Research Scientist - Protein Sciences

Elanco in; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation packages

Two weeklong shutdowns

Parental leave (8 weeks)

Employee Resource Groups

Annual bonus

401K matching

Job summary

Elanco is seeking a Research Scientist for the Antibody Discovery team in Indianapolis. You will lead protein production for parasitology, small and large molecules, tackling complex expression challenges and applying structural biology methods to deliver high-quality structures for project teams.

Responsibilities include designing expression/purification strategies, optimizing AKTA protocols, and collaborating with CROs. A Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, or related field.
• Hands-on recombinant protein expression, purification and structural biology; 0–2 years of industry experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in protein expression/purification techniques and independent experimental design.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute protein expression and purification strategies for structural biology studies (bacterial, insect, mammalian).
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot automated chromatography and purification methods (AKTA; NiNTA, GST, IEX, SEC).
• Use genetic construct design strategies (tag selection, truncation screening, codon optimization).
• Perform cryo-EM sample prep and optimize; deliver high-quality structures to project teams.
• Carry out crystallization screening and data processing to deliver structural models.
• Serve as technical liaison with CROs to ensure quality and timelines; maintain ELN documentation.

Skills

Protein expression

Purification techniques

Structural biology

Independent experimental design

Education

Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biophysics or related field

Tools

AKTA chromatography

Crystallography software

Cryo-EM prep

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!

As a Research Scientist on our Antibody Discovery team, you will play a critical role in advancing Elanco's pipeline by producing high-quality proteins essential for groundbreaking structural biology studies. In this lab-based role, you will lead protein production for parasitology, small molecule, and large molecule projects, tackling complex expression challenges and employing structural biology methods to delivery high quality structures to advance projects . This is an exciting opportunity to directly contribute to the discovery of novel animal health solutions.

Your Responsibilities:

Design and execute protein expression and purification strategies (bacterial, insect, mammalian) for structural biology studies.

Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot protocols for automated chromatography (AKTA) and various purification techniques, including Affinity (NiNTA, GST), Ion Exchange (IEX), and Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC).

Employ genetic construct design strategies (e.g., tag selection, truncation screening, codon optimization)

Perform cryogenic electron microscopy sample preparation and optimization . Process data and deliver high-quality structural models to support project teams

Perform crystallization screening and crystal optimization. Process diffraction data using crystallography data processing software and deliver high quality structures to project teams.

Serve as the technical point of contact for outsourced protein production projects with external Contract Research Organizations (CROs), ensuring quality and timeline standards are met.

Maintain rigorous and timely documentation of all experimental procedures and results within the Electronic Laboratory Notebook (ELN) system.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):

Education: Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, or a related scientific field.

Experience: hands-on experience in recombinant protein expressio n, purification and structural biology with 0 -2 years of industry experience

Top Skills: Demonstrated expertise in common protein expression/purification techniques and a strong aptitude for independent experimental design and troubleshooting.

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

Direct experience with challenging targets such as membrane proteins (e.g., GPCRs, ion channels).

Working knowledge of protein refolding methods from inclusion bodies.

Additional Information:

Work Model: Hybrid - This position is based in Indianapolis and requires a blend of on-site and remote work.

Travel: Less than 10%

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
• Up to 6% 401K matching

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.