Advanced in Vitro Models - Advisor/Sr. Advisor

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Advisor/Senior Advisor, Investigative Toxicology

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

Position Overview

We are seeking a talented scientist to join the growing Investigative toxicology group. This individual contributor role is primarily focused on the discovery pipeline from hit identification through candidate selection, with primary responsibility for developing and applying advanced in vitro models (co-culture systems, iPS-derived cells, spheroids, organoids, organ-on-a-chip) or new approach methodologies (NAMs) to address mechanistic/investigative toxicology questions across liver, cardiac, gastrointestinal, kidney, or CNS. The ideal candidate brings direct, hands-on experience with advanced vitro systems gained through PhD training and postdoctoral or industry experience and the scientific depth to develop/qualify in vitro models that allow translational data generation. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, qualify, and apply advanced human-relevant in vitro systems such as iPS-derived cell models, organoids, spheroids, co-culture platforms, and MPS/organ-on-a-chip systems to assess safety liabilities with a focus on either liver, cardiac, GI, kidney, or CNS.
• Qualify novel assays and endpoints that improve the sensitivity/specificity, throughput, and translational relevance of early safety screening.
• Independently troubleshoot, optimize, and innovate experimental approaches; uphold a high standard of scientific rigor and reproducibility.
• Evaluate emerging NAMs and drive the adoption of platforms that meaningfully strengthen the human relevance of Lilly's early safety screening and mechanistic investigations.
• Investigate mechanisms of compound-induced toxicity in target organs using functional assays, high-content imaging, and transcriptomic or metabolomic profiling as appropriate.
• Serve as a scientific point of contact for CRO and academic partners, overseeing study design, data quality, and delivery; ensure external work meets Lilly's standards for rigor and reproducibility.
• Participate in pre-competitive consortia and industry working groups advancing NAMs and early safety science.

Minimum requirements

• PhD in Toxicology, Pharmacology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or a scientific discipline. with 2+ years of postdoctoral or industry research experience with hands-on work in advanced in vitro model systems.
• Senior Advisor: PhD with 5+ years of postdoctoral or industry research experience, evidence of scientific contribution and leadership.
• Experience in vitro model systems, including experience either (1) developing and optimizing complex platforms such as iPS-derived cell models, organoids, 3D co-culture systems, or MPS/organ-on-a-chip systems, or (2) applying these advanced models to investigate mechanisms of toxicity or address organ-specific safety questions across liver, cardiac, GI, kidney, or CNS biology.

Additional Skills/Preferences

• Proven ability to independently design and execute rigorous experiments, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and prioritize effectively.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications and/or conference presentations.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a matrixed team environment.
• Experience with complementary platforms such as high-content imaging, MEA electrophysiology, or omics-based approaches (transcriptomics, metabolomics) applied in a safety or mechanistic context as applicable.
• Experience with immune system is a plus.
• Experience mentoring junior scientists, graduate students, or postdoctoral researchers.

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

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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