Joseph T. Brozinick, PhD

A career in physiology may take many shapes and happen in many professional settings, including within industry, academia, government and nonprofit sectors. We asked our esteemed APS member-researchers to share what they do, where they do it, and how their work is expanding our understanding of life and health. Here, APS member Joseph T. Brozinick, PhD, discusses his work as a scientist in industry, how he landed his dream job and why you might find him swimming or cycling when he’s not conducting research. 

What do you do?  

I run a preclinical in vivo pharmacology/cell biology lab of four associates, summer interns and postdocs in support of assets targeting diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity. Our major research focus area is regulation of metabolism in skeletal muscle, using various in vitro and in vivo models. In addition, during my tenure at Eli Lilly, I have led several external collaborations within both academia and industry. 

Give it context. Why is your work important? How does it contribute to other efforts? 

The purpose of my lab is to identify new disease targets and form collaborations in support of existing assets that are led by myself or other investigators. The importance of our work is centered on determining both the efficacy and mode of action of various pharmaceutical agents to enable clinical testing and development. 

How did you find your way to your current role? 

I had a bit of a convoluted path to my current role. After earning my PhD in exercise physiology at the University of Texas, I completed two postdocs each with a distinct experience. The first was at the National Institutes of Health and focused on the cell biology of diabetes pertaining to skeletal muscle. My second postdoc was at the University of Pennsylvania and focused on molecular biology and insulin signaling in skeletal muscle. As I applied for jobs during my second postdoc, I was contacted by several industry recruiters who were interested in my breadth of experience and contacts.  

What outside of your job or science inspires you? What would you be doing if not science?  

I was a collegiate athlete (swimming) and have always been fascinated by both the unknown and the mysteries of how biological systems work. I have continued my involvement in athletics over my life and I am a Masters swimmer and an avid cyclist. The mental stimulation that I get from my job makes it difficult for me to imagine myself in a career outside of science. That being said, I would probably be involved in teaching science or history or some aspect of remodeling or construction. 

Joseph T. Brozinick, PhD, is an executive director at Eli Lilly and Company. He’s been an APS member since 1993.