Clinical Development Scientist, Companion Animal Health

Elanco; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation packages

Parental leave

Annual bonus

Flexible work arrangements

401K matching

Job summary

Elanco is seeking a Clinical Development Scientist to advance vaccines and therapeutics for companion animals. You will design and execute studies from early concept through regulatory submission, joining a collaborative, cross-functional team.

Reporting to the Clinical Leader, you will manage protocols, collaborate with Regulatory Affairs, and drive GLP/vGCP compliance while building external CRO partnerships and maintaining industry knowledge.

Qualifications

• 5+ years direct experience in veterinary product development.
• Experience in clinical development of health products.
• Ability to translate objectives into executable study designs.
• Strong collaboration and communication across cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, implementation, and reporting of clinical studies for vaccines and therapeutics.
• Author protocols and reports; manage CROs; oversee study execution.
• Develop strategic clinical development plans with R&D, Regulatory, QA, Marketing.
• Prepare clinical data for submission to global regulatory agencies with Regulatory Affairs.
• Drive quality and compliance; stay current with industry trends and innovations.

Skills

Clinical development

Regulatory knowledge

Cross-functional teamwork

Study design

Education

DVM

Ph.D.

MS in relevant discipline

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:

As a Clinical Development Scientist, you will be a key member of the team responsible for delivering Elanco's innovation pipeline to our customers. Your role is pivotal in bringing innovative vaccines and therapeutic products for companion animals to market, from initial study design through regulatory approval. Reporting to the Clinical Leader, you will have the opportunity to design and execute studies that advance animal well-being and support Elanco’s mission.

Your Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, implementation, and reporting of high-quality clinical studies (pilot and pivotal) for new companion animal vaccines and therapeutics, ensuring compliance with global regulatory standards (USDA, GLP, vGCP, VICH).
• Author comprehensive study protocols and final reports, select and manage contract research facilities, and oversee all aspects of study execution to meet project objectives.
• Develop and execute strategic clinical development plans, fostering strong collaboration with cross-functional teams including R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, and Marketing.
• Partner with Regulatory Affairs to prepare and present clinical data for submission to global regulatory agencies, directly contributing to product approvals.
• Drive quality and compliance within clinical programs, contribute to process improvements, and maintain current knowledge of industry trends and scientific advancements.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):

• Education: A DVM or Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline; OR an M.S. in a relevant discipline.
• Experience: A minimum of 5 years of direct experience in veterinary product development required for candidates with an M.S. degree.
• Proven experience in the clinical development of health products, including hands-on involvement in planning and executing studies.
• Top 2 skills: Proven ability to contribute to clinical program strategy and translate scientific objectives into executable study designs; and strong collaboration and communication skills to effectively drive projects in a cross-functional, team-oriented environment.

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

• Significant direct experience in the companion animal health vaccine or pharmaceutical industry.
• An advanced degree (e.g., Ph.D.) in addition to a DVM.
• Deep working knowledge of and direct experience with global regulatory standards (e.g., USDA, vGCP, GLP, VICH) and regulatory authorities.
• Demonstrated success in managing external partnerships, such as contract research organizations (CROs).
• Proven ability to take a lead role in driving a clinical program vision and cultivating innovation from development through to regulatory approval.

Additional Information:

• Travel: 10-20% Domestic and possible International.
• Location: Global Elanco Headquarters - Indianapolis, IN - Hybrid Work Environment.

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:

• 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 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 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 70years 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.