Lead Molecular Pharmacology Scientist – In Vitro Assays

Elanco; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation packages

Shutdowns in US (mid-summer, year-end)

8‑week parental leave

Employee Resource Groups

Annual bonus offering

Flexible work arrangements

401K matching up to 6%

Job summary

Elanco seeks a Principal Research Scientist to lead the Molecular Pharmacology team, shaping assay design and execution across SMOL, Biologics, and Parasitology programs. You will build an organization focused on in vitro data informing project progression, partnering across discovery groups, and mentoring scientists.

You will drive MOA probing, potency characterization, and cellular readouts while delivering rapid pharmacology data to drug discovery teams, enabling robust go/no-go decisions.

Qualifications

• Deep technical proficiency in designing and optimizing biochemical and cell-based assays (signaling, enzymatic activity, target engagement, cytotoxicity).
• Proven track record of independent scientific leadership and cross‑functional collaboration in drug discovery.
• Experience mentoring scientists and leading a translational pharmacology team.

Responsibilities

• Lead assay strategies across SMOL, Biologics, and Parasitology programs to inform project decisions.
• Mentor a team of scientists and foster scientific rigor and collaboration.
• Design and implement in vitro strategies, MOA probes, potency assessments, and cellular readouts for diverse compounds.
• Support pharmacology-driven lead optimization and rapid data delivery to discovery partners.
• Provide expert scientific guidance to project teams to drive technical success.
• Champion diverse assay platforms, modalities, and instrumentation to meet project needs.
• Identify capability gaps and develop cross-portfolio solutions.
• Ensure high-quality, reproducible data to guide go/no-go decisions.

Skills

Assay Mastery

Leadership

Collaborative Mindset

Scientific Guidance

Education

Ph.D. in Cell Biology / Molecular Biology / Immunology or related, 12+ years experience

Job description

Elanco seeks a Principal Research Scientist to lead the Molecular Pharmacology team, shaping assay design and execution across SMOL, Biologics, and Parasitology programs. You will build an organization focused on in vitro data informing project progression, partnering across discovery groups, and mentoring scientists.

You will drive MOA probing, potency characterization, and cellular readouts while delivering rapid pharmacology data to drug discovery teams, enabling robust go/no-go decisions.