Role Summary
Associate Scientist – Technical Services & Manufacturing Sciences (TS/MS) at Elanco’s Technology Center in Indianapolis, focusing on optimizing and advancing bacterial and mammalian cell culture manufacturing processes. Responsible for executing lab-scale models, analyzing experimental data, identifying process improvements, and collaborating across functions to support Elanco’s pharmaceutical and biotech portfolio.
Responsibilities
- Design, execute, and analyze lab-scale experiments to model large-scale fermentation and cell culture processes, generating actionable data for process optimization and troubleshooting
- Lead and manage small-scale laboratory projects with clear objectives, timelines, and documentation in notebooks and technical reports
- Drive process improvement by monitoring trends, performing data mining using control systems and data historians, and identifying optimization opportunities
- Provide scientific support for manufacturing processes, including oversight of mammalian and bacterial culture, guidance on scale-up strategies, and troubleshooting deviations or yield issues
- Communicate technical findings through presentations and reports, contributing to a culture of safety and scientific rigor in the lab
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Engineering, or related scientific discipline
- Required Experience: Demonstrated laboratory experience designing and conducting experiments; ability to interpret biological and process data with strong mechanical aptitude
- Top Skills: Strong communication and problem-solving abilities; ability to prioritize tasks and work effectively in team-based and independent settings
Preferred Qualifications
- Hands-on experience with bacterial and/or mammalian cell culture systems and operation of bioreactors or fermenters
- Experience with experimental design, data interpretation, and basic statistical tools for biological process analysis
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic statistical software; ability to document and present scientific results clearly
- Flexibility to adapt to evolving project needs and ability to work cross-functionally with R&D, manufacturing, and quality teams
- Growth mindset and ongoing scientific and professional development
Education
- Details listed in Qualifications
Additional Requirements
- Location: Elanco Technology Center – Indianapolis, IN
- May involve working with hazardous or biologically active materials, exposure to high noise levels, and interaction with large-scale lab equipment
- Some weekend or off-hours work may be required during peak periods