Postdoc: AAV Vector Engineering for Targeted Delivery

Eli Lilly and Company; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 123,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Pension

Vacation benefits

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Flexible benefits

Life insurance

Time off and leave

Well-being programs

Bonus eligibility

Job summary

Eli Lilly and Company in San Diego seeks a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to investigate receptor‑mediated enhancement of AAV gene delivery through capsid engineering. The two‑year fellowship offers training in viral vector engineering, translational research, and potential high‑impact publications.

The role involves multidisciplinary collaboration, vector production, and rigorous data analysis, with opportunities for first‑author manuscripts and presentations at conferences.

Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Virology, or related life sciences discipline.
• Proficiency in mammalian cell culture and standard molecular biology techniques.
• Experience with quantitative nucleic acid analysis (qPCR or digital PCR).
• Authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis; no visa sponsorship provided.

Responsibilities

• Design, clone, produce, and purify engineered AAV vectors with targeting modifications.
• Perform vector quality control including titering (digital PCR), purity assessment, and particle integrity analysis.
• Execute cell‑based binding, internalization, and transduction assays using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy.
• Perform mechanistic trafficking studies including endosomal escape, capsid uncoating, nuclear entry, and genome processing.
• Integrate experimental data to establish structure‑activity relationships and characterize enhancement mechanisms.
• Maintain rigorous experimental documentation in electronic lab notebooks.
• Present research at scientific meetings and prepare manuscripts for publication (anticipated 1‑2 first‑author publications).

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

qPCR (digital PCR)

DNA manipulation

Flow cytometry

Confocal microscopy

Protein engineering

Cell biology

Manuscript preparation

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology

Tools

Confocal microscope

Job description

Eli Lilly and Company in San Diego seeks a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to investigate receptor‑mediated enhancement of AAV gene delivery through capsid engineering. The two‑year fellowship offers training in viral vector engineering, translational research, and potential high‑impact publications.

The role involves multidisciplinary collaboration, vector production, and rigorous data analysis, with opportunities for first‑author manuscripts and presentations at conferences.