Advisor – In vivo pharmacologist – Cardiometabolic Research

Company: Eli Lilly and Company
Location: Indianapolis
Posted on: March 21, 2026

Job Description:

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world. Eli Lilly's Cardiometabolic Research Therapeutic Area is advancing a diverse portfolio of biologic, small molecule, and genetic therapeutics for obesity and related metabolic disorders. We seek an early-career, PhD-level physiologist with expertise in whole-body metabolism, cellular and mitochondrial bioenergetics to drive the discovery and validation of next-generation therapeutics. The successful candidate will design and execute in vivo and ex vivo studies to validate novel therapeutic targets, characterize mechanisms of action, and support progression of genetic medicine programs through preclinical development. This position offers the opportunity to apply specialized knowledge in human physiology and cellular bioenergetics to address critical questions in cardiometabolic drug discovery. You'll work within a highly collaborative team environment while growing your expertise in translational drug discovery. Responsibilities: The candidate will propose target ideas, help to define and progress projects from target identification to target validation and clinical testing. Design and execute in vivo studies to interrogate mechanisms and pathways relevant to novel obesity and metabolic disease therapeutics, establishing and optimizing preclinical models as needed. Conduct hands-on laboratory work leveraging expertise in liver, skeletal muscle and/or adipose tissue physiology/metabolism to develop and implement in vivo and ex vivo systems that generate critical data supporting target validation and program advancement. Work independently and collaboratively within a cross-functional team environment, effectively communicating scientific findings and experimental plans to diverse stakeholders. Maintain rigorous experimental documentation, perform independent data analysis, and communicate results through written reports and oral presentations in compliance with Lilly research standards. Basic Qualifications/Requirements: Ph.D. in physiology, molecular biology, pharmacology, cellular/mitochondrial bioenergetics or a closely related field Demonstrated experience designing, executing, and analyzing in vivo and ex vivo metabolic studies in rodent models Additional Skills/Preferences: Postdoctoral training with a track record of peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journal demonstrating contributions to whole-body metabolism, energy balance, metabolism, and cellular bioenergetics Demonstrated experience designing, executing, and analyzing in vivo and ex vivo metabolic studies in rodent models of obesity and/or metabolic disease Experience with metabolic phenotyping techniques including body composition analysis, indirect calorimetry and glucose/insulin tolerance testing Trained to evaluate cellular and/or mitochondrial metabolism via respirometry approaches including Seahorse and/or Oroboros Proficiency in molecular biology techniques relevant to metabolic research (RT-qPCR, Western blot, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, etc) Hands-on experience with primary adipocyte isolation, differentiation, and functional assays, or other ex vivo adipose tissue models Familiarity with genetic medicine approaches (siRNA, ASO) and their application in metabolic disease models Strong analytical skills with experience in statistical analysis software Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and demonstrate scientific initiative Excellent written and oral communication skills with experience presenting at scientific conferences or symposia 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 Network, Black Employees at Lilly, Chinese Culture Network, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), PRIDE (LGBTQ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN), Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL), enAble (for people with disabilities). Learn more about all of our groups. Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $126,000 - $184,800 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

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