Postdoctoral Scientist – Gene Therapy Biodistribution & Molecular Biology (CNS)

About the role

Eli Lilly and Company is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scientist to join the Drug Delivery and Connected Systems (DDCS) organization, with a primary focus on CNS gene therapy biodistribution and molecular bioanalysis. This role supports the optimization and translational advancement of gene therapy platforms, both viral and non-viral, for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.

Responsibilities

• Biodistribution & Molecular Bioanalysis
• Lead the design, development, optimization, and execution of biodistribution assays to assess AAVs, LNPs, siRNA distribution, transgene expression, and persistence across CNS and peripheral tissues.
• Apply a broad toolkit of molecular and bioanalytical techniques, including PCR-based approaches, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, next-generation sequencing, and LC–MS–based quantitative bioanalysis.
• Ensure assays are fit-for-purpose, sensitive, reproducible, and aligned with translational gene therapy objectives.
• Off-target analysis and DRG toxicology assay development.
• Experimental Design, Troubleshooting, and Scientific Rigor
• Independently design and execute CNS gene therapy-focused biodistribution studies, applying sound experimental design and Design of Experiments (DoE/DOR) principles.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot complex technical challenges related to vector detection, tissue processing, assay performance, or data variability.
• Maintain meticulous experimental documentation, ensuring clear traceability, data integrity, and compliance with DDCS best practices.
• CNS Gene Therapy & Translational Insight
• Apply strong foundational knowledge of CNS biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry to interpret biodistribution and expression data in a therapeutic context.
• Integrate biodistribution results with an understanding of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) to inform dose selection, delivery route optimization, and therapeutic index assessment for viral and non-viral gene therapies.
• Contribute to translational strategy discussions by linking molecular readouts to functional, anatomical, and disease-relevant endpoints.
• In Vivo Study Oversight & External Collaboration
• Independently interface with external CROs to design, execute, and oversee in vivo gene therapy biodistribution studies, including work in higher vertebrate CNS models.
• Provide scientific oversight for tissue collection, sample processing, and downstream molecular analyses conducted internally or externally.
• Ensure CRO outputs meet DDCS scientific standards, timelines, and data-quality expectations.
• Data Analysis, Visualization, and Team Communication
• Apply best practices for managing and analyzing large, multi-dimensional biodistribution datasets generated from CNS gene therapy studies.
• Perform statistical analysis and generate clear, insightful data visualizations to support project teams and decision-making forums.
• Communicate findings effectively through presentations, written summaries, and collaborative scientific discussions.
• Actively contribute as a proactive, team-oriented scientist within a highly collaborative DDCS research environment.

Requirements

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, Bioengineering, or a closely related life sciences discipline.
• Demonstrated in-depth experience in AAV biodistribution analysis and/or molecular bioanalytical assay development.
• Strong hands-on expertise in PCR/qPCR/ddPCR, ELISA, IHC, NGS, and/or related molecular biology techniques.
• Solid understanding of CNS gene therapy delivery, molecular mechanisms of transgene expression, and/or tissue-specific biology.
• Proven ability to independently design experiments, troubleshoot technically challenging assays, and maintain rigorous scientific documentation.
• Highly motivated, proactive, and able to thrive in a collaborative, team-based research environment.

Basic Requirements

• Authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
• 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 Preferences

• Knowledge of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics as applied to gene therapy biodistribution and expression.
• Spatial transcriptomics/RNAscope as a preferred qualification for CNS transgene expression mapping.
• Direct experience working with CNS tissues and CNS-relevant animal models for gene therapy research.
• Experience integrating biodistribution data with imaging, functional, or efficacy readouts.
• Experience collaborating with CROs and supporting in vivo gene therapy studies.
• Familiarity with FDA (2020) long-term follow-up guidance and EMA biodistribution reflection papers as preferred qualifications. Knowledge of current FDA guidance on intrathecal/systemic AAV safety signals.