Post-Doctoral Scientist, Neuroscience Cell Biology, Molecular Pharmacology

Lilly • Louisville, CO

2d • $58,000 - $123,200 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a motivated postdoctoral scientist to join our small molecule molecular pharmacology team in Louisville, Colorado. This position sits at the intersection of human stem cell neurobiology and small molecule drug discovery. The successful candidate will build and interrogate human iPSC-derived neuronal model systems to define the mechanism of action of novel small molecule inhibitors in neurodegeneration. The position will focus on building neuronal assay models using physiologically relevant neuronal cell systems. We are looking for self-motivated, independent thinkers with a strong foundation in neuroscience and human cellular models, and a proven track record of publication.

Requirements

• PhD in neuroscience, pharmacology, cell biology, molecular biology, stem cell biology, or a closely related life science discipline, with all requirements completed by January 2027
• 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 and 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

Nice To Haves

• Deep understanding of the biological mechanisms driving neurodegenerative disease
• Hands-on experience with human iPSC-derived neuronal or neural cell models, or with primary rodent neuronal culture, including differentiation, maintenance, and phenotypic characterization
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and standard molecular and cell biology techniques
• Experience with high content imaging and/or confocal microscopy, and with quantitative image analysis (for example CellProfiler, Fiji/ImageJ, Harmony, Columbus)
• Training or background in computational biology, scientific programming (Python, R), or AI/ML applied to high-dimensional biological data
• Experience directing iPSC differentiation to defined neuronal or glial subtypes, isogenic line generation, or genome editing in human stem cells
• Self-directed and highly motivated, with a commitment to pursuing technical excellence
• Excellent communicator, oral and written, with a strong or developing publication record
• Proficient in data analysis, graphing, and scientific reporting (for example GraphPad Prism, Python, Excel, PyMOL, MOE)
• Familiarity with NanoBRET, TR-FRET, AlphaLISA, and CellTiter-Glo or comparable cellular assay technologies
• Familiarity with laboratory automation
• Comfortable working in small well formats (384-well) with experience optimizing assay miniaturization

Responsibilities

• Establish, characterize, and apply human iPSC-derived neuronal and neural cell models, including co-cultures and disease-relevant genotypes, as pharmacology platforms for small molecule programs.
• Design and conduct innovative high content imaging experiments in these models to determine mechanism of action for small molecule inhibitors.
• Develop and apply quantitative, multiparametric analysis approaches to extract mechanistic insight from large imaging and phenotypic datasets.
• Design novel approaches for small molecule drug discovery in the field of neurodegeneration.
• Work with and be mentored by industry-leading molecular pharmacologists, structural biologists, computational scientists, stem cell biologists, and medicinal chemists.

Benefits

• company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance)
• company-sponsored 401(k)
• pension
• vacation benefits
• medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 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)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree