Postdoctoral Scientist – Neuroscience (Synuclein Biology)

Position Overview

Lilly's Neurodegeneration Biology group in Boston is seeking a Postdoctoral Scientist to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive α-synuclein dysfunction and aggregation in disease. This role centers on a fundamental and therapeutically important question: what drives the transition of native, aggregation-resistant α-synuclein into aggregation-prone, pathogenic species, and how can that process be understood, measured, and ultimately modulated therapeutically. The successful candidate will combine quantitative aggregation biochemistry, engineered cellular systems, and iPSC-derived neuronal disease models to build a mechanistic foundation for new therapeutic strategies in synucleinopathy. This is an opportunity to work at the interface of protein biophysics, cell biology, and translational neuroscience within a collaborative drug discovery environment.

In This Role You Will

• Design and execute experiments to define the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive α-synuclein aggregation and dysfunction
• Develop and apply cellular models, including engineered cell lines and iPSC-derived neurons, to study α-synuclein biology in physiologically relevant systems
• Establish and use aggregation paradigms, including seeded aggregation and recombinant fibril generation, to probe the kinetics and consequences of α-synuclein misfolding
• Apply biochemical and biophysical readouts, including Thioflavin T (ThT)-based aggregation assays, to quantify aggregation propensity across experimental conditions
• Validate key findings in neuronal disease models using imaging-based and biochemical approaches
• Collaborate with scientists across Lilly's Boston site and with external academic partners
• Present findings at internal meetings and scientific conferences, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications
• Maintain rigorous documentation of experimental work in Lilly's electronic laboratory notebook system

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead execution of a research program focused on the molecular and cellular drivers of α-synuclein aggregation and pathology
• Develop and characterize scalable cellular models of α-synuclein aggregation, including stable cell lines and reporter-based systems
• Perform Thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence-based aggregation kinetics experiments across a range of protein and experimental conditions, and apply appropriate kinetic modeling to interpret results
• Use biochemical and crosslinking-based approaches to characterize α-synuclein oligomeric and aggregation state across experimental settings
• Work with iPSC-derived neuronal models of synucleinopathy, including disease-relevant and isogenic control systems, and contribute to the development of new aggregation models
• Apply imaging approaches such as immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, and high-content imaging to characterize aggregation, localization, and downstream cellular phenotypes
• Contribute to data analysis, figure generation, and manuscript development for high-impact publications
• Communicate findings clearly through lab reports, team discussions, presentations, and external scientific forums

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, neuroscience, protein biophysics, or a related field
• Hands-on expertise in protein aggregation biochemistry, including ThT-based kinetic assays
• Experience generating and engineering mammalian cell lines, including approaches such as CRISPR editing, lentiviral transduction, or stable line development
• Experience with recombinant protein expression, purification, and biochemical or biophysical characterization
• 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 And Preferences

• Experience working on α-synuclein biology, including aggregation, crosslinking, or structural characterization
• Experience using imaging-based approaches to quantify protein aggregation or related cellular phenotypes
• Exposure to iPSC-derived neuronal models or primary neuron culture systems
• Experience with additional biophysical methods such as analytical ultracentrifugation, differential scanning fluorimetry, native mass spectrometry, or crosslinking mass spectrometry
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex data clearly
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative research team
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to rigorous experimental design

About The Team

The Neurodegeneration Biology group in Boston is a multidisciplinary team focused on understanding and therapeutically targeting the molecular drivers of neurodegenerative disease, including NSD, ALS, FTD, and related disorders. The team brings together expertise in α-synuclein biology, iPSC-derived neuronal models, high-content imaging, and target validation, with active efforts spanning small molecule discovery, gene therapy, and biomarker development.

Additional Information

This is a fixed-duration position for an initial term of 2 years, with the potential to extend to 3 years and a maximum appointment of up to 4 years. Postdoctoral scientists may apply for full-time opportunities at Lilly during or after the appointment.