Global Research Project Lead

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!

Your Role: Global Research Project Lead (RPL)

As a Global Research Project Lead (RPL), you will be at the forefront of indication research and drug development in animal health. You’ll lead the creation and management of a cutting-edge portfolio that bridges commercial needs with scientific research strategies. In this role, you will deliver value-driven projects from concept through pipeline entry, ensuring technical feasibility, regulatory compliance, and commercial viability. 

Your Responsibilities: 

• Define the competitive landscape and lead the research strategy for indication projects in key animal health areas. 

• Evaluate both internal ideas and external technologies to assess technical merit, strategic fit, and potential value for the company. 

• Drive Proof-of-Concept-validated projects from discovery through pipeline entry, managing timelines, resources, risks, and regulatory challenges. 

• Lead multi-disciplinary research teams, fostering cross-functional collaboration to solve complex technical and commercial challenges. 

• Ensure customer insights are integrated into research projects by collaborating with marketing and commercial teams to shape business strategies. 

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications): 

• Education: DVM and/or PhD with a minimum of 6 years of discovery, indication research, and/or pre-clinical research experience, with at least 2 years as a regular Project Team Member at a pharmaceutical/biotech organization.

• Top Skills: Proven expertise in project management, strategic thinking, and complex problem-solving within scientific and regulatory environments. 

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (preferred qualifications): 

• Proven track record of leading research projects through discovery and pipeline entry, delivering validated technical and business cases. 

• Strong business acumen with the ability to connect scientific research to commercial goals. 

• Expertise navigating technical feasibility, regulatory hurdles (FDA, USDA, EMA), and legal obligations in animal health. 

• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams and managing resources in a matrix organization. 

• Knowledge of drug development phases, including target discovery, lead optimization, and regulatory submissions. 

Additional Information: 

• Travel: Up to 25% travel required (domestic and international). 

• Location: Global Elanco Headquarters - Greenfield, IN - Hybrid Work Environment. 

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies show underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification. At Elanco, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you’re a good fit for this role but don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles! 

Elanco Benefits and Perks: 

We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include: 

• 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 

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