Upstream Bioprocess Development Scientist

elanco; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation packages

Shutdowns (two weeklong)

Parental leave (8 weeks)

Employee Resource Groups

Annual bonus offering

Flexible work arrangements

401K matching

Job summary

Elanco, a global leader in animal health, seeks an Upstream Bioprocess Development Scientist to advance upstream platforms for the Biotherapeutic portfolio. You will develop robust processes from small scales to bioreactors while collaborating with Downstream, Formulations, and Analytical teams to drive innovation and scientific excellence.

Travel is around 10% with a hybrid work environment at the Global Elanco Headquarters in Indianapolis, IN.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, microbiology, or related field.
• 5+ years hands-on experience with mammalian cell lines or similar.
• Strong lab skills in cell culture and bioreactor operation; foundational knowledge of bioprocess and DOE principles.

Responsibilities

• Conceive, plan, schedule, and execute lab experiments from shake flasks to bioreactors to develop robust processes for the Large Molecule portfolio.
• Apply QbD and DOE to evaluate multi-factor interactions, optimize quality and yield, and support regulatory initiatives.
• Maintain lab infrastructure, ensure clean, safe working environment, and manage instrument maintenance and safety protocols.
• Analyze complex datasets to inform future experiments and communicate findings to peers and senior leadership.
• Author technical reports, SOPs, and sections for regulatory submissions; lead troubleshooting and on-site technical support at manufacturing facilities.

Skills

Cell culture

Bioreactor operation

DOE principles

QbD

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Biology or related

Tools

Laboratory equipment

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:

Upstream Bioprocess Development Scientist, you will be part of the Bioprocess Development team to deliver robust upstream platforms for Elanco's Biotherapeutic portfolio. In this role, you will be responsible for advancing upstream process development from flask models through bioreactor scales while partnering closely with Downstream, Formulations, and Analytical scientists to drive a culture of innovation and scientific excellence.

Your Responsibilities:

• Conceive, plan, schedule, and execute laboratory experiments across multiple models and scales (ranging from shake flasks to bioreactors) to develop highly robust, consistent processes for the Large Molecule portfolio.
• Apply Quality by Design (QbD) principles and Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies to evaluate multi-factor interactions, optimize product quality and yield, and support regulatory/quality initiatives.
• Maintain laboratory infrastructure and an organized, clean, and safe working environment; schedule and perform instrument/equipment maintenance, evaluate new laboratory equipment, and ensure strict adherence to biohazard and hazardous chemical safety protocols.
• Ensure complete technical data integrity, analyze and interpret complex datasets to inform subsequent experimental design, and communicate findings to peers, cross-functional teams, and senior leadership.
• Author technical reports, SOPs/working procedures, external publications, and sections for regulatory registration submissions, while leading process troubleshooting, knowledge transfer, and providing on-site person-in-plant technical coverage at manufacturing facilities.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or related scientific discipline (or equivalent level of experience).
• Experience: Minimum of five years of hands‑on experience working with mammalian cell lines or similar.
• Top Skills: Strong laboratory skills in cell culture / bioreactor operation and foundational knowledge of bioprocess / Design of Experiments (DOE) principles.

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

• Experience with upstream cell culture scale-up and technology transfer to pilot or manufacturing facilities.
• Experience working in regulated (e.g., cGMP, FDA, USDA, EMA) and BSL-1 / BSL-2 laboratory environments.
• Broad exposure to or understanding of adjacent technical platforms (e.g., fermentation, analytical method development, purification, or formulation development).
• Demonstrated strategic problem‑solving capabilities, adaptability, and strong collaborative communication skills.
• Prior experience within the Animal Health or Biopharmaceutical industry.

Additional Information:

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

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

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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.

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