Postdoctoral Research Scientist: Receptor-Mediated Enhancement of AAV Gene Delivery

Lilly • San Diego, CA

17d • $58,000 - $123,200 • Onsite

About The Position

Eli Lilly and Company is seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join our Biotechnology Discovery Research organization in San Diego. This two-year fellowship will investigate receptor-mediated mechanisms for enhancing adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene delivery through rational capsid engineering. This role offers exceptional training in viral vector engineering, opportunities for high-impact publications, and broad exposure to industry-based translational research.

Requirements

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Virology, or related life sciences discipline
• Proficiency in mammalian cell culture including maintenance of adherent and suspension cell lines and standard molecular biology techniques for DNA manipulation
• Experience with quantitative nucleic acid analysis (qPCR or digital PCR)
• 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

• Hands-on experience with viral vector systems (AAV, lentivirus, adenovirus, or related) including production, purification, AAV capsid engineering, and functional characterization
• Experience with confocal microscopy for live-cell or fixed-cell imaging
• Background in protein engineering, nanobody technology, or targeting ligand development
• Experience with intracellular trafficking studies, endocytosis, or nuclear transport
• Familiarity with primary human cell culture
• Experience with flow cytometry for cell-based assays
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multi-stage research projects
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to prepare scientific manuscripts

Responsibilities

• Design, clone, produce, and purify engineered AAV vectors with targeting modifications
• Perform vector quality control including titering (digital PCR), purity assessment, and particle integrity analysis
• Execute cell-based binding, internalization, and transduction assays using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy
• Perform mechanistic trafficking studies including endosomal escape, capsid uncoating, nuclear entry, and genome processing
• Integrate experimental data to establish structure-activity relationships and characterize enhancement mechanisms
• Maintain rigorous experimental documentation in electronic lab notebooks
• Present research at scientific meetings and prepare manuscripts for publication (anticipated 1-2 first-author publications)

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