Post-Doctoral Scientist, Neuroscience Cell Biology, Molecular Pharmacology

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.

We are seeking a motivated postdoctoral scientist to join our small molecule molecular pharmacology team in Louisville, Colorado. This position sits at the intersection of human stem cell neurobiology and small molecule drug discovery. The successful candidate will build and interrogate human iPSC-derived neuronal model systems to define the mechanism of action of novel small molecule inhibitors in neurodegeneration. The position will focus on building neuronal assay models using physiologically relevant neuronal cell systems.

We are looking for self‑motivated, independent thinkers with a strong foundation in neuroscience and human cellular models, and a proven track record of publication. In this role, you will establish, characterize, and apply human iPSC‑derived neuronal and neural cell models, including co‑cultures and disease‑relevant genotypes, as pharmacology platforms for small molecule programs. Design and conduct innovative high‑content imaging experiments in these models to determine mechanism of action for small molecule inhibitors.

Develop and apply quantitative, multiparametric analysis approaches to extract mechanistic insight from large imaging and phenotypic datasets. Design novel approaches for small molecule drug discovery in the field of neurodegeneration. Work with and be mentored by industry‑leading molecular pharmacologists, structural biologists, computational scientists, stem cell biologists, and medicinal chemists. This position provides the opportunity to conduct cutting‑edge research with world‑class industry resources and technology, while gaining direct experience of the small molecule drug discovery process.

The candidate will develop deep expertise in human iPSC‑based neuronal pharmacology at the intersection of molecular pharmacology and neuroscience.

• Establish, characterize, and apply human iPSC‑derived neuronal and neural cell models, including co‑cultures and disease‑relevant genotypes, as pharmacology platforms for small molecule programs.
• Design and conduct innovative high‑content imaging experiments in these models to determine mechanism of action for small molecule inhibitors.
• Develop and apply quantitative, multiparametric analysis approaches to extract mechanistic insight from large imaging and phenotypic datasets.
• Design novel approaches for small molecule drug discovery in the field of neurodegeneration.
• Work with and be mentored by industry‑leading molecular pharmacologists, structural biologists, computational scientists, stem cell biologists, and medicinal chemists.

PhD in neuroscience, pharmacology, cell biology, molecular biology, stem cell biology, or a closely related life science discipline, with all requirements completed by January 2027. Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or visas for this role, including but not limited to F‑1 CPT, F‑1 OPT, F‑1 STEM OPT, J‑1, H‑1B, TN, O‑1, E‑3, H‑1B1, or L‑1.

• Deep…