Postdoctoral Scientist – Neuroscience (Synuclein Biology)

BioSpace; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Lilly in Boston is seeking a Postdoctoral Scientist to investigate α-synuclein aggregation mechanisms using iPSC-derived neurons and engineered cell models. The role sits at the interface of protein biophysics and translational neuroscience within a collaborative drug discovery environment.

You will design and conduct ThT-based assays, apply kinetic modeling, and contribute to publications while working in a multidisciplinary, fast-paced team focused on synucleinopathy therapy.

Qualifications

• PhD in a related field.
• Hands-on experience with ThT-based aggregation assays.
• Experience generating mammalian cell lines using CRISPR editing, lentiviral methods, or stable lines.
• Experience with recombinant protein expression, purification, and biochemical/biophysical characterization.

Responsibilities

• Design experiments to define molecular and cellular drivers of α-synuclein aggregation.
• Develop cellular models including iPSC-derived neurons.
• Perform ThT-based aggregation kinetics experiments and apply kinetic modeling.
• Use imaging and biochemical approaches to validate findings in neuronal models.
• Collaborate with Lilly's Boston site and external partners.
• Contribute to publications and present findings.
• Maintain rigorous documentation in electronic lab notebook.

Skills

Protein aggregation biochemistry

CRISPR editing

Lentiviral transduction

Stable cell line development

Recombinant protein expression

Biophysical characterization

Education

PhD in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, neuroscience, protein biophysics, or related field

Tools

Lentiviral transduction

Stable line development

Recombinant protein expression

Protein purification

Crosslinking 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.

Postdoctoral Scientist - Neuroscience (Synuclein Biology)

Position Overview

Lilly’s Neurodegeneration Biology group in Boston is seeking a Postdoctoral Scientist to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive α-synuclein dysfunction and aggregation in disease. This role centers on a fundamental and therapeutically important question: what drives the transition of native, aggregation-resistant α-synuclein into aggregation-prone, pathogenic species, and how can that process be understood, measured, and ultimately modulated therapeutically. The successful candidate will combine quantitative aggregation biochemistry, engineered cellular systems, and iPSC-derived neuronal disease models to build a mechanistic foundation for new therapeutic strategies in synucleinopathy.

This is an opportunity to work at the interface of protein biophysics, cell biology, and translational neuroscience within a collaborative drug discovery environment.

In This Role You Will

• Design and execute experiments to define the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive α-synuclein aggregation and dysfunction
• Develop and apply cellular models, including engineered cell lines and iPSC-derived neurons, to study α-synuclein biology in physiologically relevant systems
• Establish and use aggregation paradigms, including seeded aggregation and recombinant fibril generation, to probe the kinetics and consequences of α-synuclein misfolding
• Apply biochemical and biophysical readouts, including Thioflavin T (ThT)-based aggregation assays, to quantify aggregation propensity across experimental conditions
• Validate key findings in neuronal disease models using imaging-based and biochemical approaches
• Collaborate with scientists across Lilly’s Boston site and with external academic partners
• Present findings at internal meetings and scientific conferences, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications
• Maintain rigorous documentation of experimental work in Lilly’s electronic laboratory notebook system

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead execution of a research program focused on the molecular and cellular drivers of α-synuclein aggregation and pathology
• Develop and characterize scalable cellular models of α-synuclein aggregation, including stable cell lines and reporter-based systems
• Perform Thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence-based aggregation kinetics experiments across a range of protein and experimental conditions, and apply appropriate kinetic modeling to interpret results
• Use biochemical and crosslinking-based approaches to characterize α-synuclein oligomeric and aggregation state across experimental settings
• Work with iPSC-derived neuronal models of synucleinopathy, including disease-relevant and isogenic control systems, and contribute to the development of new aggregation models
• Apply imaging approaches such as immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, and high-content imaging to characterize aggregation, localization, and downstream cellular phenotypes
• Contribute to data analysis, figure generation, and manuscript development for high-impact publications
• Communicate findings clearly through lab reports, team discussions, presentations, and external scientific forums

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, neuroscience, protein biophysics, or a related field
• Hands-on expertise in protein aggregation biochemistry, including ThT-based kinetic assays
• Experience generating and engineering mammalian cell lines, including approaches such as CRISPR editing, lentiviral transduction, or stable line development
• Experience with recombinant protein expression, purification, and biochemical or biophysical characterization
• 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 And Preferences

• Experience working on α-synuclein biology, including aggregation, crosslinking, or structural characterization
• Experience using imaging-based approaches to quantify protein aggregation or related cellular phenotypes
• Exposure to iPSC-derived neuronal models or primary neuron culture systems
• Experience with additional biophysical methods such as analytical ultracentrifugation, differential scanning fluorimetry, native mass spectrometry, or crosslinking mass spectrometry
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex data clearly
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative research team
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to rigorous experimental design

About The Team

The Neurodegeneration Biology group in Boston is a multidisciplinary team focused on understanding and therapeutically targeting the molecular drivers of neurodegenerative disease, including NSD, ALS, FTD, and related disorders. The team brings together expertise in α-synuclein biology, iPSC-derived neuronal models, high-content imaging, and target validation, with active efforts spanning small molecule discovery, gene therapy, and biomarker development.

Additional Information

This is a fixed-duration position for an initial term of 2 years, with the potential to extend to 3 years and a maximum appointment of up to 4 years. Postdoctoral scientists may apply for full-time opportunities at Lilly during or after the appointment.

Lilly is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

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 (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).

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

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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