Clinical Research Assistant- Clinical Operations

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN), we are a global leader in animal health, dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services that prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. Our vision, Food and Companionship Enriching Life, and our purpose—Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People—drive us to create a diverse and inclusive work environment where innovation and creativity thrive.

About the role

As a Clinical Research Assistant at our Fort Dodge site, you will be a key technical member of the clinical execution team. In this hands-on role, you will provide operational support and technical execution of clinical studies for companion animals. You will serve as a crucial technical bridge between the Study Manager and the clinical team, ensuring complex experimental procedures are performed with scientific rigor and in compliance with all regulations.

Responsibilities

• Execute key clinical study procedures including precise sample collection (blood draws, swabs), vaccinations, and detailed clinical observations for companion animals, adhering to GXP regulations.
• Ensure study integrity and animal welfare by managing blinded study portions, providing technical coverage for critical 'In-Life' events, and using proper animal handling, socialization, and habituation techniques.
• Provide technical support for study operations by reviewing protocols for feasibility, collaborating with Study Managers, and troubleshooting in-life technical events to ensure scientific rigor.
• Maintain high-quality data by accurately executing sample collection, administering test articles, and reviewing raw technical data for consistency and accuracy.
• Participate in a rotating schedule for on-call, weekend, and evening work as required by study needs to ensure continuous coverage and data collection.

Requirements

• Education: An Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., Animal Science, Biology) OR a current Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) certification.
• Hands-on experience working with companion animals in a veterinary clinic, research, or similar technical environment.
• Clinical Proficiency: Demonstrable skill in common veterinary procedures such as blood collection, vaccinations, and making detailed clinical observations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel).
• Strong written and verbal communication and a high degree of attention to detail.
• Must be able to obtain AALAS (American Association of Laboratory Animal Science) Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) certification within one year of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in a relevant field.
• Advanced interpersonal and conflict management skills.
• Experience working under GXP, USDA, or other regulated environments.
• Demonstrated ability to independently define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Additional Information

Location: Fort Dodge, IA - On-Site

This role requires participation in a rotating on-call schedule for evenings and weekends (approximately every 4-6 weeks) to meet study needs.

Benefits

• 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