Post-Doctoral Scientist– Molecular Pharmacology

Eli Lilly and Company; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 58,000 - 123,200; Full time

Job summary

Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis is seeking a post‑doctoral scientist to advance mitochondrial uncoupler research. You will establish and apply assays, screen novel small molecules, and explore mechanisms of action in collaboration with experts in bioenergetics and metabolic disease biology.

The role emphasizes rigorous experimental work, data interpretation, and communication, with opportunities to publish and present at conferences. This position is based in the United States.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a molecular biology/biochemistry related field.
• Authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate assays to identify small molecule uncouplers.
• Characterise in‑vitro mitochondrial uncoupling activity across cell types, tissues, and disease‑relevant systems.
• Work with and be mentored by experts in bioenergetics, molecular pharmacology, and metabolic disease biology.
• Design and execute small molecule screens to identify novel mitochondrial uncouplers, and characterise their mechanism of action, potency, selectivity, and safety margin using cutting‑edge industry technology and resources.
• Identify areas of key need across clinical development and champion creative solutions to address those needs.
• Present findings at conferences and publish in high‑quality peer‑reviewed journals.

Skills

Molecular biology

CRISPR gene editing

High-throughput screening

RT-qPCR

Protein analysis

Scientific communication

Education

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology/Biochemistry/Cell Biology/Pharmacology

Tools

TR-FRET

BRET

AlphaLISA

CETSA

NanoBRET

Mass spectrometry

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.

Skills

The Molecular Pharmacology group in Lilly Small Molecule Discovery (LSMD) and Cardiometabolic research unit (CMR) is seeking an ambitious post‑doctoral scientist with strong research and communication skills to contribute to highly visible research projects. Your work will focus on establishing and applying assays to evaluate mitochondrial uncouplers in a context‑ and system‑dependent manner, and on screening for novel small molecule uncouplers with potential to treat metabolic disease.

• Develop and validate assays to identify small molecule uncouplers.
• Characterise in‑vitro mitochondrial uncoupling activity across cell types, tissues, and disease‑relevant systems.
• Work with and be mentored by experts in bioenergetics, molecular pharmacology, and metabolic disease biology.
• Design and execute small molecule screens to identify novel mitochondrial uncouplers, and characterise their mechanism of action, potency, selectivity, and safety margin using cutting‑edge industry technology and resources.
• Identify areas of key need across clinical development and champion creative solutions to address those needs. Maintain external awareness and learning to benefit the organization.
• Present findings at conferences and publish in high‑quality peer‑reviewed journals.

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, or a related field.
• 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, 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.

Additional Skills/Preferences

• Demonstrated hands‑on experience with molecular biology techniques, including CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing (e.g., guide RNA design, generation of knockout/knock‑in cell lines, validation of edits).
• Experience with plate‑based assay technologies such as TR‑FRET, BRET, AlphaLISA, or similar high‑throughput biochemical/ cellular assay platforms preferred.
• Familiarity with cellular target engagement assays (e.g., CETSA, NanoBRET target engagement, or similar approaches) preferred.
• Experience with cell‑based imaging techniques, including high‑content/high‑throughput imaging, fluorescence microscopy, or confocal imaging, for applications such as target engagement, phenotypic profiling, or trafficking studies.
• Proficiency in RT‑PCR/qPCR techniques for gene expression analysis.
• Experience with proteomics and/or chemical biology approaches (e.g., mass spectrometry‑based proteomics, activity‑based protein profiling, chemical probe development) is a plus.
• Strong scientific communication skills and a record of peer‑reviewed publication.

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.

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 to eligible employees, including participation in a company‑sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare or dependent day‑care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time‑off and leave of absence benefits; and wellbeing 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.