Director – Bone Biology and Osteoporosis Discovery

Eli Lilly and Company

. Define and implement Lilly's preclinical discovery strategy for osteoporosis, including target discovery, validation, prioritization frameworks, experimental approaches, and decision criteria .

Posted 10/8/2026full-timeBoston • Massachusetts • United StatesSenior💰 $153,000 - $264,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Expertise in osteoporosis and skeletal biology, with a strong focus on target identification, validation, and preclinical development. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive innovative strategies in skeletal health and aging.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Ph.D. In Bone/Musculoskeletal BiologyDeep Expertise In Osteoporosis And Skeletal BiologyHands-On Expertise In Bone HistomorphometryExperience With Bone Surgical ModelsStrong Cross-Functional Leadership

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Hard Skills

Target DiscoveryValidation FrameworksExperimental ApproachesBone HistomorphometryDrug DiscoveryPreclinical DevelopmentMulti-Omics Data AnalysisMechanosensation UnderstandingBiomarker StrategiesIn Vitro, Ex Vivo, And In Vivo Models

Soft Skills

Scientific CommunicationMentoringProblem-SolvingInfluencing Decision-MakingCollaboration

Industry Keywords

Skeletal HealthMetabolic DiseaseBone RemodelingCellular SenescenceMarrow AdiposityOsteocyte BiologyHealthy AgingCRO PartnershipsAcademic CollaborationsPortfolio Prioritization

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define and implement Lilly's preclinical discovery strategy for osteoporosis, including target discovery, validation, prioritization frameworks, experimental approaches, and decision criteria
Leverage human genetics, multi-omics, and patient-derived data to prioritize targets and pathways
Shape strategies addressing skeletal health in aging and metabolic disease, including skeletal effects of weight loss and incretin-based therapies
Drive portfolio prioritization and articulate differentiation, risk, and alignment with clinical and regulatory expectations
Build and evolve internal and external preclinical and translational capabilities
Identify, shape, and manage business development opportunities, academic collaborations, and CRO partnerships
Align the bone strategy with Mobility & Healthy Aging and musculoskeletal portfolio objectives
Build and lead an innovative lab focused on osteoporosis and skeletal disease target and pathway identification and validation
Lead bone discovery programs from target identification and validation through therapeutic candidate progression
Design and implement experimental strategies across in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo systems, including bone histomorphometry and surgical models
Generate decision-enabling data for program advancement and portfolio decisions
Define translational approaches linking mechanisms to clinical outcomes, including biomarker strategies and PK/PD relationships
Ensure preclinical programs enable clinical differentiation using endpoints such as bone density, bone strength, and microarchitecture
Serve as biology lead on cross-functional teams with discovery chemistry, protein engineering, PK/PD, toxicology, and clinical development
Influence decision-making and problem-solving to accelerate program progression
Maintain scientific leadership through publications, presentations, and engagement with the external osteoporosis and skeletal biology community
Recruit and supervise scientists and provide mentoring, performance management, and career development

Requirements

What you’ll need

Ph.D. in bone/musculoskeletal biology, endocrinology, pharmacology, cellular & molecular biology, physiology or biomedical sciences or related field
Minimum of 10 years of relevant post-Ph.D. experience in academia, industry, or a related field
Deep expertise in osteoporosis and skeletal biology, including bone remodeling
Hands-on expertise in bone histomorphometry (static and dynamic), including interpretation of cellular and tissue-level remodeling data
Understanding of mechanosensation and mechanotransduction in bone, including osteocyte biology and load-induced bone adaptation
Understanding of glucocorticoid-induced bone loss and its mechanisms
Experience with bone surgical models, such as osteotomy, fracture healing, osseointegration, and periodontitis-associated alveolar bone loss
Knowledge of muscle-bone crosstalk and the biology linking skeletal muscle and bone function
Understanding of skeletal aging mechanisms, including cellular senescence, marrow adiposity, and age-related changes in osteoprogenitor function
Familiarity with bone health in obesity and metabolic disease, including the skeletal effects of weight loss and incretin-based therapies
Experience using human genetic and multiomic data to inform target identification and validation
Demonstrated success in drug discovery, from target identification through preclinical development
Proven track record of shaping discovery strategy and influencing portfolio decisions
Strong experience with preclinical in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models for osteoporosis
Experience building new capabilities, platforms, or external collaborations
Strong cross-functional leadership and scientific communication skills
Passion for advancing innovative therapies that address unmet needs in skeletal health and healthy aging

Benefits

Comp & perks

Company bonus depending, in part, on company and individual performance
Company-sponsored 401(k)
Pension
Vacation benefits
Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits
Flexible benefits, including healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts
Life insurance and death benefits
Time off and leave of absence benefits
Well-being benefits, including employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities