Senior Associate-Product Development

Elanco; Fort Dodge (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; 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

Up to 6% 401(k) matching

Job summary

Elanco Fort Dodge is seeking an Associate Scientist in Product Development to design and execute studies applying ELISA, CFU, viral titration, and mammalian cell culture for vaccine process development. You will work with multi-functional teams to support development, validation, and licensure of vaccine products.

Responsibilities include independent execution of protocols, data interpretation with guidance from a lead scientist, training of others, and maintaining a safe, compliant laboratory

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Bioprocessing) or equivalent combination of education and years of professional experience.
• Experience working in a laboratory environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; proficiency with micropipetting and the operation and maintenance of basic laboratory instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Apply scientific knowledge and skills to drive timely progress of Technical Development projects.
• Independently execute experimental methods and protocols involving bacterial counts, mammalian cell cultivation, virus titration assays, and quantitative/qualitative ELISAs. Generate methods for technical activities, under the guidance of a qualified scientist.
• Actively contribute to a safe, compliant, and productive work environment for all research associates.
• Train others under the guidance of a lead scientist and educate self and others on complex issues.
• Propose initial interpretations of data to the lead scientist for evaluation and suggest next steps within the method.
• Demonstrate flexibility and high learning agility to perform and adapt in a fast paced, rapidly changing environment.

Skills

Communication

Micropipetting

Lab instrumentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline

Tools

Basic lab equipment

Job description

Associate Scientist - Product Development

The Associate Scientist in Vaccine Technical Development will assist in the design and execution of studies involving enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), colony forming unit (CFU) assays, viral titration assays, and mammalian cell culture. The goal of this work is to develop, license, and transfer vaccine processes. This role provides an opportunity to learn and apply both technical and practical principles supporting the full innovation cycle, contributing to the successful development, validation, and licensure of vaccine products. The position relies heavily on communication and collaboration across multi‑functional project teams which include Process Development, Clinical Development, Quality Assurance, and Manufacturing. All work is focused on supporting Elanco’s biologics R&D portfolio for both U.S. and international markets.

Your Responsibilities

• Apply scientific knowledge and skills to drive timely progress of Technical Development projects.
• Independently execute experimental methods and protocols involving bacterial counts, mammalian cell cultivation, virus titration assays, and quantitative/qualitative ELISAs. Generate methods for technical activities, under the guidance of a qualified scientist.
• Actively contribute to a safe, compliant, and productive work environment for all research associates.
• Train others under the guidance of a lead scientist and educate self and others on complex issues.
• Propose initial interpretations of data to the lead scientist for evaluation and suggest next steps within the method.
• Demonstrate flexibility and high learning agility to perform and adapt in a fast paced, rapidly changing environment.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications)

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Bioprocessing) or equivalent combination of education and years of professional experience.
• Experience: Experience working in a laboratory environment.
• Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills; proficiency with micropipetting and the operation and maintenance of basic laboratory instrumentation.
• Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to be employed in the United States. Elanco does not anticipate providing sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H‑1B, or TN status) for this employment position.

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications)

• Experience with protein concentration and purification techniques and related equipment.
• Experience working with biohazardous organisms.
• Previous experience in developing animal health products.
• Familiarity with USDA regulatory requirements for animal health product development.

Additional Information

• Travel: 10%
• Location: Fort Dodge, IA – On‑site Work Environment – Relocation packages available!

Elanco Benefits and Perks

• 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% 401(k) 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.