Research Scientist - Analytical Development
Elanco
August 22, 2026
On-site
Fort Dodge, IA
Other
Research Scientist (R1) – Vaccine Technical Development
Responsibilities:
- Lead vaccine R&D projects by developing technical plans, coordinating cross-functional alignment, and ensuring milestone achievement; generate new ideas and improve technical approaches.
- Design and implement experiments, methods, protocols, and SOPs to improve process and assay development; perform hands-on lab work for development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
- Represent Technical Development on project teams by defining goals, making decisions, and securing resources; build relationships with internal/external stakeholders to meet project and customer requirements.
- Analyze and interpret complex data; provide actionable insights; independently troubleshoot and resolve complex technical challenges within area of expertise.
- Maintain accountability for deliverables and commitments; identify and leverage internal resources to execute projects effectively.
Qualifications (minimum):
- Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Virology, Immunology, Bacteriology, Molecular Biology) with at least 1 year industry or post-doctoral experience; OR M.S. with 5+ years in vaccine analytical development.
- Proven hands-on expertise in analytical method development (e.g., potency assays, ELISA, viral titration) and experience leading technical projects in cross-functional environments.
- Strong verbal and written communication; ability to influence technical and business outcomes.
Preferred:
- USDA regulatory framework experience for animal biologics.
- Background in developing/validating potency assays for licensed vaccines.
- Experience mentoring/training junior scientists.
- Experience managing method technical transfer to QC/manufacturing.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to changing priorities.
Additional info:
- Travel: 0–15%
- Location: Fort Dodge, Iowa (On-site)
Responsibilities:
- Lead vaccine R&D projects by developing technical plans, coordinating cross-functional alignment, and ensuring milestone achievement; generate new ideas and improve technical approaches.
- Design and implement experiments, methods, protocols, and SOPs to improve process and assay development; perform hands-on lab work for development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
- Represent Technical Development on project teams by defining goals, making decisions, and securing resources; build relationships with internal/external stakeholders to meet project and customer requirements.
- Analyze and interpret complex data; provide actionable insights; independently troubleshoot and resolve complex technical challenges within area of expertise.
- Maintain accountability for deliverables and commitments; identify and leverage internal resources to execute projects effectively.
Qualifications (minimum):
- Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Virology, Immunology, Bacteriology, Molecular Biology) with at least 1 year industry or post-doctoral experience; OR M.S. with 5+ years in vaccine analytical development.
- Proven hands-on expertise in analytical method development (e.g., potency assays, ELISA, viral titration) and experience leading technical projects in cross-functional environments.
- Strong verbal and written communication; ability to influence technical and business outcomes.
Preferred:
- USDA regulatory framework experience for animal biologics.
- Background in developing/validating potency assays for licensed vaccines.
- Experience mentoring/training junior scientists.
- Experience managing method technical transfer to QC/manufacturing.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to changing priorities.
Additional info:
- Travel: 0–15%
- Location: Fort Dodge, Iowa (On-site)