Vaccine Analytical Development Scientist (Lead)

Elanco; Fort Dodge (IA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

relocation packages

two weeklong shutdowns

8-week parental leave

Employee Resource Groups

annual bonus offering

flexible work arrangements

401K matching

Job summary

Elanco Fort Dodge, IA is seeking a Research Scientist (R1) to lead large vaccine development projects within the PD/AD group. The role involves hands-on work, cross-functional collaboration, and driving innovative methods from development through licensure.

The candidate will contribute to strategy, plan experiments, and ensure milestones while maintaining quality and cost controls across multiple programs. U.S. travel is possible; on-site at Fort Dodge.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline with 1+ year industry/post-doc experience OR M.S. with 5+ years in vaccine analytical development.
• Hands-on expertise in analytical method development (e.g., potency assays, ELISA, viral titration) and leading cross-functional projects.
• Strong verbal and written communication with ability to influence technical outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple large-scale projects, develop technical plans, coordinate cross-functional alignment, and drive milestones.
• Design and implement experiments, SOPs, and protocols for process and assay development; perform hands-on lab work.
• Represent Technical Development on project teams; secure resources and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Analyze complex data and provide actionable insights to teams and leadership.
• Maintain accountability for project deliverables and leverage internal resources to execute with minimal oversight.
• Preferred qualifications include experience with USDA regulatory framework for animal biologics and mentoring junior staff.

Skills

Analytical method development

Cross-functional leadership

Communication & influence

Education

Ph.D. in Virology/Immunology/Molecular Biology/Bacteriology

M.S. in a vaccine-related field

Tools

ELISA

Potency assays

Viral titration

Job description

Elanco Fort Dodge, IA is seeking a Research Scientist (R1) to lead large vaccine development projects within the PD/AD group. The role involves hands-on work, cross-functional collaboration, and driving innovative methods from development through licensure.

The candidate will contribute to strategy, plan experiments, and ensure milestones while maintaining quality and cost controls across multiple programs. U.S. travel is possible; on-site at Fort Dodge.