Post-Doctoral Scientist– Molecular Pharmacology

About the role

The Molecular Pharmacology group in Lilly Small Molecule Discovery (LSMD) and Cardiometabolic research unit (CMR) is seeking an ambitious post-doctoral scientist with strong research and communication skills to contribute to highly visible research projects. Your work will focus on establishing and applying assays to evaluate mitochondrial uncouplers in a context- and system-dependent manner, and on screening for novel small molecule uncouplers with potential to treat metabolic disease.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate assays to identify small molecule uncouplers.
• Characterize in vitro mitochondrial uncoupling activity across cell types, tissues, and disease-relevant systems.
• Work with and be mentored by experts in bioenergetics, molecular pharmacology, and metabolic disease biology.
• Design and execute small molecule screens to identify novel mitochondrial uncouplers, and characterize their mechanism of action, potency, selectivity, and safety margin using cutting edge industry technology and resources.
• Identify areas of key need across clinical development and champion creative solutions to address those needs.
• Maintain external awareness and learning to benefit the organization.
• Present findings at conferences and publish in high quality peer-reviewed journals.

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, or a related field.
• Qualified applicants 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, including but not limited to F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, J-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, or L-1.

Additional Skills/Preferences

• Demonstrated hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques, including CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing (e.g., guide RNA design, generation of knockout/knock-in cell lines, validation of edits).
• Experience with plate-based assay technologies such as TR-FRET, BRET, AlphaLISA, or similar high-throughput biochemical/cellular assay platforms preferred.
• Familiarity with cellular target engagement assays (e.g., CETSA, NanoBRET target engagement, or similar approaches) preferred.
• Experience with cell-based imaging techniques, including high-content/high-throughput imaging, fluorescence microscopy, or confocal imaging, for applications such as target engagement, phenotypic profiling, or trafficking studies.
• Proficiency in RT-PCR/qPCR techniques for gene expression analysis.
• Experience with proteomics and/or chemical biology approaches (e.g., mass spectrometry-based proteomics, activity-based protein profiling, chemical probe development) is a plus.
• Strong scientific communication skills and a record of peer-reviewed publication.

Pay

Anticipated wage: $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

• Company-sponsored 401(k)
• 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
• Time off and leave of absence benefits
• Well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities)