Sr. Bioanalytical Scientist, Discovery

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. We’re driven by our vision of ‘Food and Companionship Enriching Life’ and our approach to sustainability – the Elanco Healthy Purpose™ – to advance the health of animals, people, the planet and our enterprise.

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: Senior Bioanalytical Scientist

Join Elanco’s RBI Discovery Science team as a Senior Bioanalytical Scientist, where you'll play a key role in developing and validating cutting-edge bioanalytical assays to support the advancement of our biologic's portfolio, including therapeutic proteins and vaccines. You’ll combine hands-on laboratory expertise with strategic leadership, working across internal teams and managing collaborations with external CROs. This role offers an exciting opportunity to innovate, lead cross-functional initiatives, and contribute to the development of new bioanalytical technologies, driving products from discovery to clinical development.

We’re looking for expertise in ligand-binding assays (e.g., MSD, ELISA), cell-based assays, immunogenicity assessments, and ideally, assay automation. A strong background in large molecules like monoclonal antibodies and complex proteins is highly desired. Success in this role will require a collaborative mindset, leadership skills, and a proven ability to solve problems and communicate effectively in cross-functional environments.

Your Responsibilities:

• Lead the development, validation, and optimization of bioanalytical assays (e.g., MSD, ELISA, cell-based) for therapeutic proteins and vaccines.

• Independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret laboratory studies, contributing directly to data generation and analysis.

• Manage and mentor junior scientists, fostering talent and ensuring excellence in internal and external (CRO) bioanalytical activities.

• Oversee CRO activities, including assay transfer, study monitoring, data review, and issue resolution, ensuring timelines and data quality.

• Drive innovation by developing creative solutions for bioanalytical challenges and implementing new technologies and platforms.

• Collaborate across teams (Discovery, PK, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Clinical) to align on assay design, development, and implementation.

• Design and execute assays for PK/TK studies, immunogenicity assessments (including ADA assay development/validation), and biomarker analysis supporting clinical trials and product development. Provide technical expertise in immunogenicity assessments, especially for complex protein modalities.

• Author and review protocols, regulatory documents, and scientific publications, presenting findings to stakeholders.

• Stay current with regulatory guidelines and industry best practices, contributing to compliance and scientific advancement.

What You Need to Succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

• Education: Ph.D. in immunology, biochemistry, or related field with 6+ years of relevant industry experience, or Master’s degree with 12+ years of experience.

• Experience: Strong expertise in bioanalytical method development and validation for large molecules, with a deep understanding of regulatory guidelines and data analysis.

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications):

• Expertise in immunogenicity risk assessment and mitigation strategies.

• Proficiency with bioanalytical software, automation technologies, and advanced data analysis tools.

• Established scientific reputation (e.g., publications, presentations), strong interpersonal skills, and a proven ability to influence and collaborate across teams.

Additional Information 

• Location: Global Elanco Headquarters - Greenfield, IN (NEW HEADQUARTERS COMING Q4 INDIANAPOLIS, IN) 

​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!   

Benefits and Perks:

We offer a comprehensive package focused on financial, physical, and mental well-being, including:

• 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