R&D Veterinary Services Intern - Fort Dodge, IA (Summer 2027)

Elanco; Fort Dodge (IA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing support

Job summary

Elanco invites motivated students to join our R&D Veterinary Services team in Fort Dodge, IA for a summer internship. You will work with five veterinarians and two veterinary technicians to support animal health, welfare, and study execution on-site at the Fort Dodge R&D facility.

The internship runs May 17th–August 6th, 2027 and offers a competitive salary of $20–$40 per hour, with housing support and mentoring opportunities. Travel to Indianapolis, IN occurs up to 10% of the time.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills and ability to work with veterinarians, technicians, and cross‑functional teams.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision in a regulated research environment.

Responsibilities

• Support medical care, clinical studies, and animal welfare program.
• Work cross‑functionally with R&D, Manufacturing and Quality.
• Assist in colony maintenance and clinical case management.
• Present project results to R&D colleagues and interns community.

Skills

Communication

Time management

Organization

Independent work

Education

Science undergraduate program

DVM program enrollment

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: R&D Veterinary Services Intern

As a Veterinary Services Intern, you will be part of a team of 5 veterinarians and 2 veterinary technicians overseeing the health and welfare of our research animals at our Fort Dodge R&D site. You will support medical care, clinical studies, and the animal welfare program. You will work cross‑functionally with both Research and Development as well as Manufacturing and Quality. This role offers an exceptional opportunity to build a deep understanding of how animal medicines are developed, regulated, and maintained, and how high‑quality animal care underpins R&D and product success.

Your Responsibilities

• Work effectively in a highly regulated environment, following applicable policies, procedures, and animal welfare standards
• Learn how to develop, manage, and participate in a cohesive animal welfare program
• Work with cross‑functional teams to support animal health, welfare, and study execution
• Support veterinary staff in colony maintenance and clinical case management
• Present final project results in an oral presentation summarizing your project objectives, methods, results, and key learnings to R&D colleagues and the intern community.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications)

• Education: Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program with a concentration in science (biology, animal science, pre‑veterinary) OR currently enrolled in a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program (DVM)
• Academic Progress: Students must return to a degree‑seeking program for the fall semester following the completion of the internship.
• Technical Skills and Core Competencies: Strong communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with veterinarians, technicians, and cross‑functional teams. Strong organizational and time management skills. Enthusiasm to learn and grow in a regulated research environment, with an open and curious mindset. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining high standards of animal care and documentation.

What will give you a competitive advantage (preferred qualifications)

• Demonstrated interest in laboratory animal medicine and/or animal welfare
• Previous internship experience with a science, pharmaceutical, or animal health background.

Additional information

• Travel: 10% - to corporate facility in Indianapolis, IN for opening/closing
• Location: Fort Dodge R&D – Fort Dodge, IA (100% On‑Site)

Elanco’s Internship Program

Our internship program is designed to give students meaningful, hands‑on experience as they kickstart their careers. Internships are project‑based and focused on business‑critical needs, giving every intern the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Elanco’s success over the summer. At the heart of the experience is our belief that making life better for animals makes life better.

• Internship Dates: May 17th – August 6th, 2027
• Competitive Salary: $20-$40/hour (dependent upon major and year in school)
• Professional Development: Networking events, assigned mentors, and learning resources are provided.
• Housing: Financial support and help securing housing is available
• Future opportunities: High‑performing interns may be considered for full‑time roles or additional internships, based on business needs.

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 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 70 years 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.

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