In Vitro Pharmacologist, CardioMetabolic Research
Eli Lilly and Company
October 15, 2026
Full-time
On-site
US, Boston MA
Clinical Research and Development
At Lilly, the work is demanding because patients are waiting. We unite caring with discovery to help make life better for people around the world, knowing that every decision, every detail, and every day matters. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, our over 50,000 employees around the globe take on complex challenges to discover and deliver life-changing medicines, strengthen how health is understood and managed, and support the communities we serve. This is hard, urgent, selfless work—but it’s work worth doing. If you’re driven by purpose and ready to bring your best to work that truly matters for patients, we invite you to join us.
Location: Boston, Massachusetts (onsite) Seaport location
Company Overview
At Eli Lilly and Company, 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 work to discover and deliver life-changing medicines, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism.
Department Overview
The CardioMetabolic Research (CMR) organization at Eli Lilly and Company is responsible for the discovery of biologic, small-molecule, and genetic therapeutics for the treatment of diabetes, obesity, and associated complications.
Position Summary
Eli Lilly and Company is seeking a skilled and versatile scientist to join a collaborative drug discovery team within the CardioMetabolic Research organization in Boston. The successful candidate will possess a strong background in cell culture and cell-based functional assays and will play a central role in advancing discovery initiatives and pipeline projects focused on anti-obesity therapeutics. Responsibilities include supporting assay development, performing established assays to validate novel targets, characterizing the in vitro function of novel therapeutics, establishing essential laboratory capabilities, and collaborating with scientists across departments to meet project and organizational objectives.
Responsibilities
Perform aseptic cell culture techniques using mammalian cells, including transient transfection and the generation of stable cell lines
Develop, optimize, and execute cell-based functional, biochemical, and enzymatic assays (including ADP-Glo and Kinase-Glo assays) in 96- and 384-well formats, at single-concentration and concentration-response formats
Apply fundamental principles of pharmacology, including the generation of concentration-response curves and determination of binding affinity, potency, Hill slope, and in vitro efficacy, as well as mechanism-of-action studies (e.g. biased agonism, effect on receptor internalization, kinetic signaling, Schild plots, etc.)
Conduct assays utilizing colorimetric, luminescence, and fluorescence-based readouts, including Homogeneous Time-Resolved Fluorescence (HTRF); operate plate readers, liquid-handling robotics, and assay automation platforms
Perform gene expression analysis via quantitative PCR, western blot, and flow cytometry (FACS)
Required Qualifications
B.S. in Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, or a related field
5 + years laboratory experience in industry, academia or biotechnology
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with native cell lines, primary cell cultures, and/or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)
Masters degree in biology, pharmacology, biochemistry or related field
8 + years of experience in industry or biotech
Experience with multiple therapeutic target classes, including membrane receptors such as G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) ion channels, enzymes, and transporters
Experience with multiple therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, peptides, antibodies, and siRNAs
Experience with ELISA-based assays
Working knowledge of cardiometabolic disease biology and experience with new target proposals
Strong oral and written communication skills
Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively as part of a team
Strong attention to detail, accurate record-keeping, and ability to analyze data independently
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects, timelines, and organizational objectives
Willingness and ability to learn new technical skills and adapt to changing project requirements
Willingness to complete all required training in accordance with Lilly Research Policies
Equal Opportunity Statement
Eli Lilly and Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
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 (AMECA), Black Employees at Lilly (BE@Lilly), Chinese Culture Network (CCN), EnAble, Evolve, Lilly Indian Network (LIN), Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), Pride (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN) and Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL).
Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is
$110,250 - $189,200
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.
#WeAreLilly
Location: Boston, Massachusetts (onsite) Seaport location
Company Overview
At Eli Lilly and Company, 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 work to discover and deliver life-changing medicines, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism.
Department Overview
The CardioMetabolic Research (CMR) organization at Eli Lilly and Company is responsible for the discovery of biologic, small-molecule, and genetic therapeutics for the treatment of diabetes, obesity, and associated complications.
Position Summary
Eli Lilly and Company is seeking a skilled and versatile scientist to join a collaborative drug discovery team within the CardioMetabolic Research organization in Boston. The successful candidate will possess a strong background in cell culture and cell-based functional assays and will play a central role in advancing discovery initiatives and pipeline projects focused on anti-obesity therapeutics. Responsibilities include supporting assay development, performing established assays to validate novel targets, characterizing the in vitro function of novel therapeutics, establishing essential laboratory capabilities, and collaborating with scientists across departments to meet project and organizational objectives.
Responsibilities
Perform aseptic cell culture techniques using mammalian cells, including transient transfection and the generation of stable cell lines
Develop, optimize, and execute cell-based functional, biochemical, and enzymatic assays (including ADP-Glo and Kinase-Glo assays) in 96- and 384-well formats, at single-concentration and concentration-response formats
Apply fundamental principles of pharmacology, including the generation of concentration-response curves and determination of binding affinity, potency, Hill slope, and in vitro efficacy, as well as mechanism-of-action studies (e.g. biased agonism, effect on receptor internalization, kinetic signaling, Schild plots, etc.)
Conduct assays utilizing colorimetric, luminescence, and fluorescence-based readouts, including Homogeneous Time-Resolved Fluorescence (HTRF); operate plate readers, liquid-handling robotics, and assay automation platforms
Perform gene expression analysis via quantitative PCR, western blot, and flow cytometry (FACS)
Required Qualifications
B.S. in Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, or a related field
5 + years laboratory experience in industry, academia or biotechnology
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with native cell lines, primary cell cultures, and/or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)
Masters degree in biology, pharmacology, biochemistry or related field
8 + years of experience in industry or biotech
Experience with multiple therapeutic target classes, including membrane receptors such as G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) ion channels, enzymes, and transporters
Experience with multiple therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, peptides, antibodies, and siRNAs
Experience with ELISA-based assays
Working knowledge of cardiometabolic disease biology and experience with new target proposals
Strong oral and written communication skills
Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively as part of a team
Strong attention to detail, accurate record-keeping, and ability to analyze data independently
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects, timelines, and organizational objectives
Willingness and ability to learn new technical skills and adapt to changing project requirements
Willingness to complete all required training in accordance with Lilly Research Policies
Equal Opportunity Statement
Eli Lilly and Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
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 (AMECA), Black Employees at Lilly (BE@Lilly), Chinese Culture Network (CCN), EnAble, Evolve, Lilly Indian Network (LIN), Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), Pride (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN) and Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL).
Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is
$110,250 - $189,200
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.
#WeAreLilly