Lead Protein Expression & Purification Scientist

elanco; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Elanco, a global leader in animal health, is seeking a Senior Research Scientist, Protein Expression & Purification Team Lead in Indianapolis, IN. In this hybrid laboratory-based and leadership role, you will guide a team through the end-to-end protein generation workflow from DNA construct design to final lot-release testing to enable pre-clinical animal studies.

You will oversee multiple projects, ensure high-purity biotherapeutics, drive process improvements, mentor scientists, and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field.
• 3+ years hands-on mammalian protein expression (HEK293/CHO) and multi-step purification using automated systems (e.g., ÄKTA FPLC).
• Experience directing multi-person workflows and mentoring laboratory staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of scientists on end-to-end protein generation workflow.
• Provide technical leadership across multiple biotherapeutic and vaccine discovery projects.
• Direct expression, purification, and downstream testing workflows.
• Oversee analytical characterization and material release (CE-SDS, HPLC, BLI/Octet, endotoxin).
• Identify platform improvements and drive automation while ensuring data integrity with ELNs.

Skills

Team Leadership

Project Leadership

Mammalian Protein Expression

Protein Purification

Automation & ELN

Biochemistry

Education

Ph.D. in Biochemistry or related field

Tools

ÄKTA FPLC

UNICORN software

HPLC

CE-SDS

BLI/Octet

Endotoxin assay

Job description

Elanco, a global leader in animal health, is seeking a Senior Research Scientist, Protein Expression & Purification Team Lead in Indianapolis, IN. In this hybrid laboratory-based and leadership role, you will guide a team through the end-to-end protein generation workflow from DNA construct design to final lot-release testing to enable pre-clinical animal studies.

You will oversee multiple projects, ensure high-purity biotherapeutics, drive process improvements, mentor scientists, and