Advisor – RNA Preclinical Pharmacology

BioSpace; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 141,000 - 231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Pension

Vacation benefits

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Flexible benefits

Life insurance

Well-being programs

Job summary

Lilly’s RNA therapeutics division in Boston seeks a PhD-level scientist to advance next-generation RNA medicines. You will lead in vivo studies, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and help translate preclinical findings into actionable programs across cardiometabolic, cardiovascular, neuroscience and immunology areas.

The role emphasizes rigorous data QC, protocol development, and clear scientific communication. A strong publication record is valued.

Qualifications

• PhD in pharmacology, biology, biochemistry or related scientific field.
• 1+ years of post-doctoral training or industry experience.

Responsibilities

• Represent RNA therapeutics on cross functional project teams to drive projects through the development pipeline.
• Active engagement on teams tasked with innovative challenges in the RNA therapeutics space.
• Design, plan, and implement in vivo experiments to support preclinical characterization of novel therapeutic molecules.
• Expertise in tissue sample processing for gene expression, protein endpoints, or other complex biochemical endpoints (e.g RT-qPCR, JESS, ELISA, novel assay development).
• Assist in troubleshooting technical challenges for team members
• Adherence to rigorous scientific standards, data QC, and data analysis methods
• Provide written and verbal communication of work in lab reports and team meetings
• Accurate recording of all practical work: completion of electronic notebook to Lilly procedure quality standards
• General laboratory assistance, including ordering and receiving lab supplies, preparation of reagents, and maintain laboratory equipment
• General assistance with animal welfare and IACUC administrative work
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations
• Passionate about contributing to a diverse and inclusive environment, every day

Skills

RNA therapeutics

in vivo pharmacology

data analysis

team collaboration

Education

PhD in pharmacology/biology/biochemistry or related

Tools

RT-qPCR

ELISA

Job description

At Lilly, the work is demanding because patients are waiting. We unite caring with discovery to help make life better for people around the world, knowing that every decision, every detail, and every day matters. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, our over 50,000 employees around the globe take on complex challenges to discover and deliver life‑changing medicines, strengthen how health is understood and managed, and support the communities we serve. This is hard, urgent, selfless work—but it’s work worth doing. If you’re driven by purpose and ready to bring your best to work that truly matters for patients, we invite you to join us.

At the Lilly Innovation Center in Boston, Massachusetts, we explore how next generation therapeutics, new technologies, data analytics and new care models can improve patient health and the healthcare system. Our Genetic Medicine team in Boston shares a passion for challenging conventional wisdom and creating an environment that embraces creative, break‑through concepts. The Center offers a start‑up environment with large company support. It is located in the heart of Massachusetts’ exploding science and technology cluster and is within walking distance of some of the best academic and industry innovators in the world.

The successful candidate for this position will have a strong research track record in RNA therapeutics, with excellent knowledge in all aspects of in vivo pharmacology. They will provide key technical knowledge and collaborate within a multidisciplinary team to support the development of next‑generation RNA based therapeutics in various disease areas (including, but not limited to, cardiometabolic, cardiovascular, neuroscience and immunology).

Key Responsibilities

• Represent RNA therapeutics on cross functional project teams to drive projects through the development pipeline
• Active engagement on teams tasked with innovative challenges in the RNA therapeutics space
• Design, plan, and implement in vivo experiments to support the preclinical characterization of novel therapeutic molecules
• Expertise in tissue sample processing for gene expression, protein endpoints, or other complex biochemical endpoints (e.g RT-qPCR, JESS, ELISA, novel assay development)
• Assist in troubleshooting technical challenges for team members
• Adherence to rigorous scientific standards, data QC, and data analysis methods
• Provide written and verbal communication of work in lab reports and team meetings
• Accurate recording of all practical work: completion of electronic notebook to Lilly procedure quality standards
• General laboratory assistance, including ordering and receiving lab supplies, preparation of reagents, and maintain laboratory equipment
• General assistance with animal welfare and IACUC administrative work
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations
• Passionate about contributing to a diverse and inclusive environment, every day

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in pharmacology, biology, biochemistry or related scientific field
• 1+ years of post-doctoral training or industry experience

Additional Skills/Preferences

• Direct experience working with RNA therapeutics in a drug development or applied therapeutics setting
• Experience in developing and working with in vivo models and assays to support drug discovery programs
• Hands-on competencies in designing and implementing in vivo pharmacological experiments including common dosing route and blood/tissue collection techniques
• Scientific background in cardiometabolic diseases
• Experience with animal welfare and IACUC work
• Knowledge and understanding of drug delivery and basic pharmacology concepts, is preferred
• Ability to adapt to changing platform needs, workflows and projects
• Execution-focused, independent, and team-oriented with an ability to thrive in a fast‑paced and innovative environment
• Experience in processing, organizing, analyzing and visualizing data and information from disparate sources and ability to extract insight from data
• Embrace diversity of thought, background, and experience to deliver innovative solutions

Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form (https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.

Lilly is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia (AMECA), Black Employees at Lilly (BE@Lilly), Chinese Culture Network (CCN), EnAble, Evolve, Lilly Indian Network (LIN), Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), Pride (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN) and Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL).

Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $141,000 - $231,000

Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance).

• company-sponsored 401(k)
• pension
• vacation benefits
• eligibility for 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
• and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities)

Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly’s compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.

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