Bio Process Scientist

Elanco Tiergesundheit AG; Fort Dodge (IA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated in Fort Dodge, IA, is seeking a Bio Process Research Scientist to support vaccine manufacturing processes from development through commercial production. You will lead technology transfer, conduct DOE-driven experiments, and collaborate with R&D and Manufacturing to improve productivity, product quality, and process robustness.

PhD in a relevant field and 2–3+ years of manufacturing experience are preferred, with strong technical writing and project management

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Virology, Biochemical/Biochemical Engineering or related field.
• Experience with vaccine/biologics manufacturing and process development.
• Strong problem-solving and process optimization skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead or support vaccine product transfers from R&D to commercial manufacturing (scale-up, validation, registration).
• Troubleshoot complex manufacturing processes and identify root causes; implement technical solutions.
• Drive process optimization and continuous improvement for productivity, quality, and efficiency.
• Lead tech transfer activities ensuring robust control and on-time execution.
• Design, execute and analyze DOE-based experiments; prepare technical docs and support SAP planning.

Skills

Problem-solving

Process optimization

Cross-functional collaboration

DOE methodologies

Education

Ph.D. in Microbiology/related field

Tools

JMP

Job description

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: Bio Process Research Scientist

As a Bio Process Research Scientist, you will be part of the Technical Services & Manufacturing Sciences (TS/MS) team supporting the commercialization, optimization, and lifecycle management of animal health vaccine manufacturing processes. In this role, you will apply scientific expertise to solve complex manufacturing challenges, lead technology transfer and process improvement initiatives, and partner with Research & Development and Manufacturing to advance innovative vaccine products from development through commercial production.

Your Responsibilities:

• Lead or support the transfer of new vaccine products from Research & Development into commercial manufacturing through scale-up, validation, registration, and commercialization activities.
• Apply scientific expertise to troubleshoot complex vaccine manufacturing processes and identify root causes while implementing effective technical solutions.
• Drive process optimization and continuous improvement initiatives that improve productivity, product quality, process robustness, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Lead technology transfer activities within your area of expertise to ensure successful implementation, robust process control, and on‑time project execution.
• Design, execute, and analyze experiments using Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies, author technical documentation, and support manufacturing instructions and SAP material planning models.

What You Need to Succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

• Education: Ph.D. in Microbiology, Virology, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biology, or another relevant scientific discipline.
• Experience: Minimum of 2–3 years of experience supporting vaccine, biologics, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, including commercialization or process development activities.
• Top Skills: Strong scientific problem-solving and process optimization skills, combined with experience in large-scale viral and bacterial antigen manufacturing and cross-functional collaboration.

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

• Experience supporting technology transfer, process validation, and commercialization of biological or vaccine products.
• Knowledge of large-scale viral and bacterial antigen manufacturing processes.
• Experience using Design of Experiments (DOE) and JMP® for statistical analysis and process optimization.
• Familiarity with USDA regulatory requirements and regulated manufacturing environments.
• Strong technical writing, project management, and communication skills with the ability to lead multiple priorities in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

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.