Postdoctoral Scientist – Gene Therapy Biodistribution & Molecular Biology; CNS

Position Overview

Eli Lilly and Company is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scientist to join the Drug Delivery and Connected Systems (DDCS) organization, with a primary focus on CNS gene therapy biodistribution and molecular bioanalysis. This role will support the optimization and translational advancement of gene therapy platforms, both viral and non-viral, for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.

The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in biodistribution assay development, molecular biology, and quantitative bioanalysis, and will work at the interface of in-vivo CNS pharmacology, vector biology, and translational science. This position offers hands-on involvement in preclinical CNS gene therapy programs, collaboration with internal cross-functional teams, and scientific oversight of external CRO-led studies.

This postdoctoral role offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to cutting-edge CNS gene therapy programs within a leading pharmaceutical research organization. The position provides high-impact scientific exposure, cross-functional collaboration, and skill development at the intersection of gene therapy biology, biodistribution science, and translational CNS drug delivery. There will be opportunity to publish in peer reviewed journals.

• Lead the design, development, optimization, and execution of biodistribution assays to assess AAVs, LNPs, siRNA distribution, transgene expression, and persistence across CNS and peripheral tissues.
• In depth knowledge of vector biology, and AAV serotype-specific biodistribution knowledge (e.g., AAV9, AAVrh
  10, PHP.eB) is a must— CNS tropism and off-target profiles are serotype-dependent and fundamental to interpreting results.
• Apply a broad toolkit of molecular and bioanalytical techniques, including: PCR-based approaches (PCR, qPCR, ddPCR, stem-loop PCR, vg/dg dose quantification) for vector genome and transcript quantification; ELISA and immunoassays for protein expression and biomarker analysis; LC–MS-based quantitative bioanalysis where applicable;
  Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and tissue-based spatial analyses to enable regional CNS characterization;
  Next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods to support vector tracking, expression profiling, or integration-related analyses.
• Ensure assays are fit-for-purpose, sensitive, reproducible, and aligned with translational gene therapy objectives.
• Off-target analysis and DRG toxicology assay development.

• Independently design and execute CNS gene therapy-focused biodistribution studies, applying sound experimental design and Design of Experiments (DoE/DOR) principles.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot complex technical challenges related to vector detection, tissue processing, assay performance, or data variability.
• Maintain meticulous experimental documentation, ensuring clear traceability, data integrity, and compliance with DDCS best practices.

• Apply strong foundational knowledge of CNS biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry to interpret biodistribution and expression data in a therapeutic context.
• Integrate biodistribution results with an understanding of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) to inform dose selection, delivery route optimization, and therapeutic index assessment for viral and non-viral gene therapies.
• Contribute to translational strategy discussions by linking molecular readouts to functional, anatomical, and disease-relevant endpoints.

• Independently interface with external CROs to design, execute, and oversee in vivo gene therapy biodistribution studies, including work in higher vertebrate CNS models.
• Provide scientific oversight for tissue collection, sample processing, and downstream molecular analyses conducted internally or externally.
• Ensure CRO outputs meet DDCS scientific standards, timelines, and data-Quality expectations.

• Apply best practices for managing and analyzing large, multi-dimensional biodistribution datasets generated from CNS gene therapy studies.
• Perform statistical analysis and generate clear, insightful data visualizations to support project teams and decision-making forums.
• Communicate findings effectively through presentations, written summaries, and collaborative scientific discussions.
• Actively contribute as a proactive, team-oriented scientist within a highly collaborative DDCS research environment.

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, Bioengineering, or a closely related life sciences discipline.
• Demonstrated in-depth experience in AAV biodistribution analysis and/or molecular bioanalytical assay development.
• Strong hands-on expertise in PCR/qPCR/ddPCR, ELISA, IHC, NGS, and/or related molecular biology techniques.
• Solid understanding of CNS gene therapy…