Eli Lilly

Postdoc/Scientist - Psychiatry and Neuronal Health

Eli Lilly$58K — $123K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Behavioral Neuroscience, or related field, within the last 1-3 years (or near completion)
  • Hands-on experience with in vivo fiber photometry techniques
  • Expertise in rodent stereotaxic surgery and viral vector delivery
  • Experience with rodent operant/behavioral pharmacology models, preferably in IV self-administration
  • Familiarity with in vivo microdialysis and analytical quantification methods

Responsibilities

  • Design and execute in vivo experiments in rodent behavioral models for CNS drug discovery
  • Perform rodent survival surgeries including stereotaxic viral injections and catheter placements
  • Conduct in vivo fiber photometry to assess circuit dynamics during behavioral tests
  • Implement in vivo microdialysis for neurotransmitter measurement
  • Map circuit projections and test causal relationships in behavioral studies
  • Analyze and interpret multimodal datasets including behavioral and molecular data
  • Author manuscripts for publication and present findings at scientific conferences

Benefits

  • Mentored postdoctoral appointment with dedicated project guidance
  • Access to Lilly's drug discovery infrastructure and scientific expertise
  • Publication support and encouragement for conference presentations
  • Competitive stipend and benefits as per postdoctoral program guidelines
  • Clear development pathway for independent research or drug discovery careers
Full Job Description
Position Summary

The Psychiatry and Neuronal Health group at Eli Lilly is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join an active in vivo pharmacology program studying reward, arousal, and stress-related neural circuitry. The successful candidate will apply circuit-level tools, including fiber photometry, microdialysis, and behavioral pharmacology models, to characterize neuromodulatory signaling relevant to CNS drug discovery.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design and execute in vivo experiments in rodent behavioral models relevant to CNS drug discovery, including chronic IV self-administration, extinction, and cue-induced reinstatement paradigms
  • Perform rodent survival surgeries: stereotaxic viral injection, IV catheter implantation, and fiber optic cannula placement
  • Perform single- and dual-site in vivo fiber photometry recordings (genetically encoded calcium and/or neuropeptide biosensors) to characterize real-time circuit dynamics during behavior, including during cue-triggered reinstatement testing
  • Conduct in vivo microdialysis paired with LC/MS or immunoassay quantification to measure neurotransmitter/neuropeptide efflux across relevant brain nuclei
  • Apply circuit-dissection techniques to map projections and test causal sufficiency/necessity in the behaviors under study
  • Perform multiplex fluorescence and routine histological experiments
  • Characterize sleep/arousal architecture (EEG/EMG) as relevant to project needs
  • Support processing and molecular analysis of human postmortem brain tissue, including coordination with external tissue repositories
  • Analyze and interpret multimodal datasets (behavioral, neurochemical, imaging, transcriptomic) using established computational pipelines
  • Author manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and present findings at internal reviews and external scientific conferences
  • Maintain rigorous documentation, IACUC protocol compliance, and data integrity standards
Required Qualifications
  • Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Behavioral Neuroscience, or a closely related field, completed within the last 1-3 years (or near completion)
  • Hands-on experience with in vivo fiber photometry (calcium/neuropeptide sensor recording, signal processing, and analysis)
  • Demonstrated expertise in rodent stereotaxic surgery, viral vector delivery, and fiber optic cannula implantation
  • Experience with rodent operant/behavioral pharmacology models (IV self-administration, extinction, and/or cue reinstatement paradigms strongly preferred; IV catheterization experience a plus)
  • Familiarity with in vivo microdialysis and downstream analytical quantification (HPLC/LC-MS or similar)
  • 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
  • Working knowledge of reward, arousal, and/or stress-related neurocircuitry
  • Proficiency in behavioral pharmacology and rodent handling (rat and/or mouse)
  • Strong quantitative/analytical skills (MATLAB, Python, or R for photometry/behavioral data analysis)
  • Track record of first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Experience with optogenetics and/or chemogenetics for circuit manipulation
  • Experience with unbiased stereology
  • Experience with multiplex fluorescence and in situ hybridization
  • Experience with dual-site or multi-site simultaneous fiber photometry recording
  • Experience with EEG/EMG sleep-wake scoring and vigilance state analysis
  • Experience with genetically encoded biosensors

