Post Doctoral Scientist - Molecular Pharmacology

About the role

The Post-Doctoral Scientist - Molecular Pharmacology position is available within a high-visibility research program focused on quantitative G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) pharmacology. This role aims to fill the gap in theoretical frameworks for describing GPCR drug action, through innovative molecular pharmacology studies and the development of new mechanistic models.

Responsibilities

• Conduct innovative molecular pharmacology studies to characterize the mechanisms of action of GPCR ligands across multiple receptor systems of therapeutic relevance.
• Work with and be mentored by industry-leading molecular pharmacologists, structural biologists, computational scientists, and medicinal chemists.
• Present findings at internal and external scientific meetings and publish extensively in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.

Requirements

• PhD in pharmacology, biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, or a closely related life science discipline with all completed requirements by October 2026.
• Basic qualifications include authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
• Additional skills and preferences include training or background in membrane receptor biology, receptor pharmacology, signal transduction, or quantitative pharmacology; self-directed and highly motivated approach; excellent communication skills; proficiency in data analysis, graphing, and scientific reporting; experience with ligand binding techniques, cell-based GPCR signaling assays, and modern structural and computational biology approaches.

Qualifications

• Basic qualifications include a PhD in a relevant field by October 2026.
• Additional qualifications may include training or background in membrane receptor biology, receptor pharmacology, signal transduction, or quantitative pharmacology; self-directed and highly motivated approach; excellent communication skills; proficiency in data analysis, graphing, and scientific reporting; experience with ligand binding techniques, cell-based GPCR signaling assays, and modern structural and computational biology approaches.

Skills

• Training or background in membrane receptor biology, receptor pharmacology, signal transduction, or quantitative pharmacology would be advantageous.
• Self-directed and highly motivated, with a commitment to pursuing both technical excellence and publication goals.
• Excellent communicator (oral and written) with a strong or developing publication record.
• Proficient in data analysis, graphing, and scientific reporting (e.g., GraphPad Prism, Python, Excel, PyMOL, MOE).
• Experience with ligand binding techniques (competition, saturation, kinetic assays) in live cell or membrane formats.
• Experience with cell-based GPCR signaling assays, including cAMP, IP1, β-arrestin recruitment, intracellular calcium measurement, or phosphoprotein measurement.
• Familiarity with quantitative pharmacological modelling or kinetic simulation approaches.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and standard molecular biology techniques.
• Familiarity with modern structural and computational biology approaches.
• Interest in the mechanistic and theoretical foundations of receptor pharmacology.

Benefits

This position provides the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research with world-class industry resources and technology, while gaining direct experience of the drug discovery process. The candidate will develop deep expertise in quantitative GPCR pharmacology at the intersection of molecular pharmacology, structural biology, and disease biology.

Pay

The anticipated wage for this position is $58,000 - $123,200.

Schedule

This is an onsite position based in Indianapolis, Indiana. This position is not permanent. It is a fixed-term position up to 2 years with a possible 2-year extension.