Postdoctoral Research Scientist: Receptor-Mediated Enhancement of AAV Gene Delivery
Eli Lilly and Company
August 19, 2026
Remote friendly (San Diego, CA)
United States
Clinical Research and Development
Postdoctoral Research Scientist (Biotechnology Discovery Research), San Diego (2-year fellowship): investigate receptor-mediated mechanisms to enhance AAV gene delivery through rational capsid engineering.
Responsibilities:
- Design, clone, produce, and purify engineered AAV vectors with targeting modifications.
- Perform vector QC: digital PCR titering, purity assessment, particle integrity analysis.
- Run cell-based binding, internalization, and transduction assays (flow cytometry, confocal microscopy).
- Conduct mechanistic trafficking studies (endosomal escape, capsid uncoating, nuclear entry, genome processing).
- Integrate data to define structure-activity relationships and characterize enhancement mechanisms.
- Maintain electronic lab notebook documentation.
- Present at scientific meetings and prepare manuscripts (anticipated 1–2 first-author publications).
Required Qualifications:
- PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Virology, or related life sciences.
- Mammalian cell culture experience; DNA manipulation techniques.
- Experience with qPCR or digital PCR.
- Work authorization in the U.S. (Lilly does not sponsor visas).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Hands-on viral vector experience (AAV/lentivirus/adenovirus), including production/purification and capsid engineering.
- Confocal microscopy; protein engineering/nanobody/targeting ligand background.
- Intracellular trafficking, endocytosis, or nuclear transport experience.
- Primary human cell culture; flow cytometry.
- Strong analytical/data interpretation; independent project management; strong scientific writing/communication.
Compensation/Benefits (eligibility stated):
- Anticipated wage: $58,000–$123,200; possible company bonus; eligibility for comprehensive benefits including 401(k), medical/dental/vision, life insurance, vacation/leave, and well-being benefits.
Responsibilities:
- Design, clone, produce, and purify engineered AAV vectors with targeting modifications.
- Perform vector QC: digital PCR titering, purity assessment, particle integrity analysis.
- Run cell-based binding, internalization, and transduction assays (flow cytometry, confocal microscopy).
- Conduct mechanistic trafficking studies (endosomal escape, capsid uncoating, nuclear entry, genome processing).
- Integrate data to define structure-activity relationships and characterize enhancement mechanisms.
- Maintain electronic lab notebook documentation.
- Present at scientific meetings and prepare manuscripts (anticipated 1–2 first-author publications).
Required Qualifications:
- PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Virology, or related life sciences.
- Mammalian cell culture experience; DNA manipulation techniques.
- Experience with qPCR or digital PCR.
- Work authorization in the U.S. (Lilly does not sponsor visas).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Hands-on viral vector experience (AAV/lentivirus/adenovirus), including production/purification and capsid engineering.
- Confocal microscopy; protein engineering/nanobody/targeting ligand background.
- Intracellular trafficking, endocytosis, or nuclear transport experience.
- Primary human cell culture; flow cytometry.
- Strong analytical/data interpretation; independent project management; strong scientific writing/communication.
Compensation/Benefits (eligibility stated):
- Anticipated wage: $58,000–$123,200; possible company bonus; eligibility for comprehensive benefits including 401(k), medical/dental/vision, life insurance, vacation/leave, and well-being benefits.