Director, Molecular Pharmacology

Overview

At Lilly, we serve an extraordinary purpose. We make a difference for people around the globe by discovering, developing and delivering medicines that help them live longer, healthier, more active lives. Not only do we deliver breakthrough medications, but we also develop creative solutions to support communities through philanthropy and volunteerism.

Our Small Molecule Design group focuses on cutting‑edge science to create molecules that enhance lives. We develop molecules that can provide breakthrough efficacy with high safety margins, optimizing technology, and executing faster, more nimble projects.

Position Summary

The Advanced Molecule Design team’s mission is to optimize lead molecules into strong drug candidates that become breakthrough medicines. We are searching for experienced and engaged scientific experts who are recognized authorities in their focus area and can drive advancement across oncology, immunology, pain, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and obesity. These positions are for seasoned drug hunters who ask the right scientific questions and collect high‑impact data to drive projects forward. Successful candidates will provide deep scientific knowledge across multiple programs or therapeutic areas, build capabilities that enhance Molecular Pharmacology’s impact, and help deliver quality drug candidates to IND. We are looking for innovative scientists with a strong growth mindset who can challenge dogma and champion breakthrough approaches.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute molecular pharmacology assays and flow schemes to support drug discovery programs, with emphasis on: Radioligand binding (competition, saturation, kinetic assays, autoradiography), GPCR internalization and receptor trafficking assays, and imaging‑based assays including confocal microscopy and/or high‑content screening (HCS).
• Develop novel, fit‑for‑purpose assay platforms from the ground up, including assay design, reagent optimization, cell line selection/engineering, and qualification for drug discovery use.
• Characterize compound pharmacology and mechanisms of action including receptor affinity, selectivity, and functional activity (e.g., G protein signaling, arrestin recruitment, receptor desensitization).
• Serve as a recognized expert in the field, providing scientific leadership that shapes program strategy and builds credibility across the organization.
• Provide expert scientific guidance that shapes project strategy and improves probability of technical success across multiple programs or therapeutic areas.
• Identify capability gaps and develop solutions that benefit multiple programs across the portfolio.
• Actively incorporate state‑of‑the‑art methods and technologies.
• Incorporate AI/ML into scientific workflows.
• Foster an environment that supports open scientific debate and bold, evidence‑based decisions.
• Actively mentor and develop diverse scientific talent across sites and functions.
• Lead cross‑functional initiatives that leverage diverse perspectives to drive program outcomes.
• Champion a ONE TEAM, SAME TEAM mindset; model radical transparency in surfacing challenges.
• Identify and contribute to external innovation opportunities that strengthen the portfolio.
• Build internal and external networks that enhance the capabilities of the Molecular Pharmacology team.

Basic Requirements

• PhD with a minimum of 5 years of drug discovery experience in the pharmaceutical industry (including academic and post‑doc experience) OR BS/MS with 10 years of equivalent experience.
• Degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or related fields.

Additional Preferences

• Demonstrated expertise in molecular pharmacology assay development, including radioligand binding and/or imaging‑based modalities.
• Demonstrated drug hunter experience with a track record of advancing discovery programs.
• Deep scientific background in biochemistry, biophysics, and cell biology to guide compound optimization across modalities.
• Strong experience leading teams of scientists and achieving cross‑disciplinary goals.
• Team player with a positive, can‑do attitude and a commitment to scientific rigor and integrity.
• Hands‑on experience with radioligand binding techniques: competition binding, saturation binding, membrane‑based assays, and autoradiography support in drug discovery contexts.
• Experience with GPCR internalization and receptor trafficking assays, including SNAP/CLIP, FRET, luminescence reporters.
• Expertise in receptor pharmacology across multiple target families, with particular emphasis on GPCR downstream signaling.
• Proficiency in confocal microscopy for quantitative cell biology applications: subcellular localization, receptor internalization, endosomal trafficking, colocalization analysis, and live‑cell imaging.
• Experience with high‑content screening platforms (e.g., Operetta, Cellomics, IN Cell Analyzer, or equivalent) for automated image acquisition and analysis, including quantification.
• Familiarity with engineered cell line systems.
• Familiarity with CNS or metabolic disease target biology.
• Broad experience across multiple biological mechanisms, modalities, and therapeutic areas.
• Track record of scientific productivity demonstrated through publications, patents, or internal drug discovery contributions.
• Project or program leader experience is a plus.

Physical Demands / Travel

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Work Environment

This is an onsite position requiring up to two days in the lab. The role requires the ability to perform the responsibilities satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made for employees with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Lilly is a proud EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Compensation and Benefits

Actual compensation will depend on the candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $148,500 – $257,400. Eligible full‑time employees may also receive a company bonus and benefit from a comprehensive benefits program that includes a 401(k), pension, vacation benefits, medical, dental, vision, prescription drug benefits, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, leave benefits, and well‑being benefits.

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