Senior Research Scientist - Medicinal Chemist

Elanco Tiergesundheit AG; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation packages

Two weeklong US shutdowns

8 weeks parental leave

9 Employee Resource Groups

Annual bonus

Flexible work arrangements

Up to 6% 401K matching

Job summary

Elanco invites a Senior Research Scientist - Medicinal Chemist to lead design of novel small molecules, drive SAR studies, and integrate biological, pharmacological, and ADME/PK data for iterative design.

You will coordinate synthesis with CROs and internal partners, apply DEL and AI/ML tools to accelerate hit to lead, and collaborate across Biology, Pharmacology, DMPK, Toxicology, and Computational Sciences to advance discovery programs.

Qualifications

• PhD in Medicinal Chemistry or related field required.
• Minimum 3 years of industry medicinal chemistry experience.
• Strong collaboration with cross-functional teams and external CROs.

Responsibilities

• Design novel small molecules and SAR integrating biology, pharmacology, and ADME/PK data.
• Coordinate synthesis, purification, and characterization with CROs and internal partners.
• Apply DEL and AI/ML tools to accelerate hit identification and lead optimization.
• Collaborate across Biology, Pharmacology, DMPK, Toxicology, and Computational Sciences to advance discovery programs.
• Maintain high standards of experimental design, data integrity, and documentation.

Skills

Multi-step synthesis

Medicinal chemistry

Pharmacology & PK

Cross-functional collaboration

CRO partnerships

Education

PhD in Medicinal Chemistry

Tools

DEL tech

AI/ML tools

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!

Senior Research Scientist - Medicinal Chemist

Your Responsibilities

• Guide the design of novel small molecules and propel Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) studies by integrating biological, pharmacological, and ADME/PK data into iterative design strategies.
• Manage and coordinate the synthesis, purification, and characterization of compounds with external Contract Research Organizations (CROs) and internal partners to ensure timely project delivery.
• Apply advanced drug discovery technologies, including DNA-Encoded Libraries (DEL) and AI/ML-enabled molecular design tools, to accelerate hit identification and lead optimization.
• Collaborate as a key member of multidisciplinary project teams, partnering with scientists in Biology, Pharmacology, DMPK, Toxicology, and Computational Sciences to advance discovery programs.
• Maintain high standards of experimental design, data integrity, and scientific documentation to support data-driven judgments across the discovery portfolio.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications)

• Education: PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Experience: A minimum of 3 years of industry experience in medicinal chemistry within a pharmaceutical, animal health, or crop science research environment.
• Top Skills: Demonstrated expertise in complex multi-step organic synthesis and modern medicinal chemistry, with a strong understanding of pharmacology and pharmacokinetics. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and manage external CRO partnerships to advance discovery projects.

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications)

• Postdoctoral experience.
• Experience with, or a strong interest in learning, advanced discovery technologies such as DNA-Encoded Libraries (DEL) and AI/ML applications.
• A track record of contributing to small-molecule programs that have advanced into preclinical development.
• Prior experience in the animal health industry.
• Expertise in peptide chemistry and optimization.

Additional Information

Travel: Less than 10% Location: Global Elanco Headquarters - Indianapolis, IN - Hybrid Work Environment

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
• 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 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.