Research Scientist - Analytical Development

About This Role

Advancing research and development projects effectively and efficiently is the critical purpose of this Research Scientist role in Vaccine Technical Development. The position requires deep technical expertise to ensure projects progress on schedule and within budget, while maintaining high standards of quality, innovation, and collaboration. This role operates within the Process Development/Assay Development (PD/AD) functional group and cross-functionally across the Elanco network.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects by developing technical plans, coordinating cross-functional alignment, and ensuring milestone achievement
• Drive innovation by generating new ideas, accelerating timelines, and improving technical approaches
• Design and implement experiments, methods, protocols, and SOPs to support process and assay development improvements
• Perform hands-on laboratory work, including development, optimization, and troubleshooting of new methods and techniques
• Represent Technical Development on project teams, defining goals, making decisions, and securing necessary resources
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to meet project and customer requirements
• Analyze and interpret complex data, providing clear, actionable insights to project teams and leadership
• Independently troubleshoot and resolve complex technical challenges within area of expertise
• Maintain accountability for project deliverables and team commitments, demonstrating Elanco’s values and expected behaviors
• Identify and leverage internal resources to execute projects effectively with minimal reliance on management oversight

Requirements

• Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Virology, Immunology, Bacteriology, Molecular Biology) with at least 1 year of industry or post-doctoral experience; OR a Master of Science (M.S.) degree with 5+ years of experience in vaccine analytical development
• Proven hands-on expertise in analytical method development (e.g., potency assays, ELISA, viral titration) combined with demonstrated experience leading technical projects in a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with a demonstrated ability to influence technical and business outcomes

Nice to have:

• Direct experience with the USDA regulatory framework for animal biologics
• A strong background in developing and validating potency assays for licensed vaccines
• Proven success in mentoring and training junior scientific staff
• Experience managing the technical transfer of methods to QC or manufacturing teams
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and adapt to shifting priorities

Benefits

• Multiple relocation packages
• Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)
• 8-week parental leave
• 9 Employee Resource Groups
• Annual bonus offering
• Flexible work arrangements
• Up to 6% 401K matching

Important Details

• Travel: 0-15%

About the Company

Elanco is a global leader in animal health, dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. The company is driven by its vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and its purpose to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and its People. Elanco prides itself on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.