Post-Doctoral Scientist - Formulations Bioproduct Research & Development - FDE

Lilly • Indianapolis, IN

5d • $58,000 - $123,200 • Onsite

About The Position

Lilly is seeking an ambitious post-doctoral scientist to advance innovative protein and peptide therapeutics. The role translates molecular-level mechanistic insights into robust platform formulation strategies that support the next generation of biological drug products. The scientist will investigate physical stability across formulation parameters and use biophysical and analytical methods to understand molecular interactions and their effects on structure, viscosity, rheology, and stability.

The position offers experience in industrial research and development, including mentorship from Lilly scientists, laboratory and technical training, pharmaceutical science education, and collaboration with researchers across the organization. The post-doctoral scientist will develop expertise in protein biophysics, structural biology, formulation science, and translational pharmacology, while building a record of publications, conference presentations, and professional connections.

This is a fixed-duration position of two years, with potential extension to three years and a maximum duration of four years. It is onsite at Lilly Technology Center-North in Indianapolis, Indiana. Travel is 0–15%. Potential workplace exposures include chemicals, allergens, and loud noises. Lilly will not sponsor or support work authorization or visas for this role; applicants must be authorized to work full-time in the United States. The anticipated wage is $58,000–$123,200. The posting notes that full-time equivalent employees may be eligible for company bonuses and describes a comprehensive benefits program for eligible employees; these details are not stated as applicable to this fixed-duration position.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong foundation in protein biophysics, structural biology, biologic formulation science, or analytical characterization of peptide or protein therapeutics.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; Lilly will not support or sponsor work authorization or visas for this role.

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience with structural and biophysical techniques such as Bio-NMR, SAXS, neutron scattering, X-ray crystallography, Cryo-EM, SEC-MALS, SLS/DLS, DSC, ITC, mass photometry, HDX-MS, HPLC/UPLC, XRPD, or related methods.
• Experience with crystallization screening, solid-state characterization, or excipient-binding analysis.
• Familiarity with PK/PD concepts, translational pharmacology, or approaches that link in vitro molecular behavior to in vivo performance.
• Self-directed and highly motivated, with interest in learning new techniques and pursuing research and publication goals.
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation experience, along with a strong publication record.
• Proficiency in data analysis and scientific reporting.

Responsibilities

• Investigate physical stability of different modalities under formulation parameters such as pH, concentration, and ionic strength.
• Use biophysical and analytical techniques to characterize molecular interactions in formulations and assess their effects on higher-order structure, viscosity, rheology, and overall stability.
• Develop mechanistic or kinetic models that link formulation to PK/PD-relevant outcomes.
• Monitor and critically evaluate scientific literature to inform experimental design.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in drug substance, drug product, structural biology, analytical sciences, biophysical characterization, formulation, computational modeling, and translational pharmacology.
• Identify key needs in drug product development and champion creative solutions.
• Present findings at conferences and publish in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.
• Prepare technical reports, research summaries, manuscripts, conference presentations, and invention disclosures as appropriate.
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies in structural biology, protein biophysics, drug delivery, and pharmaceutical development.

Benefits

• For eligible employees: participation in a company-sponsored 401(k) plan and pension.
• For eligible employees: vacation benefits.
• For eligible employees: medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits.
• For eligible employees: flexible benefits, including healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts.
• For eligible employees: life insurance and death benefits.
• For eligible employees: certain time-off and leave-of-absence benefits.
• For eligible employees: well-being benefits, including an employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities.
• Company bonus eligibility is described for full-time equivalent employees, depending in part on company and individual performance; applicability to this fixed-duration position is not specified.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree