Senior Research Scientist

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

Job summary

Elanco is seeking a Senior Research Scientist in Indianapolis to lead target identification and validation across animal diseases. You will guide cross-functional teams through early-stage drug discovery, leveraging advanced in vitro techniques, AI/ML-driven platforms, and NAMs to accelerate Hit-to-Lead for both small molecules and biologics.

The role requires a Ph.D. in a relevant field with industry/biotech experience and a proven track record in HTS and target validation.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field with postdoc/industry experience.
• Experience in early-stage biotech/drug discovery and CRO management.
• Expertise in target identification/validation and high-throughput screening.

Responsibilities

• Lead target identification and validation across multiple animal diseases.
• Guide cross-functional teams through early-stage drug discovery.
• Leverage AI/ML and NAMs to accelerate hit-to-lead with small molecules and biologics.

Skills

Target identification

NAMs (new approach methodologies)

AI/ML platforms

Education

Ph.D. in Cell/Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry or related field

Tools

HTS platforms

CRISPR/Cas9 screening

AI/ML platforms

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. 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 % Location: Global Elanco Headquarters - Indianapolis, IN - Hybrid Environment