Doctoral Scientist

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated postdoctoral scientist to join our small molecule molecular pharmacology team. This position sits at the intersection of human stem cell neurobiology and small molecule drug discovery. The successful candidate will build and interrogate human iPSC-derived neuronal model systems to define the mechanism of action of novel small molecule inhibitors in neurodegeneration. The position will focus on building neuronal assay models using physiologically relevant neuronal cell systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish, characterize, and apply human iPSC-derived neuronal and neural cell models, including co-cultures and disease-relevant genotypes, as pharmacology platforms for small molecule programs.
• Design and conduct innovative high content imaging experiments in these models to determine mechanism of action for small molecule inhibitors.
• Develop and apply quantitative, multiparametric analysis approaches to extract mechanistic insight from large imaging and phenotypic datasets.
• Design novel approaches for small molecule drug discovery in the field of neurodegeneration.
• Work with and be mentored by industry-leading molecular pharmacologists, structural biologists, computational scientists, stem cell biologists, and medicinal chemists.
• Conduct cutting-edge research with industry resources and technology, while gaining direct experience of the small molecule drug discovery process.
• Develop deep expertise in human iPSC-based neuronal pharmacology at the intersection of molecular pharmacology and neuroscience.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• PhD in neuroscience, pharmacology, cell biology, molecular biology, stem cell biology, or a closely related life science discipline, with all requirements completed by January 2027.
• 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.
• This is an onsite position based in Louisville, Colorado.
• This position is a fixed-term position of up to 2 years, with a possible 2-year extension.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of the biological mechanisms driving neurodegenerative disease.
• Hands-on experience with human iPSC-derived neuronal or neural cell models, or with primary rodent neuronal culture, including differentiation, maintenance, and phenotypic characterization.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and standard molecular and cell biology techniques.
• Experience with high content imaging and/or confocal microscopy, and with quantitative image analysis (for example CellProfiler, Fiji/ImageJ, Harmony, Columbus).
• Training or background in computational biology, scientific programming (Python, R), or AI/ML applied to high-dimensional biological data.
• Experience directing iPSC differentiation to defined neuronal or glial subtypes, isogenic line generation, or genome editing in human stem cells.
• Self-directed and highly motivated, with a commitment to pursuing technical excellence.
• Excellent communicator, oral and written, with a strong or developing publication record.
• Proficient in data analysis, graphing, and scientific reporting (for example GraphPad Prism, Python, Excel, PyMOL, MOE).
• Familiarity with NanoBRET, TR-FRET, AlphaLISA, and CellTiter-Glo or comparable cellular assay technologies.
• Familiarity with laboratory automation.
• Comfortable working in small well formats (384-well) with experience optimizing assay miniaturization.