Director, Analytical Development – SMTD

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) – it all starts with animals!

As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose – all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.

At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you’ll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.

Making animals’ lives better makes life better – join our team today!

Your Role: Director, Analytical Development

As the Director of Analytical Development, you will lead a high-performing team responsible for advancing Elanco’s small molecule drug product pipeline. This role is a key leadership position within the broader Small Molecule Technical Development (SMTD) organization, reporting to the Head of Analytical Development & QC. Your leadership will be central to driving innovation and ensuring strong scientific and operational execution across key pharmaceutical development programs, helping to bring impactful animal health products to market.

Your Responsibilities:

• Guide, coach, and develop a high-performing team of 5-10 scientists, fostering a culture of innovation and accountability.

• Provide scientific and operational direction for analytical development projects from early-stage through technical transfer to manufacturing.

• Develop and implement analytical strategies for your team and portfolio, ensuring alignment with departmental and SMTD objectives.

• Serve as a key subject matter expert on complex analytical challenges, providing technical guidance and representing Elanco in regulatory interactions.

• Foster cross-functional alignment with internal teams (R&D, Manufacturing, Regulatory) and external partners to ensure successful project execution.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):

• Education: PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline; or a Master’s degree with extensive equivalent experience.

• Experience: A minimum of 8 years (PhD) or 12 years (Master's) of progressive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with a focus on analytical and CMC development for drug products.

• Top Skills: Deep expertise in small molecule analytical development, with strong knowledge of drug product performance testing (e.g., dissolution) and a thorough understanding of global regulatory expectations (GMP, VICH). Proven experience guiding and mentoring scientific teams is also required.

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):

• Direct experience in the animal health pharmaceutical industry.

• Proven track record of overseeing technology transfer activities to manufacturing sites.

• Demonstrated experience managing external partnerships, such as contract research organizations (CROs).

• Broad technical depth in analytical sciences, including advanced separation and spectroscopic techniques (e.g., HPLC, HILIC, SEC, MS, NIR).

• Expertise in strategic planning and organizational leadership, with a demonstrated ability to influence global teams and cross-functional outcomes.

Additional Information:

• Travel: 5-10% international travel

• Location: Global Elanco Headquarters - Indianapolis, IN - Hybrid Work Environment

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrecognized groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!

Elanco Benefits and Perks: 

We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:

• 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

Elanco currently anticipates that the base salary for this position could range from $118,000 to $197,000 depending partly on the successful candidate's qualifications, including education and experience. Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending partly on company and individual performance). Additionally, Elanco offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees that includes a company-matching 401(k); 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). Of course, the compensation is subject to change and could be higher or lower than the range described above. Elanco reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion, and Elanco's compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Elanco employees. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status

Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against job‑related criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.