Senior Associate Scientist, Process Development

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. We are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose—Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People. We foster a diverse and inclusive work environment where innovation, creativity, and business success thrive.

About the role

As a Senior Associate Scientist in Vaccine Process Development, you will be a key contributor in bringing new vaccines to market for both pets and livestock. This hands-on, process-focused role involves designing and executing crucial studies in bacterial fermentation, viral propagation, and downstream processing. You will collaborate with analytical teams to ensure robust development, validation, and transfer of manufacturing processes that protect animals and enrich lives globally.

Responsibilities

• Apply scientific knowledge and skills to drive timely progress of Technical Development projects.
• Independently execute experimental methods and protocols involving bacterial fermentation, viral propagation, mammalian cell culture, formulation, and downstream processing.
• Generate methods for technical activities under the guidance of a qualified scientist.
• Actively contribute to a safe, compliant, and productive work environment.
• Train others under the guidance of a lead scientist and educate self and others on complex issues.
• Propose initial interpretations of data to the lead scientist for evaluation and suggest next steps within the method.
• Demonstrate flexibility and high learning agility in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment.
• Perform general laboratory upkeep and maintenance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Bioprocessing).
• A minimum of 3 years of relevant laboratory experience (or a Master of Science degree in a relevant field).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with the operation and maintenance of basic laboratory instrumentation.
• Legally authorized to be employed in the United States; Elanco does not anticipate providing sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B or TN status) for this position.

Skills

• Proven ability to quickly learn and adapt, with a passion for problem-solving and addressing new scientific opportunities.
• Experience with downstream processing techniques and related equipment.
• Direct experience handling biohazardous organisms in a laboratory setting.
• Familiarity with the development process for animal health products and a good understanding of relevant industry regulations (e.g., USDA, VMD).

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being.
• 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.

Location: Fort Dodge, IA – On-site work environment. Relocation packages available.