What We Offer
  • A mentored postdoctoral appointment with a defined project, dedicated supervisor, and co-supervisor support
  • Access to Lilly's internal drug discovery infrastructure, compound libraries, and cross-functional scientific expertise
  • Strong publication support and encouragement to present at national/international conferences
  • Competitive stipend and benefits per Lilly postdoctoral program guidelines
  • Clear pathway for scientific development toward independent research or industry drug discovery careers

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.

#WeAreLilly

About Eli Lilly

ICOS Corporation is a biotechnology company that engages in the discovery, development, and commercialization of therapeutic products. It is engaged in the commercialization of treatments for unmet medical conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, cancer, and inflammatory diseases. It is the developer of a treatment known as Cialis (tadalafil), a product for the treatment of erectile dysfunction through its joint venture with Eli Lilly and Company in North America and Europe. It is also engaged in contract manufacturing services for third parties. It is in a strategic alliance with Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ICOS Corporation was established in 1989, based in Bothell, Washington. It is currently operated by Eli Lilly and Company.

Eli Lilly Careers

Joining Eli Lilly offers an unparalleled opportunity to become part of a leading global team dedicated to creating a healthier future. As a company revered for its commitment to innovation and leadership in the pharmaceutical industry, Eli Lilly is where your professional journey can flourish. Work You’ll Do At Eli Lilly, we are passionate about transforming patient care and advancing medical innovation. Our team at Eli Lilly is at the forefront of developing groundbreaking solutions in healthcare. By joining us, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, using cutting-edge technology to make real-world impacts. Lead with Innovation and Leadership Eli Lilly stands out in the marketplace by integrating deep industry expertise with robust research and development efforts. We are looking for professionals who are eager to drive change and lead the way in developing therapeutic breakthroughs. Explore Job Opportunities and Growth Eli Lilly offers a variety of career paths, including full-time positions and internships, across multiple functions such as research, marketing, IT, and sales. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, Eli Lilly provides an environment that promotes career growth and learning opportunities. Our commitment to diversity and leadership training ensures that every employee can achieve their potential. Be Part of Our Team Our team at Eli Lilly is committed to excellence and driven by a mission to improve lives. Employees enjoy a supportive culture that values collaboration, creativity, and diversity. We believe that a diverse workforce fosters innovation and helps us better connect with the communities we serve. Benefits and Culture Eli Lilly is dedicated to supporting our employees, offering competitive benefits, wellness programs, and comprehensive health care. Our culture is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and quality, making Eli Lilly not just a great place to work, but a community to grow with. Networking and Professional Development Eli Lilly encourages continuous professional development and networking. With access to various training programs and mentorship opportunities, employees can enhance their skills and advance their careers. Our leadership is committed to nurturing talent through effective training and development strategies. Join Our Team Discover the exciting job opportunities at Eli Lilly by exploring open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for individuals who are passionate, innovative, and ready to contribute to our mission of making life better for people around the globe. Stay Connected Keep up to date with the latest at Eli Lilly by following our careers blog. Gain insights from industry leaders and get tips on everything from crafting the perfect resume to preparing for your interview. Eli Lilly is not just a company—it's a place where you can make a difference. Explore the positions available and find out how your talents can help change the world. SEARCH ELI LILLY JOBS Stay ahead in your career with Eli Lilly, where innovation, leadership, and a commitment to diversity and growth lead the way to future advancements.
Learn more about Eli Lilly
Size
35,000 employees
Market Cap
$344.2 billion
Industry
Net Income
$6.1 billion
Founded
1876
5 Year Trend
+5.9%
Revenue
$24.5 billion
NASDAQ

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