Senior Research Scientist – Target Discovery & Project Leadership (m/f/d)

Elanco; Monheim; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel up to 15%

Job summary

Elanco in Monheim seeks a Senior Research Scientist – Target Discovery & Project Leadership to shape early-stage parasiticide programs. You will identify novel targets using multi-omics and drive programs from concept to candidate selection in collaboration with international teams.

You will oversee in vitro/in vivo data interpretation, guide decision-making, and manage external partners to ensure a robust pipeline for Pet Health and Farm Animals.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biology, Veterinary Medicine, Parasitology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 4 years of industrial R&D experience in a project leadership capacity.
• Proven track record in target identification and validation within Animal Health or Pharma; demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams without direct authority.

Responsibilities

• Lead research activities to identify and validate novel targets using multi-omics and functional models for small/large molecules and vaccines.
• Drive discovery programs from concept to candidate selection, ensuring scientific rigor and meeting timeline milestones for next-generation parasiticides.
• Lead multi-functional, international teams to influence selection and transition candidates into the development pipeline.
• Oversee the generation and interpretation of complex biological datasets (in vitro/in vivo) to guide high-stakes decision-making.
• Manage a strategic network with academic institutions and contract research organizations in close collaboration with the External Innovation Team.

Skills

Target identification & validation

Cross-functional leadership

AI/ML & in silico modelling

Parasite biology knowledge

Education

PhD in Biology/Veterinary/Parasitology/related field

Tools

Multi-omics platforms

Job description

About Elanco

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!

Senior Research Scientist – Target Discovery & Project Leadership

As a Senior Research Scientist – Target Discovery & Project Leadership on our Discovery Parasiticides team, you will architect the future of animal health by playing a pivotal role in the early research phase. You will spearhead the identification of next-generation molecular hits against endo- and ectoparasites. In this role, you will lead the discovery and interpretation of critical in vitro and in vivo data, championing the selection process for New Molecular Entities (NME) and ensuring a robust pipeline for both Pet Health and Farm Animals.

Your Responsibilities

• Lead research activities to identify and validate novel targets using multi-omics (transcriptomics, proteomics) and functional models for small/large molecules and vaccines.
• Drive discovery programs from concept to candidate selection, ensuring scientific rigor and meeting timeline milestones for next-generation parasiticides.
• Lead multi-functional, international teams to influence selection and transition candidates seamlessly into the development pipeline.
• Oversee the generation and interpretation of complex biological datasets (in vitro/in vivo) to guide high-stakes decision-making.
• Manage a strategic network with academic institutions and contract research organizations in close collaboration with the External Innovation Team to achieve research goals.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: PhD in Biology, Veterinary Medicine, Parasitology, or a related scientific field.
• Experience: A minimum of 4 years of industrial R&D experience in a project leadership capacity.
• Skills: Proven track record in target identification and validation within Animal Health or Pharma; demonstrated success leading complex cross-functional teams without direct authority.

Preferred Qualifications

• Solid understanding of AI/ML and in silico modelling to accelerate discovery.
• Deep knowledge of parasite biology and modern screening methodologies.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and translate complex data for diverse stakeholders.
• High resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

Additional Information

• Location & Work Model: Monheim Travel: Up to 15% annually.
• 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.

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE: ELAN) is a global leader in animal health dedicated to innovating and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets, creating value for farmers, pet owners, veterinarians, stakeholders, and society as a whole. With nearly 70 years of animal health heritage, we are committed to helping our customers improve the health of animals in their care, while also making a meaningful impact on our local and global communities. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching life and our Elanco Healthy Purpose™ CSR framework - all to advance the health of animals, people and the planet.

Learn more at www.elanco.com.