Principal Research Scientist, Bioanalytical (Large Molecule)

Location: Indianapolis, IN

Time Type: Full time

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. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose – all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.

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

As a Principal Research Scientist within Research and Breakthrough Innovation, you will serve as the bioanalytical subject matter expert for large molecule programs. You will lead bioanalytical strategy, assay development, and execution for early research and development programs, providing critical data that advances Elanco’s innovation pipeline. This role combines deep technical leadership with cross-functional influence and mentorship.

Your Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of bioanalytical assays (e.g., MSD, ELISA/LBA, cell-based assays) to support PK, biomarker, and immunogenicity (ADA) assessment for large molecule modalities

• Serve as the bioanalytical lead on cross-functional project teams, providing scientific and strategic guidance from early research through clinical development

• Mentor and develop junior scientists and provide scientific oversight to CRO partners, ensuring technical excellence and knowledge transfer

• Oversee assay transfer, validation, and sample analysis at CROs, reviewing protocols, data, and reports for quality, compliance, and scientific rigor

• Champion new technologies, troubleshoot complex bioanalytical challenges, and ensure all activities meet regulatory and quality standards (FDA, EMA, ICH)

What You Need to Succeed (Minimum Qualifications)

• Education and experience:

  • Ph.D. in Immunology, Biochemistry, or related field with 5+ years of relevant industry experience, or

  • M.S. with 8+ years of relevant industry experience, or

  • B.S. with 10+ years of relevant industry experience

• Extensive hands-on experience developing and executing PK and immunogenicity assays for large molecule therapeutics

• Demonstrated understanding and application of global bioanalytical regulatory guidelines

• Proven ability to lead bioanalytical workstreams in a matrixed, cross-functional environment

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Experience managing and overseeing bioanalytical activities at CROs

• Biomarker assay development experience

• Strong people leadership skills with a track record of mentoring and developing scientific talent

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex scientific and regulatory concepts

Additional Information

• Location: Global Elanco Headquarters – Indianapolis, IN | Hybrid work environment

• Travel: Limited, as required

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