Post-Doctoral Scientist – Delivery, Devices & Connected Solutions (DDCS) Inhaled Drug Formulation

About the role

The successful candidate will work within a multidisciplinary team to characterize device performance and develop predictive computational models of aerosol deposition — contributing directly to formulation design decisions and preclinical-to-clinical translation strategies.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute in vitro aerosol characterization experiments using pulmonary and nasal device platforms, including droplet size distribution (laser diffraction, cascade impaction), delivered dose, and delivery efficiency assessments.
• Develop, validate, and apply computational fluid dynamics (CFD) or physiologically based pharmacokinetic/deposition (PBPK/PBPD) models to predict regional aerosol deposition across patient-representative airway geometries.
• Integrate experimental aerosol data with in-silico deposition predictions to support formulation optimization and design space definition.
• Develop and validate IVIVC frameworks linking in vitro aerosol metrics (MMAD, FPF, delivered dose) to predicted in vivo regional deposition and, where feasible, to pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic endpoints.
• Apply uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis to computational models to characterize inter-subject and inter-effort variability in predicted deposition outcomes.
• Collaborate with formulation scientists, device engineers, and translational scientists to interpret results and generate actionable insights.
• Communicate findings through internal technical reports, cross-functional presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Participate in structured mentorship and professional development programming within Lilly’s postdoctoral research community.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Aerosol Science, or a closely related field, conferred within the past three years.
• Hands-on experience with pulmonary and /or nasal device characterization techniques (e.g., next-generation impactor [NGI], laser diffraction, DUSA) and/or experimental fluid dynamics.
• Demonstrated proficiency in computational modeling of aerosol transport and/or deposition (e.g., CFD using ANSYS Fluent/OpenFOAM, or lung deposition models such as MPPD).
• Strong publication record commensurate with career stage.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, matrix-based environment.

Qualifications

• Self-directed and highly motivated individual who wants to learn new techniques while continually pursuing research and publication goals.
• Excellent communicator (oral and written) with presentation experience, along with a strong publication record.
• Proficient in data analysis and reporting.