Principal Scientist Automation (R3-R4)

  • Lilly
  • San Diego, California
  • Full Time

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. Were looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.

Eli Lilly and Company seeks a Principal Scientist Automation (R3-R4) to lead the transformation of scientific workflows from manual processes to fully automated systems. Conduct basic engineering research, design, and support across the automated sample management, biology, and chemistry platforms supporting Discovery Chemistry. Integrate advanced automation technologies including machine learning, 3D printing, computer vision, and robotic manipulators. Translate scientific concepts into actionable engineering specifications. Develop and implement automation solutions and enhance laboratory performance. Train operators on the use and maintenance of robotics to ensure safe operation and rapid troubleshooting. #LI-DNI

Position requires a Bachelors degree in Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics or a related field and 2 years of academic or employment experience with applying innovative robotic solutions to drive efficiency and effectiveness in early-stage drug-discovery labs. Academic or employment experience must include a minimum of: 2 years of experience with operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and scripting for robotics; 2 years of experience with scheduling and training fully integrated robotic systems; 2 years of experience implementing effective and reliable automation systems; and 2 years of experience with C#, Java, Python, and VB.NET. 10% domestic and international travel required. #LI-DNI

JOB LOCATION: San Diego, CA

RATE OF PAY: $105,000.00 - $175,000.00

To apply, please visit and enter job requisition number R-91525 when prompted. Alternatively, please send your resume, cover letter, and a copy of the ad to: Matthew Tenaglio, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN 46285.

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 ( ) 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), Womens Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL), enAble (for people with disabilities). Learn more about all of our groups.

Actual compensation will depend on a candidates education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is

$105,000.00 - $175,000.00

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 Lillys compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.

#WeAreLilly

Job ID: 489385877
Originally Posted on: 8/14/2025

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