Research Scientist - Analytical Development

Elanco; Fort Dodge (IA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

relocation packages

two weeklong shutdowns

8-week parental leave

Employee Resource Groups

annual bonus offering

flexible work arrangements

401K matching

Job summary

Elanco Fort Dodge, IA is seeking a Research Scientist (R1) to lead large vaccine development projects within the PD/AD group. The role involves hands-on work, cross-functional collaboration, and driving innovative methods from development through licensure.

The candidate will contribute to strategy, plan experiments, and ensure milestones while maintaining quality and cost controls across multiple programs. U.S. travel is possible; on-site at Fort Dodge.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline with 1+ year industry/post-doc experience OR M.S. with 5+ years in vaccine analytical development.
• Hands-on expertise in analytical method development (e.g., potency assays, ELISA, viral titration) and leading cross-functional projects.
• Strong verbal and written communication with ability to influence technical outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple large-scale projects, develop technical plans, coordinate cross-functional alignment, and drive milestones.
• Design and implement experiments, SOPs, and protocols for process and assay development; perform hands-on lab work.
• Represent Technical Development on project teams; secure resources and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Analyze complex data and provide actionable insights to teams and leadership.
• Maintain accountability for project deliverables and leverage internal resources to execute with minimal oversight.
• Preferred qualifications include experience with USDA regulatory framework for animal biologics and mentoring junior staff.

Skills

Analytical method development

Cross-functional leadership

Communication & influence

Education

Ph.D. in Virology/Immunology/Molecular Biology/Bacteriology

M.S. in a vaccine-related field

Tools

ELISA

Potency assays

Viral titration

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:

Research Scientist

The Research Scientist (R1 level) in Vaccine Technical Development plays a critical role in effectively and efficiently leading and advancing research and development projects. This position leverages deep technical expertise to ensure projects progress on schedule and within budget, while maintaining high standards of quality, innovation, and collaboration.

This role operates within the Process Development/Assay Development (PD/AD) functional group and operates cross-functionally across the Elanco network. The Research Scientist leads multiple large-scale projects, contributes to strategic planning, and drives continuous improvement in technical methodologies. This role also supports the full innovation cycle, contributing to the successful development, validation, and licensure of vaccine products.

Your Responsibilities:

• Lead projects by developing technical plans, coordinating cross-functional alignment, and ensuring milestone achievement. Drive innovation by generating new ideas, accelerating timelines, and improving technical approaches.
• Design and implement experiments, methods, protocols, and SOPs to support process and assay development improvements. Perform hands‑on laboratory work, including development, optimization, and troubleshooting of new methods and techniques.
• Represent Technical Development on project teams, defining goals, making decisions, and securing necessary resources. Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to meet project and customer requirements.
• Analyze and interpret complex data, providing clear, actionable insights to project teams and leadership.
• Maintain accountability for project deliverables and team commitments, demonstrating Elanco’s values and expected behaviors. Identify and leverage internal resources to execute projects effectively with minimal reliance on management oversight.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):

• Education & Experience: Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Virology, Immunology, Bacteriology, Molecular Biology) with at least 1 year of industry or post-doctoral experience; OR a Master of Science (M.S.) degree with 5+ years of experience in vaccine analytical development.
• Technical & Leadership Skills: Proven hands‑on expertise in analytical method development (e.g., potency assays, ELISA, viral titration) combined with demonstrated experience leading technical projects in a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment.
• Communication & Influence: Strong verbal and written communication skills with a demonstrated ability to influence technical and business outcomes.

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):

• Direct experience with the USDA regulatory framework for animal biologics.
• A strong background in developing and validating potency assays for licensed vaccines.
• Proven success in mentoring and training junior scientific staff.
• Experience managing the technical transfer of methods to QC or manufacturing teams.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and adapt to shifting priorities.

Additional Information:

• Travel: 0-15%
• Location: Fort Dodge, Iowa - On-Site Work Environment

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrecognized groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!

Elanco Benefits and Perks:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:

• 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

#LI-JC1

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 may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against job‑related criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.