Lead Scientist, Upstream Bioprocessing & Fermentation

Elanco; Fort Dodge (IA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation packages

Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and

Year-end

Parental leave

Employee Resource Groups

Annual bonus

Flexible work arrangements

401K matching

Job summary

Elanco is a global leader in animal health seeking a Research Scientist (R1) in Vaccine Technical Development to lead fermentation and bioreactor projects. The role emphasizes upstream bioprocessing, project ownership, hands‑on lab work across scales, data interpretation, and cross‑functional collaboration within Process Development.

Candidates should hold an MS with >10 years or a PhD with 1+ year, possess strong verbal and written skills, mentoring ability, high ethical standards, and US work

Qualifications

• Master of Science or PhD with relevant experience in animal health product development.
• Strong communication, both verbal and written.
• Proven mentoring and training abilities.
• High ethical and quality standards.
• Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Lead large-scale Technical Development projects in fermentation and bioreactor systems.
• Own projects or technical areas as a lead.
• Design and implement experiments, SOPs, and protocols.
• Perform hands-on lab work across multiple scales.
• Troubleshoot complex technical issues.
• Oversee data analysis and provide insights to teams and management.
• Mentor and train team members; drive cross-functional alignment.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Mentoring

Training

Leadership

Ethical standards

Education

MS with >10 years

PhD with 1+ years

Tools

Fermentation equipment

Bioreactor control systems

Job description

Elanco is a global leader in animal health seeking a Research Scientist (R1) in Vaccine Technical Development to lead fermentation and bioreactor projects. The role emphasizes upstream bioprocessing, project ownership, hands‑on lab work across scales, data interpretation, and cross‑functional collaboration within Process Development.

Candidates should hold an MS with >10 years or a PhD with 1+ year, possess strong verbal and written skills, mentoring ability, high ethical standards, and US work