Post-Doctoral Scientist- Immunology Discovery

About the role

Eli Lilly and Company's Immunology organization is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to lead a mechanistic research program comparing two clinically important T cell–redirecting immunotherapy platforms: bispecific T cell engagers (TCEs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies, including transient mRNA-encoded CAR approaches. This is a unique opportunity to conduct hypothesis-driven, publication-caliber research at the interface of basic immunology and translational drug discovery, embedded within an active, industry-leading immunology discovery team.

The postdoctoral fellow will design and execute a systematic, multi-aim research program using established internal reagents, cell lines, and assay platforms, with the goal of generating valuable mechanistic insights.

Responsibilities

• Support immunology research projects advancing understanding of T cell biology in the context of T cell engagers and CAR T cell therapies
• Work in close collaboration with immunology research, in vivo pharmacology, and bioinformatics groups
• Perform phenotypic and functional characterization of T cells using:
  • Primary human T and B cell isolation and co-culture
  • Multiparameter flow cytometry
  • Multiplex cytokine profiling (MSD)
  • Transcriptional profiling (NanoString; potential single-cell RNA sequencing)

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field (completed or near completion)
• Strong foundational knowledge of T cell biology
• Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis (Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or visas for this role)

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct research experience with T cell engagers (TCEs) and/or CAR T cell platforms, including cytotoxicity assays and mechanistic characterization
• Hands-on experience with primary human immune cell isolation and culture, multiparameter flow cytometry, and standard immunoassay techniques
• Experience with multiplex cytokine profiling (e.g., MSD), transcriptional profiling (e.g., NanoString or scRNA-seq), and/or lipid nanoparticle–mediated mRNA delivery
• Familiarity with regulatory T cell biology and immune subset dissection techniques
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) with presentation experience, along with a strong publication record
• Proficient in data analysis and reporting
• Experience with multidimensional flow cytometry
• Experience with scRNA-seq data acquisition and analysis

Additional Information

This position is for a fixed duration of two years with potential to extend to 3 years and for a maximum of up to 4 years. You will have opportunities to apply for full-time positions after your duration is complete.

About Eli Lilly’s Postdoctoral Scientist Program

Postdoctoral scientists at Lilly help advance medical science by tackling complex challenges in research and development. During your experience, you will get:

• Top industry research experience
• Mentoring by some of Lilly’s top scientists
• Laboratory and classroom training and education to further your development
• Collaboration and networking across dozens of postdoctoral scientists and other researchers

Employee Resource Groups

Lilly offers employee resource groups (ERGs) that provide strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Current groups include:

• Africa, Middle East, Central Asia (AMECA)
• Black Employees at Lilly (BE@Lilly)
• Chinese Culture Network (CCN)
• EnAble
• Evolve
• Lilly Indian Network (LIN)
• Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA)
• Pride (LGBTQ+ Allies)
• Veterans Leadership Network (VLN)
• Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL)

Pay

The anticipated wage for this position is $58,000 - $123,200. Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance).

Benefits

• Eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k) and pension
• Vacation benefits
• 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
• Well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities)