About this opportunity
Eli Lilly and Company lists this Postdoctoral Scientist – Neuroscience (Synuclein Biology) opportunity in boston, Massachusetts. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
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.
Postdoctoral Scientist – Neuroscience (Synuclein Biology)
Position Overview
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.
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 ( 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 ( ), Chinese Culture Network (CCN), EnAble, Evolve, Lilly Indian Network (LIN), Organization of Latinx
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Worksite address
boston, MA, 02298, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.