Senior Research Scientist - Clinical Operations

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!

Clinical Development Scientist – Farm Animal

Your Role

As a Clinical Development Scientist, you will lead the development and execution of global farm animal clinical programs focused on therapeutic and sustainability-driven innovations. This role supports the advancement of non-vaccine pharmaceutical products designed to improve animal health, production efficiency, and sustainability.

You will design, coordinate, and deliver high-quality clinical effectiveness and target animal safety (TAS) studies from early development through regulatory approval in initial target geographies. This position plays a key role in advancing innovative solutions within Elanco’s farm animal pipeline.

Your Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning and execution of global farm animal clinical programs, including pilot and pivotal studies, ensuring compliance with GLP, vGCP, VICH, and other applicable regulatory standards.

• Develop comprehensive clinical development plans, author study protocols and reports, and collaborate with cross-functional partners to deliver programs on time and with high-quality standards.

• Design and oversee efficacy and TAS studies in partnership with Clinical Development Sciences, Biostatistics, Regulatory Affairs, and external research facilities to support global regulatory approvals.

• Analyze and interpret study data with support from Data Management, Medical Writing, and internal/external reviewers; prepare documentation and support submissions and presentations to regulatory authorities and scientific forums.

• Ensure quality assurance and regulatory compliance while contributing to process improvements, procedural development, and continuous advancement of clinical development practices.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):

• Education: DVM or Ph.D. in Animal Science or related field preferred; MS with relevant experience will be considered. Advanced degree in addition to DVM is desirable.

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in product development within or closely associated with the pharmaceutical or animal health industry.

• Top Skills: Strong project management and organizational capabilities, excellent written and verbal communication skills.

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

• Proven experience interacting with regulatory authorities and supporting product registrations.

• Working knowledge of GCP, GLP, GMP, and global regulatory frameworks.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams and external research partners.

• Strategic mindset with the ability to drive clinical programs and align stakeholders.

• Understanding of research and development processes within animal health or pharmaceutical industries.

Additional Information:

• Travel: 10–20% domestic, with potential international travel.

• Location: Indianapolis, IN – Hybrid Work Environment

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