Advisor/Sr Advisor, Molecular Pharmacology
Eli Lilly and Company
August 25, 2026
On-site
Indianapolis, IN
Clinical Research and Development
Position Summary
- Design and implement screening cascade assays to drive SAR and compound optimization using molecular pharmacology (receptor affinity/selectivity; functional activity).
- Develop/execute assays characterizing ligand–receptor interactions (competitive/saturation radioligand binding, Kon/Koff kinetic profiling; functional assays for G protein signaling, arrestin recruitment, receptor desensitization).
- Design imaging-based assays (confocal microscopy, HCS) to study GPCR internalization, receptor trafficking, endosomal localization, and colocalization.
- Independently investigate mechanistic behavior (time on target, receptor occupancy, internalization kinetics, biomarker responses, downstream signaling) to inform optimization and TPPs.
- Serve as scientific point of contact; represent Molecular Pharmacology on cross-functional teams; translate into improved experimental design and mechanistic insights.
- Define hypotheses, success criteria, and timelines; proactively troubleshoot and optimize for reliability/reproducibility.
- Maintain data quality/integrity; integrate cross-functional data to support data-driven go/no-go decisions.
- Develop/validate novel assay approaches; optimize cell lines/platforms/analytical methods.
- Integrate AI/ML and laboratory automation to accelerate workflows and throughput; champion emerging technologies.
- Mentor junior scientists; foster collaboration and scientific rigor; lead/provide continuous improvement.
- Safety & compliance: safety-first practice (training, risk assessments, escalate concerns) and follow site safety/environmental/regulatory requirements.
Basic Requirements
- PhD in Biochemistry/Biology/Biophysics/Molecular Biology/Pharmacology (or related) OR B.S./M.S. with 5+ years relevant experience.
Additional Preferences
- Expertise designing/executing complex biochemical/cellular/in vivo assay cascades with GPCR binding/functional assays.
- Strong molecular pharmacology foundation (data analysis, receptor theory, ligand–receptor interactions, binding kinetics, functional selectivity).
- Experience with drug-discovery mechanism studies (target engagement, GPCR signaling, kinetic profiling, biomarkers, internalization).
- Track record of high-quality, reproducible data informing project decisions; independent management of multiple priorities.
- GPCR assay experience (binding and/or functional; G protein coupling, internalization, arrestin recruitment).
- Hands-on binding techniques (competitive/saturation, kinetic experiments; membrane-based or whole-cell formats).
- Mentoring/leading small scientific groups; familiarity with AI/ML and lab automation; publications/patents/internal contributions.
Benefits (if applicable)
- Company bonus (depending on company/individual performance); comprehensive benefits including 401(k), medical/dental/vision, flexible benefits, life insurance, time off/leave, and well-being benefits.
Application instructions
- Submit resume; if accommodation is needed to submit, complete the workplace accommodation request form: https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation
- Design and implement screening cascade assays to drive SAR and compound optimization using molecular pharmacology (receptor affinity/selectivity; functional activity).
- Develop/execute assays characterizing ligand–receptor interactions (competitive/saturation radioligand binding, Kon/Koff kinetic profiling; functional assays for G protein signaling, arrestin recruitment, receptor desensitization).
- Design imaging-based assays (confocal microscopy, HCS) to study GPCR internalization, receptor trafficking, endosomal localization, and colocalization.
- Independently investigate mechanistic behavior (time on target, receptor occupancy, internalization kinetics, biomarker responses, downstream signaling) to inform optimization and TPPs.
- Serve as scientific point of contact; represent Molecular Pharmacology on cross-functional teams; translate into improved experimental design and mechanistic insights.
- Define hypotheses, success criteria, and timelines; proactively troubleshoot and optimize for reliability/reproducibility.
- Maintain data quality/integrity; integrate cross-functional data to support data-driven go/no-go decisions.
- Develop/validate novel assay approaches; optimize cell lines/platforms/analytical methods.
- Integrate AI/ML and laboratory automation to accelerate workflows and throughput; champion emerging technologies.
- Mentor junior scientists; foster collaboration and scientific rigor; lead/provide continuous improvement.
- Safety & compliance: safety-first practice (training, risk assessments, escalate concerns) and follow site safety/environmental/regulatory requirements.
Basic Requirements
- PhD in Biochemistry/Biology/Biophysics/Molecular Biology/Pharmacology (or related) OR B.S./M.S. with 5+ years relevant experience.
Additional Preferences
- Expertise designing/executing complex biochemical/cellular/in vivo assay cascades with GPCR binding/functional assays.
- Strong molecular pharmacology foundation (data analysis, receptor theory, ligand–receptor interactions, binding kinetics, functional selectivity).
- Experience with drug-discovery mechanism studies (target engagement, GPCR signaling, kinetic profiling, biomarkers, internalization).
- Track record of high-quality, reproducible data informing project decisions; independent management of multiple priorities.
- GPCR assay experience (binding and/or functional; G protein coupling, internalization, arrestin recruitment).
- Hands-on binding techniques (competitive/saturation, kinetic experiments; membrane-based or whole-cell formats).
- Mentoring/leading small scientific groups; familiarity with AI/ML and lab automation; publications/patents/internal contributions.
Benefits (if applicable)
- Company bonus (depending on company/individual performance); comprehensive benefits including 401(k), medical/dental/vision, flexible benefits, life insurance, time off/leave, and well-being benefits.
Application instructions
- Submit resume; if accommodation is needed to submit, complete the workplace accommodation request form: https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation