Sr. Biologist - Neurodegeneration

BioSpace; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 65,250 - 169,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefit program

Company bonus

Flexible benefits

Job summary

A global healthcare leader is seeking a motivated researcher to design and conduct in vivo studies that evaluate blood-brain barrier penetration of novel therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases. The role requires a BS/MS in a relevant field with some prior experience, strong record-keeping, attention to detail, and communication skills. The position is based in Indianapolis, Indiana and offers a competitive compensation package including benefits and bonuses.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years' experience with Bachelor's and 0-1 years' experience with Masters in industry.
• Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct in vivo studies on blood-brain barrier penetration.
• Execute workflows for blood-brain barrier characterization.
• Maintain accurate records of experimental data in electronic lab notebooks.

Skills

Biochemical assays

Rodent RNA isolations

Record-keeping

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

BS/MS in Biology, Pharmacology, Animal Sciences, Neuroscience, or related field

Tools

RT-qPCR

ELISA

Western blot

Job description

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.

Key Objectives/Deliverables

Design, lead, and conduct in vivo studies evaluating blood-brain barrier penetration and efficacy of novel therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases, from study initiation through data delivery.

Perform core in vivo dosing techniques and tissue collection to assess CNS exposure and target engagement.

Execute study-specific workflows focused on blood-brain barrier characterization, including pharmacokinetic sampling, brain and plasma collection, and biodistribution analysis.

Perform rodent RNA isolations, RT-qPCR, and biochemical assays (ELISA, Western blot, protein quantification) to evaluate target engagement and pharmacodynamic responses in brain tissue.

Maintain accurate, organized records of experimental data, protocols, and sample inventories in electronic lab notebooks.

Communicate study progress, blood-brain barrier penetration data, and pharmacological findings clearly to project leads and cross-functional teams.

Ensure compliance with IACUC-approved animal protocols and uphold high standards of animal welfare and laboratory safety.

Basic Requirements

• BS/MS in Biology, Pharmacology, Animal Sciences, Neuroscience, or a related field. 1-2 years' experience with Bachelor's and 0-1 years' experience with Masters of industry experience
• 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

• Experience with biochemical assays (ELISA, Western blotting, protein quantification).
• Experience with rodent RNA isolations and RT-qPCR.
• Experience in rodent handling, dosing, and tissue collection.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team.
• Excellent attention to detail, time management, and record‑keeping skills.
• Experience with CSF collection, ICV injections, or stereotaxic surgeries.
• Familiarity with blood‑brain barrier permeability studies or CNS drug delivery approaches.
• Working knowledge of neurodegenerative disease models (e.g., Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS).
• Background in drug discovery or preclinical development, particularly CNS therapeutics.
• Experience with pharmacokinetic or biodistribution studies in the CNS.
• Strong documentation, communication, and data presentation skills.

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 Network, Black Employees at Lilly, Chinese Culture Network, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), PRIDE (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN), Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL), enAble (for people with disabilities). Learn more about all of our groups.

Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $65,250 - $169,400. 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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