Director, Molecular Pharmacology

About the role

The Advanced Molecule Design team at Lilly serves an extraordinary purpose by optimizing lead molecules to strong drug candidates that become breakthrough medicines. We focus on unlocking new approaches to treat people suffering from diseases with poor treatment options.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute molecular pharmacology assays and flow schemes to support drug discovery programs, with emphasis on: – 1) Radioligand binding (competition, saturation, kinetic assays, autoradiography) 2) GPCR internalization and receptor trafficking assays and 3) Imaging-based assays including confocal microscopy and/or high content screening (HCS)
• 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 expert scientific guidance that shapes project strategy and improves probability of technical success across multiple programs or therapeutic areas
• 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
• Team player with a positive, can-do attitude and a commitment to scientific rigor and integrity
• 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.