Postdoctoral Scientist: Protein Biophysics & Formulation R&D

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

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,