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

Eli Lilly and Company; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 58,000 - 123,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Pension

Vacation benefits

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Flexible benefits

Life insurance

Job summary

Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis is seeking an ambitious post-doctoral scientist to advance protein and peptide therapeutics. This role focuses on translating mechanistic insights into robust formulation strategies for the next generation of biologic drugs, with mentorship from Lilly’s leading scientists.

You will work across cross-functional teams, develop models, present findings at conferences, and contribute to publications, while benefiting from a strong learning environment,

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in relevant fields such as Biophysics, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or closely related discipline.
• Strong foundation in protein biophysics, structural biology, biologic formulation science, or analytical characterization of peptide/protein therapeutics.
• Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or 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. Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Protein biophysics

Structural biology

Biologic formulation science

Analytical characterization

Education

Ph.D. in Biophysics/Biochemistry/Pharmaceutical Sciences/Engineering

Tools

Bio-NMR

SAXS

Cryo-EM

X-ray crystallography

SEC-MALS

HPLC/UPLC

HDX-MS

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.

When it comes to research and development, our goal is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that make life better for people around the world. It’s challenging, expensive and often unpredictable. Yet each outcome advances medical science and deepens our understanding of disease, biology and chemistry – ultimately bringing new solutions one step closer to reality.

Over the course of our history, we have shed light on some of the toughest health care problems known to humankind – diabetes, heart disease, infectious diseases, neuroscience disorders, cancer and more. We could not pursue this without our research and development team.

Postdoctoral scientists help us continue this pursuit. During your experience you will get:

• Top industry research experience
• Mentoring by some of Lilly’s top scientists
• Laboratory and technical training and pharmaceutical science education to further your development
• Collaboration and networking across dozens of postdoctoral scientists and other researchers

We are seeking an ambitious post-doctoral scientist, with strong research and communication skills, in advancing innovative protein and peptide therapeutics. This role focuses on translating mechanistic insights at the molecular level into robust platform formulation strategies that enable the next generation of biological drug products. In this role, you will:

Position Responsibilities

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

Learning and Development Opportunities

• Develop deep expertise in protein biophysics, structural biology, formulation science, and translational pharmacology in an industrial R&D environment.
• Gain hands-on exposure to advanced characterization workflows, including solution-state, solid-state, and structural methods.
• Work with a cross-functional mentorship team spanning drug substance, drug product, structural characterization, formulation, and PK/PD interpretation.
• Build a strong publication and conference-presentation record that supports your independent research career.
• Build a strong professional network across Lilly Research Laboratories and the broader protein therapeutics community.

Basic Requirements

• Ph.D. in relevant fields such as Biophysics, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or closely related discipline.
• Strong foundation in protein biophysics, structural biology, biologic formulation science, or analytical characterization of peptide/protein therapeutics.
• Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or 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. Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Additional Skills/Preferences

• Hands-on experience with structural and biophysical techniques such as Bio-NMR, SAXS (Small Angle X-ray Scattering), 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 individual who wants to learn new techniques while continually pursuing research and publication goals.
• Excellent communicator (oral and written) with presentation experience, along with a strong publication record.
• Proficiency in data analysis and scientific reporting.

Additional Information

Position Location: This role is an onsite position based at Indianapolis, IN (Lilly Technology Center-North).

This position is fixed duration employment (FDE) of 2 years, with potential to extend to 3 years, and for maximum of up to 4 years. This position is not full-time regular employment (FTE).

Opportunities to apply to FTE positions may be available upon completion of the FDE.

Travel 0-15%.

Potential exposure to chemicals, allergens, and loud noises.

Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions.

EEO Statement

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.

Employee Resource Groups

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).

Compensation and Benefits

Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $58,000 - $123,200.

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
• 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.