Advisor / Senior Advisor, CNS/PNS NAMs – Investigative Toxicology
Eli Lilly and Company
August 08, 2026
On-site
Indianapolis, IN
Clinical Research and Development
Position Overview
Scientist (individual contributor) in Lilly’s Investigative Toxicology group supporting CNS/PNS safety NAMs capability using advanced human-relevant in vitro models.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, qualify, and apply human-relevant in vitro models for CNS/PNS liability assessment (iPSC-derived neurons/glia, co-cultures, organoids/assembloids, DRG models, BBB models).
- Design mechanistic studies of compound-induced liabilities (excitotoxicity, seizurogenic/network disruption, demyelination, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, axonopathy, BBB integrity disruption).
- Use functional MEAs and/or FLIPR calcium flux assays; qualify assays/endpoints to improve sensitivity, specificity, throughput, and translational relevance.
- Lead follow-on in vitro investigations to determine mechanism of toxicity and species translatability.
- Collaborate with in silico ADMET Intelligence to integrate predictions with mechanistic data for tiered safety decisions.
- Evaluate emerging technologies; review literature for mechanistic hypotheses and design experiments.
- Serve as scientific point of contact for CRO/academic partners; oversee study design, data quality, and deliverables.
- Publish and present; participate in consortia/working groups.
Minimum Requirements
- PhD in Neuroscience, Neurotoxicology, Pharmacology, Biomedical Engineering, Cell Biology, or related field.
- Advisor: PhD + 2+ years postdoc/industry hands-on neural in vitro models; Senior Advisor: 5+ years with independent contribution/model qualification/leadership.
- Direct hands-on experience with at least one: iPSC-derived neural models; MEA/FLIPR functional neurotoxicity or seizurogenic assessment; in vitro BBB models; 3D brain organoid/assembloid injury profiling.
- Independently design/execute experiments; manage concurrent projects; prioritize on drug discovery timelines.
Additional Skills/Preferences
- Transcriptomic profiling and/or high-content imaging; strong communication; cross-functional collaboration.
- Plus: oligonucleotide delivery neurotoxicity knowledge; neuroinflammation/microglial models; mentoring/junior scientist leadership.
Compensation/Benefits (as stated)
- Anticipated wage: $126,000–$204,600; eligible for company bonus; comprehensive benefits (e.g., 401(k), medical/dental/vision, life insurance, time off, well-being).
Scientist (individual contributor) in Lilly’s Investigative Toxicology group supporting CNS/PNS safety NAMs capability using advanced human-relevant in vitro models.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, qualify, and apply human-relevant in vitro models for CNS/PNS liability assessment (iPSC-derived neurons/glia, co-cultures, organoids/assembloids, DRG models, BBB models).
- Design mechanistic studies of compound-induced liabilities (excitotoxicity, seizurogenic/network disruption, demyelination, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, axonopathy, BBB integrity disruption).
- Use functional MEAs and/or FLIPR calcium flux assays; qualify assays/endpoints to improve sensitivity, specificity, throughput, and translational relevance.
- Lead follow-on in vitro investigations to determine mechanism of toxicity and species translatability.
- Collaborate with in silico ADMET Intelligence to integrate predictions with mechanistic data for tiered safety decisions.
- Evaluate emerging technologies; review literature for mechanistic hypotheses and design experiments.
- Serve as scientific point of contact for CRO/academic partners; oversee study design, data quality, and deliverables.
- Publish and present; participate in consortia/working groups.
Minimum Requirements
- PhD in Neuroscience, Neurotoxicology, Pharmacology, Biomedical Engineering, Cell Biology, or related field.
- Advisor: PhD + 2+ years postdoc/industry hands-on neural in vitro models; Senior Advisor: 5+ years with independent contribution/model qualification/leadership.
- Direct hands-on experience with at least one: iPSC-derived neural models; MEA/FLIPR functional neurotoxicity or seizurogenic assessment; in vitro BBB models; 3D brain organoid/assembloid injury profiling.
- Independently design/execute experiments; manage concurrent projects; prioritize on drug discovery timelines.
Additional Skills/Preferences
- Transcriptomic profiling and/or high-content imaging; strong communication; cross-functional collaboration.
- Plus: oligonucleotide delivery neurotoxicity knowledge; neuroinflammation/microglial models; mentoring/junior scientist leadership.
Compensation/Benefits (as stated)
- Anticipated wage: $126,000–$204,600; eligible for company bonus; comprehensive benefits (e.g., 401(k), medical/dental/vision, life insurance, time off, well-being).