The researcher will characterize the mechanism of action of novel drug modalities in B-cell malignancies using proteomic and genetic perturbation approaches. They will also identify predictive biomarkers and evaluate combination strategies through in vitro and in vivo experimental systems.
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The Oncology Therapeutic Area of Eli Lilly and Company focuses on the discovery and development of small molecule and biologic therapeutics for patients with cancer.
The Translational Sciences group within Lilly Oncology is responsible for bridging mechanistic discovery and clinical development, driving biomarker strategy, combination rationale, resistance biology and discovering novel indications across the oncology portfolio.
The successful candidate will contribute to the characterization of novel small molecules in B-cell malignancies, working across in vitro and in vivo experimental systems and integrating findings with large-scale molecular datasets to inform clinical development.
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Translational Oncology with expertise in cancer cell biology, drug mechanism of action characterization, and tumor immunology to advance our understanding of novel oncology therapeutics in hematologic malignancies.
This role will involve mechanistic characterization of innovative compounds, resistance biology, biomarker discovery, and evaluation of rational combination strategies.
You will operate as part of the Translational Sciences team and partner with discovery biologists, in vivo pharmacologists, bioinformaticians, and clinical development colleagues.
Key Responsibilities Characterize the mechanism of action of novel drug modalities using advanced proteomic approaches, including proximity labeling and co-immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry, to map interactomes and evaluate downstream cellular responses.
Investigate the role of cellular quality control pathways (unfolded protein response, heat shock response, autophagy) in response to compound activity using pharmacological and genetic perturbation approaches.
Generate and characterize resistant cell line models using chronic dose escalation and genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 knockout and activation screens to define genetic drivers of resistance and sensitization.
In collaboration with Discovery Bioinformatics, conduct multi-omic profiling of sensitive and resistant models, integrating whole-genome sequencing, transcriptomics, and phospho-proteomics to identify predictive biomarkers of response.
Analyze large-scale cell line and patient-derived xenograft datasets, linking baseline molecular features to compound activity for biomarkers and mechanism of action hypothesis generation.
Evaluate immunomodulatory effects of compounds in tumor and immune cell compartments using multi-color flow cytometry, RNA-seq, and spatial transcriptomics in humanized mouse models an ex vivo co-cultures.
Design and execute in vivo combination studies to establish preclinical rationale for clinical combination strategies.
Prepare scientific reports, presentations, and publications detailing research outcomes.
Benchmark experimental findings against established platforms to contextualize the novel modality within the broader field.
Qualifications & Requirements PhD in cancer biology, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, or a closely related discipline.
All requirements must be completed by September 2026.
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/Preferences Preference will be given to exceptional candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas Hands-on experience in oncology cell culture, in vitro pharmacology assays, and genetic modification techniques (transduction/transfection).
Familiarity with targeted protein degradation platforms, including molecular glues, Ligand Directed Degraders (LDDs), or related modalities.
Familiarity with multi-color full-spectrum flow cytometry and immunophenotyping.
Experience with in vivo oncology pharmacology, including CDX/PDX tumor models and humanized mouse systems.
Exposure to bispecific antibody or T cell engager research.
Experience with multi-omics data types including proteomics, transcriptomics, and/or whole-genome sequencing.
Prior experience in lymphoma, hematologic malignancies, or B cell biology; exceptional candidates from adjacent oncology disciplines will also be considered.
Strong publication record demonstrating mechanistic rigor and translational relevance.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
This is an on-site position based in Indianapolis, Indiana This position is not permanent. It is a fixed-term position up to 2 years with a possible 2 year extention. This is an exciting opportunity to advance precision oncology and therapeutic development through cutting-edge cancer biology and tumor immunology. If you are passionate about mechanistic discovery with direct clinical relevance, we encourage you to apply! 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 (AMECA), Black Employees at Lilly (BE@Lilly), Chinese Culture Network (CCN), EnAble, Evolve, Lilly Indian Network (LIN), Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), Pride (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN) and Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL).
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
A PhD in cancer biology, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, or a related field is required by September 2026. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
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Market context
Indiana’s translational oncology research market is typically driven by university, hospital, and biotech programs that need candidates who can connect lab findings to clinical questions. These roles are competitive because employers often look for a PhD in a closely related field, strong publication or project experience, and U.S. work authorization without sponsorship. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit, then tailor your application to highlight cancer biology methods, translational experience, and any work that bridges basic and applied research.
