Senior Research Scientist - Translational Pharmacology

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Travel up to 30%

Job summary

Elanco, headquartered in Indianapolis, IN, is seeking a (Senior) Research Scientist in the Non-Clinical Development team to advance translational pharmacology. The role focuses on guiding early drug development by bridging in vitro findings with clinical efficacy and leading cross-functional translational efforts.

You will design translational studies, oversee CROs, and develop PK/PD biomarker strategies to support therapeutic dosing, while collaborating with Safety and DMPK teams and project

Qualifications

• DVM or PhD required with relevant postdoctoral training or residency in pharma/biotech.
• Experience in early drug development and translational pharmacology.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage CROs.

Responsibilities

• Design and coordinate translational pharmacology studies for profiling compounds.
• Analyze drug mechanisms, target biology, and disease pathophysiology to reduce development risk.
• Provide technical oversight for in vivo studies and CRO partnerships.
• Define and implement PK/PD biomarker strategies to support dosing decisions.
• Lead translational analyses and communicate findings to stakeholders.

Skills

In Vivo pharmacology

Biomarker strategies

Translational pharmacology

CRO collaboration

Scientific leadership

English communication

Education

DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine)

PhD in Veterinary Medicine or related field

Tools

PK/PD analysis

In Vivo assays

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!

In this non-laboratory-based (Senior) Research Scientist role in the Non-Clinical Development team, you will drive critical pharmacological strategies in early drug development to profile new chemical and biological entities and advanced therapies. Your focus will be on mitigating clinical development risks by bridging the gap between in vitro screening and clinical efficacy. Working as the translational representative within cross-functional teams, you will apply a deep understanding of target pharmacology and therapeutic options to advance our pipeline assets and translate findings into clinical development scenarios.

Study Design & Data Synthesis

• Design and coordinate translational pharmacological studies for profiling compounds.
• Analyze drug mechanisms of action, target biology, and disease pathophysiology to generate actionable insights that reduce clinical development risk.

Scientific Oversight of CROs

• Manage the integration of translational R&D by coordinating early in vivo profiling programs across involved disciplines.
• Provide technical oversight for experimental in vivo studies, ensuring the selection of suitable animal disease models for screening and dose prediction.

Biomarker & PK/PD Execution

• Define and implement in vitro and in vivo biomarker strategies for target engagement, pharmacodynamics, and safety.
• Partner with Safety and DMPK experts to initiate PK/PD approaches that provide robust scientific justification for therapeutic dosing.

Translational Analysis

• Execute reverse translational processes by performing meta-analyses of clinical data across species.
• Identify reasons for study failure, evaluate consequences for further development, and uncover new indications for existing portfolio compounds.

Matrix Representation & Scientific Leadership

• Serve as the translational pharmacology subject matter expert (SME) within a complex matrix organization.
• Collaborate with external academic and industry partners to assess in-licensed products.
• Provide clear scientific guidance to Marketing, Business Development, and project teams throughout the innovation process until launch.
• Maintain expertise in the latest professional publications and developments in the animal health industry by attending international scientific meetings.

Basic Qualifications

• Education: DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) or PhD in Veterinary Medicine, Medicine, Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Experience: 1-3 years of early-career professional experience (including relevant postdoctoral training or residency) in pharmaceutical industry research and/or development.
• Technical Skillset: Demonstrated expertise in In Vivo pharmacology study design and the strategic identification of biomarkers for clinical translatability.

Additional Skills & Preferences

• Veterinary Focus: Background in veterinary internal medicine, dermatology, oncology, pain, metabolic disease, or immunology is highly preferred.
• Operational Excellence: Experience collaborating with external partners such as CROs, KOLs, and consultants.
• Soft Skills: Strong intercultural and interpersonal skills with a mindset geared toward working in constantly changing, interdisciplinary scientific teams.
• Communication: Fluent in English; ability to influence Marketing and Business Development stakeholders effectively.
• Local Connection: Candidates with connections to local research hubs (e.g., Purdue or IU) are encouraged to apply.

Additional Information

• Location: Global Elanco Headquarters - Indianapolis, IN (Hybrid Environment).
• Travel: Up to 30% global travel required (including potential site visits to Germany, China, Europe, and Australia).

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. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!

Elanco Benefits and Perks:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing