​​Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Lipid-based Particle Formulation Development​

Lilly • Indianapolis, IN

4d • $58,000 - $123,200 • Onsite

About The Position

The Drug Delivery group at Lilly studies physiological barriers across routes of administration to create novel, patient-centric delivery solutions, serving as a center of excellence in injection physiology, device ideation, novel drug delivery technologies across modalities and routes of administration, nanomedicine and targeted delivery, and connected devices/digital biomarkers. Within this group, the team is developing a next-generation, ultrasound-enhanced delivery platforms that uses micro/nanobubbles to enhance delivery of therapeutics, including antibodies and peptides intended to overcome the tissue-transport barriers that limit tissue distribution of therapeutics as well as theranostic agents. We are seeking an experimental postdoctoral research scientist to join this effort. This is a hands-on laboratory role: you will formulate micro/nanobubbles, develop bioconjugation chemistries for targeted modalities when applicable, execute in-depth characterization studies on the lead formulations, and collaborate with the extended team on downstream ultrasound-mediated delivery experiments.

Requirements

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a similar discipline, earned within the last 3 years.
• Expert-level, hands-on skills in lipid-based formulation science, colloid/interface science, and/or bioconjugation — theory and application.
• Experience in the characterization of particulate delivery systems (e.g. DLS, nanoparticle tracking, zeta potential, SLS, electron microscopy, etc.)
• Good organizational skills to enable success in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to balance multiple activities, prioritize, and manage uncertainty and risk.
• A strong desire to learn emerging technologies and new scientific concepts to support multi-disciplinary research.
• Good interpersonal skills and a persistent tendency for collaboration.
• Demonstrated proficiency in scientific writing and publication in peer-reviewed journals along with scientific presentation skills.
• 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

• Experience conjugating antibodies or peptides (e.g., click chemistry, maleimide–thiol, lipid–PEG coupling) and quantifying loading and bioactivity.
• Fundamental understanding of drug delivery routes and mechanisms.
• Experience with focused ultrasound or other acoustically/externally responsive delivery systems is a plus.
• Experience with in vitro/in vivo delivery assessment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Leverage a strong background in formulation science, colloid/interface chemistry, and bioconjugation to discover and develop lipid-based carriers for ultrasound-enhanced delivery of therapeutics.
• Apply resourceful and creative thinking to develop novel bubble formulations, bioconjugation, and characterization strategies that address tissue-transport barriers.
• Show self-initiative to conduct independent hypothesis-driven research, design and execute experiments, analyze and interpret data, and solve problems individually.
• Work effectively within a cross-functional team environment, partnering with device, formulation, and biology colleagues and other groups to support in-vivo studies.
• Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills; present work at group meetings and external conferences and prepare manuscripts for publication.
• Show learning agility and discipline to rapidly learn new formulation and delivery platforms and gain a fundamental understanding of the project requirements and regulatory/competitive landscape.

Benefits

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