Director, Molecular Pharmacology
Eli Lilly and Company
August 24, 2026
On-site
Indianapolis, IN
Clinical Research and Development
Key Responsibilities:
- Design, develop, and execute molecular pharmacology assays/flow schemes supporting drug discovery (radioligand binding; GPCR internalization/receptor trafficking; imaging assays such as confocal and/or HCS).
- Develop novel assay platforms (assay design, reagent optimization, cell line selection/engineering, qualification).
- Characterize compound pharmacology/MOA (receptor affinity, selectivity, functional activity such as G protein signaling, arrestin recruitment, receptor desensitization).
- Provide scientific leadership shaping program strategy; improve technical success probability across programs.
- Identify capability gaps; incorporate state-of-the-art methods; incorporate AI/ML into workflows.
- Foster evidence-based debate, mentor diverse talent, lead cross-functional initiatives, and support external innovation/networking.
Basic Requirements:
- PhD with 5+ years drug discovery experience in pharma (incl. academic/post-doc); or BS/MS with 10+ years equivalent experience.
- Degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or related.
Additional Preferences:
- Assay development expertise (radioligand binding and/or imaging).
- Drug hunter experience; strong biochemistry/biophysics/cell biology background.
- Leadership/mentoring experience; hands-on radioligand binding; GPCR internalization/trafficking assays (e.g., SNAP/CLIP, FRET, luminescence reporters).
- Confocal proficiency; HCS platform experience; engineered cell line systems; CNS/metabolic target biology.
Benefits / Compensation (if applicable):
- Anticipated wage: $148,500–$257,400.
- Potential company bonus and comprehensive benefits (401(k), medical/dental/vision, life insurance, time off, well-being, etc.).
- Design, develop, and execute molecular pharmacology assays/flow schemes supporting drug discovery (radioligand binding; GPCR internalization/receptor trafficking; imaging assays such as confocal and/or HCS).
- Develop novel assay platforms (assay design, reagent optimization, cell line selection/engineering, qualification).
- Characterize compound pharmacology/MOA (receptor affinity, selectivity, functional activity such as G protein signaling, arrestin recruitment, receptor desensitization).
- Provide scientific leadership shaping program strategy; improve technical success probability across programs.
- Identify capability gaps; incorporate state-of-the-art methods; incorporate AI/ML into workflows.
- Foster evidence-based debate, mentor diverse talent, lead cross-functional initiatives, and support external innovation/networking.
Basic Requirements:
- PhD with 5+ years drug discovery experience in pharma (incl. academic/post-doc); or BS/MS with 10+ years equivalent experience.
- Degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or related.
Additional Preferences:
- Assay development expertise (radioligand binding and/or imaging).
- Drug hunter experience; strong biochemistry/biophysics/cell biology background.
- Leadership/mentoring experience; hands-on radioligand binding; GPCR internalization/trafficking assays (e.g., SNAP/CLIP, FRET, luminescence reporters).
- Confocal proficiency; HCS platform experience; engineered cell line systems; CNS/metabolic target biology.
Benefits / Compensation (if applicable):
- Anticipated wage: $148,500–$257,400.
- Potential company bonus and comprehensive benefits (401(k), medical/dental/vision, life insurance, time off, well-being, etc.).