Senior Research Scientist: Target Discovery & Leadership

elanco; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation packages

Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and

Year-end shutdowns in the US

8-week parental leave

9 Employee Resource Groups

Annual bonus offering

Flexible work arrangements

Up to 6% 401K matching

Job summary

Elanco, a global leader in animal health, is seeking a Research Scientist / Project Leader in Indianapolis, IN. You will lead discovery programs, validate novel targets using multi-omics, and guide international teams through development pipelines.

The role requires a PhD and at least 4 years of industrial R&D project leadership, with a track record in target validation in Animal Health or Pharma. Hybrid work arrangements are possible with strong collaboration across sites.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biology, Veterinary Medicine, Parasitology, or related field.
• At least 4 years of industrial R&D project leadership experience.
• Proven track record in target identification and validation within Animal Health or Pharma.

Responsibilities

• Lead research activities to identify and validate novel targets using multi-omics (transcriptomics, proteomics) and functional models for small/large molecules and vaccines.
• Drive discovery programs from concept to candidate selection, ensuring scientific rigor and meeting timeline milestones for next-generation parasiticides.
• Lead multi-functional, international teams to influence selection and transition candidates seamlessly into the development pipeline.
• Oversee the generation and interpretation of complex biological datasets (in vitro/in vivo) to guide high-stakes decision-making.
• Manage a strategic network with academic institutions and contract research organizations in close collaboration with the External Innovation Team to achieve research goals.

Skills

Target identification

Validation

Cross-functional leadership

Influence without authority

Education

PhD in Biology, Veterinary Medicine, Parasitology, or related field

Tools

AI/ML understanding

In silico modelling

Job description

Elanco, a global leader in animal health, is seeking a Research Scientist / Project Leader in Indianapolis, IN. You will lead discovery programs, validate novel targets using multi-omics, and guide international teams through development pipelines.

The role requires a PhD and at least 4 years of industrial R&D project leadership, with a track record in target validation in Animal Health or Pharma. Hybrid work arrangements are possible with strong collaboration across sites.