Senior Research Scientist – Farm Animal Clinical Development, Vaccines and Infectious Diseases

Elanco; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation packages

Two weeklong shutdowns (US)

8-week parental leave

9 Employee Resource Groups

Annual bonus offering

Flexible work arrangements

Up to 6% 401K matching

Job summary

Elanco is seeking a veterinary clinical study expert to design and oversee host animal safety and efficacy studies, ensuring compliance with GxP standards. You will partner with CDS, biostatistics, regulatory affairs, and QA to deliver robust data for global submissions.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years in vaccine/biologics development, strong project management, and experience interfacing with regulatory agencies. Hybrid work in Indianapolis is offered.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Veterinary/Animal Science or related field; DVM welcomed.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in veterinary clinical study design, animal health research, or vaccine/biologics product development.
• Proficiency in designing host animal safety/efficacy protocols under GxP/VICH-GCP guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Design, author, and execute robust host animal safety and efficacy study protocols and comprehensive clinical development plans in compliance with USDA, GLP, vGCP, and VICH standards.
• Collaborate with CDS to evaluate, select, and monitor external facilities, investigators, and CROs.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to analyze, interpret, and report clinical trial data for global regulatory submissions.
• Serve as a clinical and technical SME during regulatory interactions and conferences.

Skills

GxP/GCP knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Study design

Education

Master's in Animal Science

DVM or PhD welcomed

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 Responsibilities:

• Design, author, and execute robust host animal safety and efficacy study protocols and comprehensive clinical development plans in compliance with USDA, GLP, vGCP, and VICH standards.
• Partner with Clinical Development Sciences (CDS) to evaluate, select, and monitor qualified external research facilities, investigators, and contract research organizations (CROs).
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Biostatistics, Regulatory Affairs, Medical Writing, and Quality Assurance to analyze, interpret, and report clinical trial data for global regulatory submissions.
• Serve as a clinical and technical subject matter expert during regulatory agency interactions and scientific conferences, effectively communicating study data and strategy.
• Drive continuous improvement and technical excellence by updating functional procedures, mentoring less experienced colleagues, and staying current with advances in veterinary vaccines and infectious diseases.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):

• Education: Master’s Degree in Animal Science, Veterinary Sciences, Microbiology, Immunology, or related scientific discipline (or Bachelor's Degree with equivalent level of relevant industry experience); DVM or Ph.D. warmly welcomed.
• Required Experience: A minimum of 3 years of experience in veterinary clinical study design, animal health research, or vaccine/biologics product development.
• Key Skills: Proven proficiency in designing host animal safety/efficacy protocols under GxP/VICH-GCP guidelines, combined with strong project organization and cross-functional communication abilities.

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

• DVM and/or Ph.D. in Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science, Immunology, Virology, or Infectious Diseases.
• 5+ years of direct experience leading farm animal vaccine or therapeutic clinical development programs.
• Demonstrated experience interacting with regulatory agencies (e.g., USDA-CVB, FDA-CVM, EMA) and authoring regulatory dossier sections.
• Hands‑on expertise evaluating, selecting, and overseeing external contract research organizations (CROs) and university research facilities.
• Strong strategic mindset with demonstrated ability to translate complex scientific data into regulatory and commercial solutions.

Additional Information:

• Travel: 10–20% (Domestic and occasional International travel)
• Location: Global Elanco Headquarters - Indianapolis, IN - Hybrid Work Environment

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.

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% 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 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.

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE: ELAN) is a global leader in animal health dedicated to innovating and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets, creating value for farmers, pet owners, veterinarians, stakeholders, and society as a whole. With nearly 70 years of animal health heritage, we are committed to helping our customers improve the health of animals in their care, while also making a meaningful impact on our local and global communities. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching life and our Elanco Healthy Purpose™ CSR framework – all to advance the health of animals, people and the planet. Learn more at www.elanco.com.