Postdoctoral Research Scientist: Receptor-Mediated Enhancement of AAV Gene Delivery

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.

Position Overview

Eli Lilly and Company is seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join our Biotechnology Discovery Research organization in San Diego. This two-year fellowship will investigate receptor-mediated mechanisms for enhancing adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene delivery through rational capsid engineering. This role offers exceptional training in viral vector engineering, opportunities for high-impact publications, and broad exposure to industry-based translational research.

Research Project Background

This project tests the hypothesis that engineering AAV vectors to target specific cell-surface receptors can dramatically enhance gene delivery, enabling dose reduction, and improved safety. The planned research builds on published evidence that certain AAV serotypes achieve enhanced transduction through receptor engagement. This work will systematically explore whether receptor-mediated enhancement can be engineered into alternative AAV capsids using displayed targeting ligands, combining capsid engineering, functional screening, and mechanistic analysis. It is expected that the postdoc will work with an established AAV production platform and collaborate with multidisciplinary gene therapy and analytical teams to carry out the planned research.

Key Responsibilities

Design, clone, produce, and purify engineered AAV vectors with targeting modifications

Perform vector quality control including titering (digital PCR), purity assessment, and particle integrity analysis

Execute cell-based binding, internalization, and transduction assays using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy

Perform mechanistic trafficking studies including endosomal escape, capsid uncoating, nuclear entry, and genome processing

Integrate experimental data to establish structure-activity relationships and characterize enhancement mechanisms

Maintain rigorous experimental documentation in electronic lab notebooks

Present research at scientific meetings and prepare manuscripts for publication (anticipated 1-2 first-author publications)

Required Qualifications

PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Virology, or related life sciences discipline

Proficiency in mammalian cell culture including maintenance of adherent and suspension cell lines and standard molecular biology techniques for DNA manipulation

Experience with quantitative nucleic acid analysis (qPCR or digital PCR)

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

Preferred Qualifications

Hands-on experience with viral vector systems (AAV, lentivirus, adenovirus, or related) including production, purification, AAV capsid engineering, and functional characterization

Experience with confocal microscopy for live-cell or fixed-cell imaging

Background in protein engineering, nanobody technology, or targeting ligand development

Experience with intracellular trafficking studies, endocytosis, or nuclear transport

Familiarity with primary human cell culture

Experience with flow cytometry for cell-based assays

Strong analytical and data interpretation skills

Ability to work independently and manage multi-stage research projects

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to prepare scientific manuscripts

Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form ( https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation ) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.

Lilly is proud to be an 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.

Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia (AMECA), Black Employees at Lilly (BE@Lilly), Chinese Culture Network (CCN), EnAble, Evolve, Lilly Indian Network (LIN), Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), Pride (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN) and Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL).

Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location.  The anticipated wage for this position is

$58,000 - $123,200

Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in 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 (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly’s compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.

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