Director, Molecular Pharmacology

BioSpace; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 149,000 - 257,000; Full time

Job summary

Lilly in Indianapolis, IN seeks experienced molecular pharmacology experts to optimize lead molecules and drive IND-ready candidates across oncology, immunology, and metabolic areas. The role demands deep scientific knowledge, leadership, and the ability to advance multiple programs while mentoring teams and collaborating across sites.

Onsite work with up to 2 lab days per week; strong background in GPCR signaling, radioligand binding, and imaging-based assays is essential, along with a growth

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in molecular pharmacology assay development and radioligand binding.
• Track record advancing discovery programs with drug hunter experience.
• Strong background in biochemistry, biophysics, and cell biology to guide optimization.
• Experience leading scientists and cross-disciplinary teams.
• Team player with rigorous scientific approach and growth mindset.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute pharmacology assays to support drug discovery programs.
• Characterize receptor pharmacology, affinity, selectivity, and functional activity.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives and provide scientific leadership across programs.
• Mentor diverse scientific talent and champion open, evidence-based decisions.
• Incorporate state-of-the-art methods and AI/ML into workflows.

Skills

Molecular pharmacology

Radioligand binding

GPCR signaling

Biochemistry

Cell biology

Team leadership

AI/ML in science

Education

PhD in Biochemistry/Biology/Biophysics/Molecular Biology/Pharmacology

Bachelor's degree with 10+ years equivalent experience

Tools

Confocal microscopy

High-content screening

FRET

Radioligand binding equipment

Job description

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.

Overview

At Lilly, we serve an extraordinary purpose. We make a difference for people around the globe by discovering, developing and delivering medicines that help them live longer, healthier, more active lives. Not only do we deliver breakthrough medications, but you can also count on us to develop creative solutions to support communities through philanthropy and volunteerism.

The Lilly Small Molecule Design group is an organization purpose-built to create molecules that make life better for people. We focus on using cutting‑edge science to unlock new approaches that can treat people suffering from diseases with poor treatment options. We continually challenge ourselves to deliver molecules that can provide breakthrough efficacy with the highest possible safety margins. We are dedicated to optimizing our mindset, technology, and processes for faster, more nimble execution. Our success is built on a culture that empowers innovative problem‑solving through open collaboration and individual accountability.

Position Summary

The Advanced Molecule Design team's mission is to optimize lead molecules to strong drug candidates that become breakthrough medicines. We are searching for experienced and engaged scientific experts who are recognized authorities in their area of focus and drive the advancement of our portfolio across oncology, immunology, pain, Alzheimer's, diabetes, and obesity. These positions are for seasoned drug hunters who ask the right scientific questions and collect high‑impact data to drive projects forward. To be successful, these experts will provide deep scientific knowledge across multiple programs or therapeutic areas, build capabilities that enhance Molecular Pharmacology's impact on the portfolio, and help deliver quality drug candidates to IND. We are looking for innovative scientists with a strong growth mindset who can challenge dogma and champion breakthrough approaches.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute molecular pharmacology assays and flow schemes to support drug discovery programs, with emphasis on:– 1) Radioligand binding (competition, saturation, kinetic assays, autoradiography) 2) GPCR internalization and receptor trafficking assays and 3) Imaging-based assays including confocal microscopy and/or high content screening (HCS)
• Develop novel, fit-for-purpose assay platforms from the ground up, including assay design, reagent optimization, cell line selection/engineering, and qualification for drug discovery use
• Characterize compound pharmacology and mechanisms of action including receptor affinity, selectivity, and functional activity (e.g., G protein signaling, arrestin recruitment, receptor desensitization)
• Serve as a recognized expert in their field, providing scientific leadership that shapes program strategy and builds credibility across the organization.
• Provide expert scientific guidance that shapes project strategy and improves probability of technical success across multiple programs or therapeutic areas.
• Identify capability gaps and develop solutions that benefit multiple programs across the portfolio.
• Actively incorporate state-of-the-art methods and technologies
• Incorporate AI/ML into scientific workflows.
• Foster an environment that supports open scientific debate and bold, evidence-based decisions.
• Actively mentor and develop diverse scientific talent across sites and functions.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives that leverage diverse perspectives to drive program outcomes.
• Champion a ONE TEAM, SAME TEAM mindset; model radical transparency in surfacing challenges.
• Identify and contribute to external innovation opportunities that strengthen the portfolio.
• Build internal and external networks that enhance the capabilities of the Molecular Pharmacology team.

Basic Requirements

• PhD with a minimum of 5+ years of drug discovery experience in the pharmaceutical industry (including academic and post‑doc experience); or BS/MS with 10+ years of equivalent experience.
• Degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or related fields.

Additional Preferences

• Demonstrated expertise in molecular pharmacology assay development, including radioligand binding and/or imaging-based modalities
• Demonstrated drug hunter experience with a track record of advancing discovery programs.
• Deep scientific background in biochemistry, biophysics, and cell biology to guide compound optimization across modalities.
• Strong experience leading teams of scientists and achieving cross-disciplinary goals.
• Team player with a positive, can-do attitude and a commitment to scientific rigor and integrity.
• Hands‑on experience with radioligand binding techniques: competition binding, saturation binding, membrane-based assays, and autoradiography support in drug discovery contexts
• Experience with GPCR internalization and receptor trafficking assays, including one or more of the following: SNAP/CLIP, FRET, luminescence reporters
• Expertise in receptor pharmacology across multiple target families, with particular emphasis on GPCR downstream signaling
• Proficiency in confocal microscopy for quantitative cell biology applications: subcellular localization, receptor internalization, endosomal trafficking, colocalization analysis, and live-cell imaging
• Experience with high content screening (HCS) platforms (e.g., Operetta, Cellomics, IN Cell Analyzer, or equivalent) for automated image acquisition and analysis, including quantification
• Familiarity with engineered cell line systems
• Familiarity with CNS or metabolic disease target biology
• Broad experience across multiple biological mechanisms, modalities, and therapeutic areas.
• Track record of scientific productivity demonstrated through publications, patents, or internal drug discovery contributions
• Project or program leader experience is a plus.

Physical Demands / Travel

The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Work Environment

This is an onsite position.

This role requires up to 2 days working in the lab.

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the role and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

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 Network, Black Employees at Lilly, Chinese Culture Network, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), PRIDE (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN), Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL), enAble (for people with disabilities). Learn more about all of our groups.

Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $148,500 - $257,400

Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a 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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