Senior Research Scientist

Elanco in; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation packages

Shutdowns

Parental leave

Employee Resource Groups

Annual bonus

401K matching

Job summary

Elanco is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to lead novel target identification and validation across animal diseases, guiding cross-functional teams through early drug discovery using in vitro techniques and AI/ML-enabled platforms. The role emphasizes rapid Hit-to-Lead progression for small molecules and biologics.

Key responsibilities include designing high-throughput screening, integrating translational models and NAMs, and managing external partnerships to accelerate discovery while

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant field with postdoctoral training.
• Professional experience in industry research and early-stage biotech/drug discovery.
• Experience leading cross-functional discovery projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead target identification and validation using in vitro/in vivo methods, literature reviews, and AI/ML.
• Design and deploy high-throughput, multi-modal screening strategies to identify starting points.
• Guide cross-functional teams from concept to target validation in collaboration with multiple science groups.
• Develop translational biomarker strategies and NAM-based disease models to accelerate discovery.

Skills

Target identification

Target validation

NAMs

AI/ML

Education

Ph.D. in Cell/Molecular Biology

Tools

CRISPR/Cas9

Organoids

DEL

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: Senior Research Scientist - Target Intelligence and Early Project Lead

As a Senior Scientist in the Mechanistic Biology team, you will lead novel target identification and validation across multiple animal diseases to build the drug discovery pipeline. This is a non-lab role focused on guiding cross-functional teams through early-stage drug discovery by leveraging advanced in vitro techniques, integrated AI/ML-driven platforms, and functional genomics. You will be responsible for accelerating the discovery cycle through high-throughput screening (HTS) approaches to rapidly move from Hit-to-Lead for both small molecules and biologics.

Your Responsibilities:

Target Identification & Discovery Innovation:

Lead the identification and prioritization of novel targets using in vitro/in vivo experiments, literature reviews, bioinformatics, functional genomics, and AI/ML. Implement iterative “design-test-learn” and active learning cycles to optimize lead compounds and accelerate the discovery cycle.

Screening & Digital Discovery:

Design and deploy high-throughput and multi-modal screening strategies—including biochemical, biophysical, and cellular approaches to identify novel chemical and biological starting points. Leverage AI-augmented data analysis, digital phenotyping, and digital discovery platforms to accelerate candidate identification and minimize experimental costs.

Cross-Functional Discovery Leadership:

Guide cross-functional teams through early drug discovery from initial concept through target validation, partnering closely with Computational Sciences, Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Computational Biology, Technical Development, and Preclinical Development. Collaborate with Computational Sciences to develop machine learning models for hit expansion and property prediction.

Target De-risking, Biomarkers & Translational Models:

Develop strategies to de-risk targets and enhance commercial viability by integrating Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) considerations and assessing on-target/off-target safety risks. Develop and integrate biological, AI-enabled, and imaging biomarker strategies and translational in vitro disease models, including CRISPR/Cas9-edited primary cell lines and organoids, to accelerate discovery.

External Partnerships & Scientific Advancement:

Manage external CRO partnerships and biotech collaborations, providing scientific expertise to support discovery campaigns including DNA-encoded library (DEL), phage display, and yeast display. Foster strategic research collaborations and stay at the forefront of study design, model development, and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to maintain a competitive edge in animal health research.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):

Education:

Ph.D. in Cell/Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, or a related field with several years of postdoctoral training.

Experience:

Professional experience in industry research and early-stage biotech/drug discovery, including CRO management and experience with integrated digital discovery and HTS platforms.

Top 2 skills:Expert in target identification and validation:

Including biological assay development for small/large molecules and expertise in high-throughput approaches to validate and identify targets (e.g., DEL, virtual screening). Expertise in New Approach Methodologies (NAMs): Such as organoids/iPSCs and CRISPR/Cas9 screening, with high proficiency in using AI/ML and deep learning for target validation and phenotypic profiling.

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

3 years of experience in a pharmaceutical company, preferably in animal health.

Demonstrated success identifying novel targets and a proven publication record.

Experience with generative AI (e.g., ProteinMPNN) for de novo protein design and affinity maturation.

Demonstrated ability to lead projects in a fast-paced, agile environment; ability to collaborate and influence cross-functionally

Working knowledge of applicable statistical principles and data analysis techniques.

Experience with compound library screening and biomolecular training (RNA-seq, omics, flow cytometry).

Additional Information:

Travel:

up to 25 %

Don't meet every single requirement?Studies have shown underrepresented 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

Up to 6% 401K matching

#LI-RH1

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