Director, Molecular Pharmacology

About the role

The Advanced Molecule Design team at Lilly is seeking experienced and engaged scientific experts to optimize lead molecules into breakthrough medicines. This role involves designing, developing, and executing molecular pharmacology assays and flow schemes to support drug discovery programs.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute molecular pharmacology assays and flow schemes to support drug discovery programs, with emphasis on radioligand binding, GPCR internalization and receptor trafficking assays, and imaging-based assays.
• Develop novel, fit-for-purpose assay platforms from the ground up, including assay design, reagent optimization, cell line selection/engineering, and qualification for drug discovery use.
• Characterize compound pharmacology and mechanisms of action including receptor affinity, selectivity, and functional activity (e.g., G protein signaling, arrestin recruitment, receptor desensitization).
• Provide scientific leadership that shapes program strategy and builds credibility across the organization.
• Identify capability gaps and develop solutions that benefit multiple programs across the portfolio.
• Incorporate AI/ML into scientific workflows.
• Foster an environment that supports open scientific debate and bold, evidence-based decisions.
• Mentor and develop diverse scientific talent across sites and functions.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives that leverage diverse perspectives to drive program outcomes.
• Champion a ONE TEAM, SAME TEAM mindset; model radical transparency in surfacing challenges.
• Contribute to external innovation opportunities that strengthen the portfolio.
• Build internal and external networks that enhance the capabilities of the Molecular Pharmacology team.

Requirements

• PhD with a minimum of 5+ years of drug discovery experience in the pharmaceutical industry (including academic and post-doc experience); or BS/MS with 10+ years of equivalent experience.
• Degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or related fields.
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular pharmacology assay development, including radioligand binding and/or imaging-based modalities.
• Deep scientific background in biochemistry, biophysics, and cell biology to guide compound optimization across modalities.
• Strong experience leading teams of scientists and achieving cross-disciplinary goals.
• Hands-on experience with radioligand binding techniques: competition binding, saturation binding, membrane-based assays, and autoradiography support in drug discovery contexts.
• Expertise in receptor pharmacology across multiple target families, with particular emphasis on GPCR downstream signaling.
• Proficiency in confocal microscopy for quantitative cell biology applications: subcellular localization, receptor internalization, endosomal trafficking, colocalization analysis, and live-cell imaging.
• Experience with high content screening (HCS) platforms (e.g., Operetta, Cellomics, IN Cell Analyzer, or equivalent) for automated image acquisition and analysis, including quantification.
• Familiarity with engineered cell line systems.
• Familiarity with CNS or metabolic disease target biology.
• Broad experience across multiple biological mechanisms, modalities, and therapeutic areas.
• Track record of scientific productivity demonstrated through publications, patents, or internal drug discovery contributions.
• Project or program leader experience is a plus.

Physical Demands / Travel

This is an onsite position. This role requires up to 2 days working in the lab.