Post-Doctoral Scientist– Molecular Pharmacology

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 58,000 - 123,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefit program

401(k) and pension

Company bonuses

Flextime and well-being benefits

Job summary

Initial Therapeutics, Inc. is seeking a talented Post-Doctoral Scientist in Molecular Pharmacology to join their dynamic research team in Indianapolis, Indiana. This role involves conducting cutting-edge studies on GPCR ligands and collaborating with top scientists in the field.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in a relevant scientific discipline, strong research skills, and a commitment to publishing research. Full-time employees will also enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision care.

Qualifications

• PhD in pharmacology or related life science discipline required by October 2026.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
• Strong or developing publication record with excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct molecular pharmacology studies on GPCR ligands.
• Work with molecular pharmacologists and present findings.
• Publish research in peer-reviewed journals.

Skills

Research and communication skills

Data analysis

Graphing

Scientific reporting

Ligand binding techniques

Cell culture techniques

Pharmacological modelling

Education

PhD in pharmacology, biochemistry

Tools

GraphPad Prism

Python

Excel

PyMOL

MOE

Job description

Post-Doctoral Scientist – Molecular Pharmacology

Are you looking to make an impact in drug discovery at the frontier of G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) science? We are seeking an ambitious post-doctoral scientist with strong research and communication skills to contribute to a high-visibility research program in quantitative GPCR pharmacology.

In This Role

• Conduct innovative molecular pharmacology studies to characterize the mechanisms of action of GPCR ligands across multiple receptor systems of therapeutic relevance.
• Work with and be mentored by industry-leading molecular pharmacologists, structural biologists, computational scientists, and medicinal chemists.
• Present findings at internal and external scientific meetings and publish extensively in high-quality peer‑reviewed journals.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in pharmacology, biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, or a closely related life science discipline (all completed requirements by October 2026).
• 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 or visas for this role.

Additional Skills & Preferences

• Training or background in membrane receptor biology, receptor pharmacology, signal transduction, or quantitative pharmacology would be advantageous.
• Self-directed and highly motivated, with a commitment to pursuing both technical excellence and publication goals.
• Excellent communicator (oral and written) with a strong or developing publication record.
• Proficient in data analysis, graphing, and scientific reporting (GraphPad Prism, Python, Excel, PyMOL, MOE).
• Experience with ligand binding techniques (competition, saturation, kinetic assays) in live cell or membrane formats.
• Experience with cell-based GPCR signaling assays, including cAMP, IP1, β‑arrestin recruitment, intracellular calcium measurement, or phosphoprotein measurement.
• Familiarity with quantitative pharmacological modelling or kinetic simulation approaches.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and standard molecular biology techniques.
• Understanding or practical experience of modern structural and computational biology approaches.
• Interest in the mechanistic and theoretical foundations of receptor pharmacology.

Additional Information

• This is an onsite position based in Indianapolis, Indiana.
• This position is not permanent. It is a fixed‑term position up to 2 years with a possible 2‑year extension.

About Eli Lilly’s Postdoctoral Scientist Program

Postdoctoral scientists help us continue this pursuit. During your experience you will receive top industry research experience in a world‑class molecular pharmacology environment, mentoring by some of Lilly’s leading scientists in GPCR biology, structural pharmacology, and quantitative modelling, laboratory and professional training to further your scientific and career development, and collaboration and networking across a vibrant community of postdoctoral scientists and research colleagues.

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 will also be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program, including eligibility to participate in a 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; and well‑being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).

EEO Statement

Lilly is a proud 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.