Postdoctoral Scientist – Neuroscience (Synuclein Biology)

Postdoctoral Scientist – Neuroscience (Synuclein Biology)

Lilly's Neurodegeneration Biology group in Boston is seeking a Postdoctoral Scientist to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive α-synuclein dysfunction and aggregation in disease. This role centers on a fundamental and therapeutically important question: what drives the transition of native, aggregation-resistant α-synuclein into aggregation-prone, pathogenic species, and how can that process be understood, measured, and ultimately modulated therapeutically. The successful candidate will combine quantitative aggregation biochemistry, engineered cellular systems, and iPSC-derived neuronal disease models to build a mechanistic foundation for new therapeutic strategies in synucleinopathy.

This is an opportunity to work at the interface of protein biophysics, cell biology, and translational neuroscience within a collaborative drug discovery environment.

In This Role You Will

• Design and execute experiments to define the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive α-synuclein aggregation and dysfunction
• Develop and apply cellular models, including engineered cell lines and iPSC-derived neurons, to study α-synuclein biology in physiologically relevant systems
• Establish and use aggregation paradigms, including seeded aggregation and recombinant fibril generation, to probe the kinetics and consequences of α-synuclein misfolding
• Apply biochemical and biophysical readouts, including Thioflavin T (ThT)-based aggregation assays, to quantify aggregation propensity across experimental conditions
• Validate key findings in neuronal disease models using imaging-based and biochemical approaches
• Collaborate with scientists across Lilly's Boston site and with external academic partners
• Present findings at internal meetings and scientific conferences, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications
• Maintain rigorous documentation of experimental work in Lilly's electronic laboratory notebook system

  Primary Responsibilities

  • Lead execution of a research program focused on the molecular and cellular drivers of α-synuclein aggregation and pathology
  • Develop and characterize scalable cellular models of α-synuclein aggregation, including stable cell lines and reporter-based systems
  • Perform Thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence-based aggregation kinetics experiments across a range of protein and experimental conditions, and apply appropriate kinetic modeling to interpret results
  • Use biochemical and crosslinking-based approaches to characterize α-synuclein oligomeric and aggregation state across experimental settings
  • Work with iPSC-derived neuronal models of synucleinopathy, including disease-relevant and isogenic control systems, and contribute to the development of new aggregation models
  • Apply imaging approaches such as immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, and high-content imaging to characterize aggregation, localization, and downstream cellular phenotypes
  • Contribute to data analysis, figure generation, and manuscript development for high-impact publications
  • Communicate findings clearly through lab reports, team discussions, presentations, and external scientific forums

    Basic Qualifications

    • PhD in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, neuroscience, protein biophysics, or a related field, or current enrollment in a PhD program with an expected graduation date within 6 months
    • Hands-on expertise in protein aggregation biochemistry, including ThT-based kinetic assays
    • Experience generating and engineering mammalian cell lines, including approaches such as CRISPR editing, lentiviral transduction, or stable line development
    • Experience with recombinant protein expression, purification, and biochemical or biophysical characterization
    • 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

      Additional Skills and Preferences

      • Experience working on α-synuclein biology, including aggregation, crosslinking, or structural characterization
      • Experience using imaging-based approaches to quantify protein aggregation or related cellular phenotypes
      • Exposure to iPSC-derived neuronal models or primary neuron culture systems
      • Experience with additional biophysical methods such as analytical ultracentrifugation, differential scanning fluorimetry, native mass spectrometry, or crosslinking mass spectrometry
      • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex data clearly
      • Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative research team
      • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to rigorous experimental design

        About the Team

        The Neurodegeneration Biology group in Boston is a multidisciplinary team focused on understanding and therapeutically targeting the molecular drivers of neurodegenerative disease, including NSD, ALS, FTD, and related disorders. The team brings together expertise in α-synuclein biology, iPSC-derived neuronal models, high-content imaging, and target validation, with active efforts spanning small molecule discovery, gene therapy, and biomarker development.

        Additional Information

        This is a fixed-duration position for an initial term of 2 years, with the potential to extend to 3 years and a maximum appointment of up to 4 years. Postdoctoral scientists may apply for full-time opportunities at Lilly during or after the appointment.

        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.