Senior Research Scientist – Target Discovery & Project Leadership

Elanco Tiergesundheit AG; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation packages

Two weeklong shutdowns (US)

8-week parental leave

Employee Resource Groups

Annual bonus offering

Flexible work arrangements

401K matching

Job summary

Elanco is seeking a Senior Research Scientist – Target Discovery & Project Leadership to spearhead early-stage target identification and validation within the Discovery Parasiticides team. You will lead cross-functional programs and coordinate international collaborations to build a robust pipeline for Pet Health and Farm Animals.

Location: Indianapolis, IN with hybrid work. Requires a PhD and 4+ years of industrial R&D leadership experience; AI/ML experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant scientific field.
• Minimum 4 years of industrial R&D experience in a project leadership role.
• Proven track record in target identification and validation in Animal Health or Pharma.

Responsibilities

• Lead research activities to identify and validate novel targets using multi-omics and functional models.
• Drive discovery programs from concept to candidate selection with rigorous science and timelines.
• Lead cross-functional, international teams to transition candidates into development pipeline.
• Oversee generation and interpretation of in vitro/in vivo datasets to guide decisions.
• Manage strategic collaborations with academia and CROs via External Innovation Team.

Skills

Target identification

Target validation

Cross-functional leadership

R&D leadership

Education

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

Tools

In silico modelling

Multi-omics analysis

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 Discovery & Project Leadership.

As a Senior Research Scientist – Target Discovery & Project Leadership on our Discovery Parasiticides team, you will architect the future of animal health by playing a pivotal role in the early research phase. You will spearhead the identification of next-generation molecular hits against endo- and ectoparasites. In this role, you will lead the discovery and interpretation of critical in vitro and in vivo data, championing the selection process for New Molecular Entities (NME) and ensuring a robust pipeline for both Pet Health and Farm Animals.

Your 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.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):

• Education: PhD in Biology, Veterinary Medicine, Parasitology, or a related scientific field.
• Experience: A minimum of 4 years of industrial R&D experience in a project leadership capacity.
• Skills: Proven track record in target identification and validation within Animal Health or Pharma; demonstrated success leading complex cross-functional teams without direct authority.

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

• Solid understanding of AI/ML and in silico modelling to accelerate discovery.
• Deep knowledge of parasite biology and modern screening methodologies.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and translate complex data for diverse stakeholders.
• High resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

Additional Information:

Location & Work Model: Indianapolis, IN (Global HQ) with a Hybrid work model. Travel: Up to 15% annually.

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 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 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.