aggregate variability, or metabolic bottlenecks during scale-up.

• Collaborate with iPSC banking/expansion and formulation/cryopreservation teams to develop a fully integrated process.

• Support the development and implementation of scale-down models to simulate large-scale conditions for optimization.

• Coordinate with analytical teams to evaluate differentiation efficiency, beta cell identity, insulin secretion and off-target cells.

• Participate in tech transfer to internal or external GMP manufacturing sites.

• Document experimental findings in detail and contribute to regulatory filings (e.g., IND).

Basic Requirements

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, or related field.

• 0-3 years (Ph.D.) or 6+ years (M.S.) of relevant experience in stem cell differentiation and/or scale-up of cell culture processes is preferred.

• Hands-on experience with bioreactor systems and suspension culture.

Additional Preferences

• Familiarity with iPSC differentiation is preferred.

• Knowledge of critical process parameters, media/feed strategies, and metabolic profiling in scaled systems.

• Strong analytical skills; comfortable with in-process monitoring and data interpretation.

• Excellent documentation, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

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

$133,500 - $217,800

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.

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