Postdoctoral Scientist - Neuropsychiatry

About the Role

We are seeking an ambitious postdoctoral scientist with strong research and communication skills to contribute to a high‑visibility research program at the intersection of human iPSC biology, neuroscience, and functional genomics. Your work will contribute to establishing a cutting‑edge human iPSC‑derived co‑culture platform to study neuron‑astrocyte interactions in psychiatric conditions—a powerful approach to uncover disease mechanisms and identify novel therapeutic targets.

• Develop and characterize human iPSC‑derived tri‑ and quad‑culture models containing excitatory neurons, inhibitory neurons, astrocytes, and potentially microglia to study neuron‑glia interactions in psychiatry‑relevant contexts.
• Apply multielectrode array (MEA) electrophysiology and automated patch‑clamp (autopatcher) to assess network dynamics and single‑cell excitability in iPSC co‑culture models.
• Utilize mRNA lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery for transient gene over-expression and perturbation (including CRISPR knockout/interference) in iPSC cultures—an innovative approach in this field.
• Investigate functional consequences of psychiatric risk gene variants on astrocyte function and neuron‑astrocyte signaling.
• Perform single‑cell or single‑nucleus RNA‑Seq from co‑culture models and apply pathway analysis to identify disease‑associated gene modules and hub genes.
• Integrate multi‑modal datasets (electrophysiological, morphological, transcriptomic) to establish mechanistic links between genetic perturbations and neuronal network dysfunction.
• Design and execute rescue experiments using pharmacological and genetic strategies to validate therapeutic hypotheses.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including computational biology, bioinformatics, medicinal chemistry, and external academic partners.
• Present findings at major scientific conferences (e.g., Society for Neuroscience, ACNP) and publish in high‑impact peer‑reviewed journals as first author.
• Maintain external awareness and learn to benefit the organization.
• Identify areas of key need to champion creative solutions.

• PhD in Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience with at least one of: human iPSC culture and directed differentiation, primary neuronal culture, electrophysiology (patch‑clamp or MEA), or neuron‑glia biology.
• Strong publication record demonstrating scientific productivity and independence.
• Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. Lilly will not provide work authorization or visa sponsorship for this role.

This position is not permanent and requires U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status. It is for a fixed duration of two years with potential to extend to three years and up to a maximum of four years. You will have opportunities to apply for full‑time positions after your duration is complete.

• Self‑directed and highly motivated with a strong publication record.
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation experience.
• Interest in psychiatric disease mechanisms and translational neuroscience research.
• Experience with human iPSC culture, neural differentiation protocols, and co‑culture system development.
• Proficiency with electrophysiology platforms, including multielectrode array (MEA) and/or automated patch‑clamp systems.
• Experience with mRNA or lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery systems.
• Familiarity with CRISPR‑based gene editing tools (knockout, CRISPRi/a, base editing).
• Proficiency in high‑content imaging, immunofluorescence, and automated image analysis.
• Experience with single‑cell RNA‑Seq data acquisition, bioinformatics analysis, and pathway enrichment tools.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to integrate multi‑modal datasets.

Full‑time employees will be eligible for 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 such as employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities.

Lilly is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.