Sr. Research Scientist - Vaccines Analytical Development at Elanco in Fort Dodge, Iowa

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. We’re driven by our vision of ‘Food and Companionship Enriching Life’ and our approach to sustainability – the Elanco Healthy Purpose™ – to advance the health of animals, people, the planet and our enterprise.

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!

Are you passionate about shaping the future of animal health through groundbreaking vaccine development? Join us at Elanco as a Senior Research Scientist and be at the forefront of innovation! In this role, you'll lead the development, qualification/validation, and implementation of cutting-edge analytical, bioanalytical, and characterization methods for our Food and Companion Animal Vaccine products. Your expertise will drive change and set new standards, putting Elanco at the forefront of the industry. You'll cultivate a culture of intellectual curiosity, implementing best practices of Quality by Design (QbD) to ensure the successful release of vaccines. Join us in revolutionizing animal health and be part of a team that's dedicated to making a lasting impact!

Functions, Duties, Tasks:

• Lead development for the vaccines analytical control strategy. Benchmark against the industrystandards and partner with Regulatory and Quality to align and define the registration strategy.


• Establish the analytical capability that creates a strategic advantage against industry peers.


• Partner with Global Vaccine Strategy (R&D, QC, Regulatory and Manufacturing)


• Transfer of methods to Quality Control, or third-party personnel.


• Development and verification/qualification/validation of analytical methods to support in- process, release, characterization analysis, and stability testing of antigen ingredient and final vaccine.


• Write, review, and/or approve high quality technical reports, SOPs, analytical methods, global regulatory submissions, and responses to questions.


• Ensure work and team activities are aligned with all relevant development quality, regulatory, HSE, GLP, and GMP requirements.

Minimum Qualification (education, experience and/or training, required certifications):

• Ph.D. in analytical, biophysical, biochemistry, molecular/cell biology, or related field; alternatively, skills commensurate with a PhD scientist. Minimum 3-8 years’ experience in relevant/applicable field.


• Experience with knowledge of one or more of the following, as appropriate: separation sciences, immunochemistry, biophysical/biochemical characterization, molecular biology, and bioanalytical sciences.


• Problem solving skills including strategic thinking and decision-making.


• Effective oral and written communication skills.


• Must be able to work productively in an interdisciplinary team environment.


• Ability to work successfully in international or multi-cultural settings.


• Ability to handle multiple priorities and deal with ambiguity.

Additional Preferences:

• Experience with assay development in the Animal Health industry is highly desired.


• Experience with the vaccine development process, including knowledge of regulatory compliance issues.


• Fundamental knowledge of cGMP/GLP/USDA compliance requirements.


• Experience with partnering and leading teams remotely.

Other Information: 

• Position will require up to 25% travel.  

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