Lead Feed Additive Assay & Generic Defense Advisor

Elanco; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

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: Advisor – Feed Additive Assay & Generic Defense

As Advisor – Feed Additive Assay & Generic Defense, you will lead Elanco’s testing strategy for feed additives (assays) and our defense against generic competitors. This role ensures our feed products are tested correctly and consistently, and coordinates efforts to protect their value against generic versions.

Your Responsibilities

• Own the testing strategy for all feed additive products across Elanco sites and partners.
• Build and maintain robust laboratory methods (develop, validate, document, and update).
• Set clear testing limits and pass/fail criteria, ensuring adherence by all labs.
• Standardize tools and methods (e.g., HPLC/LC-MS) for consistent results across laboratories.
• Lead method transfer and proficiency testing between Elanco labs and contract labs.
• Ensure methods are "inspection-ready" and easily updated for continuous improvement.

Generic Defense (Protecting Our Products)

• Lead cross‑functional plans to defend key products when generic competition is anticipated.
• Collaborate with Regulatory, Legal/IP, Quality, and Marketing to plan studies and strategies that protect market position.
• Monitor the competitive landscape to predict potential generic entry.
• Coordinate global plans to ensure timely and synchronized US and EU submissions and renewals.

Regulatory and Cross‑Functional Teamwork

• Partner closely with Regulatory teams on study protocols and submissions.
• Align with Legal/IP on competitive intelligence and defense tactics.
• Work with Manufacturing and Quality to maintain strong testing practices across all sites.
• Represent Elanco with external laboratories and industry groups as needed.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications)

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a science field (e.g., chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, animal science).
• Experience: Minimum 8 years of experience in analytical testing or quality within animal health or pharmaceutical industries.
• Top laboratory skills include hands‑on experience with laboratory methods for complex samples (feeds), including HPLC/UPLC and LC–MS, proven experience in building and transferring methods across multiple laboratories and partners. Leadership skills include solid project management and the ability to drive cross‑functional initiatives with clear communication skills, capable of simplifying technical topics for non‑technical teams.

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications)

• Master’s degree in a science field (e.g., chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, animal science) and/or >10 years of experience.

Additional Information

• Travel: approximately 20%
• Location: Global Elanco Headquarters - Indianapolis, IN - Hybrid Work Environment
• A minimum of 30 days/quarter required in the home office.

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.