Postdoctoral Scientist

Overview At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to help make life better for people around the world. Lilly Neuroscience NGTx is a pre-clinical development team in Boston focused on human iPSC-derived in vitro platforms to evaluate compound safety, potency, and efficacy across CNS modalities. This postdoctoral position extends the established tri-culture system into disease-relevant contexts to create a pharmacologically responsive platform for compound assessment in neurodegeneration. Responsibilities Lead establishment of amyloid-forming protein pathology models in a human iPSC-derived tri-culture system (neurons, astrocytes, microglia). Apply disease-context models to assess therapeutic compound behavior across Lilly’s neuroscience modalities. Establish seed and preformed fibril (PFF)-based pathology models for multiple amyloid-forming proteins, characterizing seeding efficiency, aggregate formation, and timing parameters. Compare mono- vs. co- vs. tri-culture configurations to quantify multicellular neurotoxicity and neuroinflammatory responses. Characterize microglial activation and cytokine release profiles (multiplex MSD cytokine profiling) and neurotoxicity in response to pathological insults. Conduct a systematic species-ranking study comparing aggregate forms (monomers, oligomers, fibrillar preparations) for neurotoxic and neuroinflammatory potency in the human multicellular context. Evaluate publishable tool compounds (siRNAs, antibodies) and internal compounds for potency, cellular uptake, and safety in healthy vs. pathological tri-culture. Generate paired healthy vs. disease-context datasets to compare compound behavior and provide decision-support data for LRL neurodegeneration programs. Publish as first author and present findings at internal and external forums. Basic Requirements PhD in Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field. Demonstrated hands-on experience with iPSC culture and/or primary neuron culture systems. Experience with in vitro neurodegenerative disease modeling, including PFF seeding, protein aggregation assays, or amyloid-forming protein biology. Authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Lilly will not provide work authorization or visa sponsorship for this role. Additional Skills/Preferences Experience with neuronal co- or tri-culture systems incorporating glia (astrocytes and/or microglia). Proficiency in high-content imaging, immunofluorescence (ICC-IF), and image analysis pipelines. Experience with neuroinflammation assays, including multiplex cytokine profiling (e.g., MSD, Luminex). Experience with CNS therapeutic modality assessment (siRNAs, antibodies, or small molecules in cell-based assays). Ability to independently design, execute, and troubleshoot multi-parametric cell-based experiments. Demonstrated scientific productivity, including peer-reviewed publications. Strong collaborative instincts and interest in translational drug discovery in an industry setting. Other Information Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities and provides accommodations in accordance with policy. For accommodation requests, please see the submission form linked in the job posting. EEO statement: Lilly is an equal opportunity employer; it does not discriminate on age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status. Employee resource groups (ERGs) include networks such as Africa, View email address on click.appcast.io, CCN, EnAble, and others; groups are open to all employees. Compensation: Actual salary depends on education, experience, skills, and location. Anticipated wage range and bonus eligibility are provided; benefits include 401(k), health plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, paid time off, and well-being programs. Lilly reserves the right to amend compensation and benefits programs. #J-18808-Ljbffr