Research Scientist - Process Development

Posted Yesterday
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Fort Dodge, IA, USA
In-Office
Expert/Leader
Healthtech • Pharmaceutical • Manufacturing
The Role
Leads vaccine technical development projects focused on fermentation and bioreactor technologies. Designs and optimizes processes, experiments, methods, protocols, and SOPs; performs laboratory work; troubleshoots complex technical issues; oversees data interpretation; and coordinates cross-functional project activities. The role also mentors team members, supports process scale-up and technology transfer, develops innovative improvements, and represents Process Development within project teams and stakeholder groups.
Summary Generated by Built In

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!

Job Description: 


The Research Scientist (R1 level) in the Vaccine Technical Development area plays a crucial role in leading and advancing R&D projects efficiently and effectively with a specialized focus on innovative fermentation and bioreactor technologies. This position leverages extensive scientific expertise to ensure projects progress on schedule and within budget. Responsibilities range from project ownership and strategic planning for advanced upstream bioprocessing, to fostering a positive, accountable work environment. This role operates within the Process Development (PD) functional group and operates cross functionally within Elanco network. Leads multiple large-scale projects, educating self and others, while driving innovative improvements in technical methodologies.  

Primary Responsibilities:


  • Drive timely progress of large-scale Technical Development projects involving fermentation and bioreactor systems by applying advanced scientific knowledge and skills in area of expertise.  
  • Own projects or full technical areas as a lead.   
  • Gaining knowledge on the entire innovation cycle and the role of Technical Development in completing a product licensure.  
  • Utilize technical expertise to design and implement experiments, methods, protocols, and SOPs for process improvements within the area of expertise.  
  • Perform hands-on laboratory work, including creating, developing and optimizing new methods and techniques at various scales.  
  • Work independently to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues.  
  • Oversee data analysis and interpretation, providing detailed insights to project teams and management.  
  • Serve as Project Lead, developing technical plans, and coordinating cross-functional communication and alignment with management involvement as needed.  
  • Train and mentor others, fostering a learning environment and promoting technical development within the team.   
  • Develop new innovative ideas and accelerate timelines for process scale-up and efficiencies.  
  • Own projects for the PD function and represent TD on Project Team. Define clear goals and make rapid decisions. Responsible for acquiring resources for project completion and working with TD team members to accomplish the project.  
  • Maintain a greater level of communication while working/representing the team to a larger audience as Project Leads. Able to execute or find resources internally to complete a project aslong as it is within the area of expertise (e.g., Development and Transfer of a process for bacterial product)  
  • Work within the team to gather resources to finish tasks. Relies less on management communication cross functionally.  
  • Expected to be a knowledge source and trainer for team members.  
  • Maintain accountability to the functional group and research/development teams for assigned tasks and responsibilities, embodying Elanco's values and demonstrating expected behaviors.  
  • Establish and nurture key relationships with internal and external stakeholders to identify and meet customer requirements.  
  • Proactively seeks feedback from peers and SMEs with openness.    
  • Demonstrate flexibility and high learning agility to perform and adapt in a fast paced, rapidly changing environment.  long as it is within the area of expertise (e.g., Development and Transfer of a process for bacterial product)  
  • Work within the team to gather resources to finish tasks. Relies less on management communication cross functionally.  
  • Expected to be a knowledge source and trainer for team members.  
  • Maintain accountability to the functional group and research/development teams for assigned tasks and responsibilities, embodying Elanco's values and demonstrating expected behaviors.  
  • Establish and nurture key relationships with internal and external stakeholders to identify and meet customer requirements.  
  • Proactively seeks feedback from peers and SMEs with openness.    
  • Demonstrate flexibility and high learning agility to perform and adapt in a fast paced, rapidly changing environment. 

Minimum Qualification (education, experience and/or training, required certifications): 


  • Master of Science (M.S) degree with greater than 10 years, or Ph.D. with 1 or more years of relevant experience.  
  • Comprehensive verbal and written communication skills.  
  • Demonstrated ability to understand and influence key business drivers within the discipline.  
  • Proven track record of training and mentoring others.  
  • High ethical and quality standards.  
  • Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to be employed in the United States.  Elanco does not anticipate providing sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B, or TN status) for this employment position 


Additional Preferences: 


  • Experience with downstream processing techniques/related equipment. 
  • Experience with biohazardous organisms. 
  • Experience in developing animal health products. 
  • Good understanding of the relevant regulations for animal health product development. 


Other Information:

 

  • Travel: Occasional travel (primarily within the U.S.), <5% 

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrepresented 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 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.


#LI-SC1

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.

Skills Required

  • Master of Science degree with greater than 10 years of relevant experience
  • Ph.D. with 1 or more years of relevant experience
  • Comprehensive verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to understand and influence key business drivers within the discipline
  • Proven track record of training and mentoring others
  • High ethical and quality standards
  • Legally authorized to work in the United States
  • Experience with downstream processing techniques and related equipment
  • Experience with biohazardous organisms
  • Experience developing animal health products
  • Understanding of regulations relevant to animal health product development

Elanco Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Elanco and has not been reviewed or approved by Elanco.

  • Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off options are broad, including PTO, flexible leave, and the ability to purchase additional vacation. These provisions are highlighted as supportive of work-life balance.
  • Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes medical, dental, and vision alongside company-paid life, disability, and wellness support. Pet insurance and assistance programs reinforce a comprehensive wellbeing offering.
  • Retirement Support — Retirement offerings include a U.S. 401(k) and, for some employees, access to a defined benefit pension. These programs add meaningful long-term value to total rewards.

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The Company
HQ: Indianapolis, IN
8,445 Employees

What We Do

At Elanco, we work to improve the health of animals through innovative products and services for pets and farm animals around the world. As a global animal health company, we provide solutions that empower our customers to advance a vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life. Since 1954, Elanco has committed to empowering veterinarians, farmers, and all those who care for animals with the tools they need to help animals live healthy lives. Healthier animals are the key to making our lives better - This is the fundamental belief uniting all global Elanco employees. That’s why we are committed to the idea that our business can be a unique force for good for all in society. Through our Elanco Healthy Purpose™ framework of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments, we focus on delivering sustainable solutions to advance the well-being of animals, people and the planet. This program also enables our employees around the world to take paid time off to make an impact as a volunteer, offering their time or talent to give back to our customers, causes and communities. #ElancoHealthyPurpose #WeAreElanco

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