Senior Target Discovery Lead — AI-Driven Drug Research

Socket.dev; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation packages

Shutdowns in US

8-week parental leave

Employee Resource Groups

Annual bonus

Flexible work arrangements

401K matching

Job summary

Elanco is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to lead target identification and validation across animal diseases, guiding cross-functional teams through early drug discovery. The role leverages in vitro techniques, AI/ML-driven platforms, and NAMs to accelerate Hit-to-Lead for small molecules and biologics.

Responsibilities include HTS-driven discovery, modeling translational biology with CRISPR-edited cells and organoids, and collaboration with CROs to push programs forward in a hybrid

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Cell/Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, or related field with postdoc training.
• Experience in industry research and early biotech/drug discovery incl. CRO management and digital discovery.
• Expertise in NAMs (organoids, iPSCs) and AI/ML for target validation and phenotypic profiling.

Responsibilities

• Lead target identification and discovery using in vitro/in vivo data, literature, bioinformatics, and AI/ML.
• Design and deploy high-throughput, multi-modal screening strategies across assays.
• Guide cross-functional teams through early discovery from concept to target validation.
• Develop biomarker strategies and translational in vitro models, including CRISPR-edited cells and organoids.

Skills

Target identification

NAMs expertise

AI/ML validation

Education

Ph.D. in Cell/Molecular Biology or related

Tools

CRISPR screening

DNA-encoded library (DEL)

Job description

Elanco is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to lead target identification and validation across animal diseases, guiding cross-functional teams through early drug discovery. The role leverages in vitro techniques, AI/ML-driven platforms, and NAMs to accelerate Hit-to-Lead for small molecules and biologics.

Responsibilities include HTS-driven discovery, modeling translational biology with CRISPR-edited cells and organoids, and collaboration with CROs to push programs forward in a hybrid