Senior Research Scientist
Elanco
August 31, 2026
Remote friendly (Indianapolis, IN)
United States
Clinical Research and Development
Your Role: Senior Research Scientist - Target Intelligence and Early Project Lead
Responsibilities:
- Lead novel target identification and prioritization across multiple animal diseases to build the drug discovery pipeline.
- Guide early-stage drug discovery (non-lab) using in vitro techniques, integrated AI/ML platforms, and functional genomics to accelerate Hit-to-Lead for small molecules and biologics.
- Design and deploy high-throughput, multi-modal screening strategies; use AI-augmented data analysis/digital discovery to minimize experimental cost.
- Lead cross-functional discovery from concept through target validation with Computational Sciences, Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Computational Biology, Technical Development, and Preclinical Development.
- De-risk targets and enhance translational potential via CMC considerations; assess on-/off-target safety; develop biomarker and translational in vitro disease models (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9-edited primary cell lines, organoids).
- Manage external CRO/biotech partnerships (e.g., DEL, phage display, yeast display) and stay current on study design/NAMs.
Qualifications (minimum):
- Ph.D. in Cell/Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, or related field + several years postdoctoral training.
- Industry research/early-stage biotech or drug discovery experience; CRO management; integrated digital discovery and HTS platform experience.
- Expertise in target identification/validation (assay development; high-throughput methods such as DEL/virtual screening).
- Expertise in NAMs (organoids/iPSCs; CRISPR/Cas9 screening) with AI/ML + deep learning.
Preferred:
- 3+ years pharma experience (animal health preferred); publication record; generative AI experience (e.g., ProteinMPNN).
- Agile, cross-functional project leadership; statistical/data analysis knowledge; screening/omics experience (RNA-seq, flow cytometry).
Additional:
- Travel up to 25%; Hybrid (Indianapolis, IN).
- Benefits highlights: multiple relocation packages; two weeklong shutdowns; 8-week parental leave; annual bonus; flexible work; up to 6% 401K matching.
Application instruction:
- If you don’t meet every requirement, you’re encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities:
- Lead novel target identification and prioritization across multiple animal diseases to build the drug discovery pipeline.
- Guide early-stage drug discovery (non-lab) using in vitro techniques, integrated AI/ML platforms, and functional genomics to accelerate Hit-to-Lead for small molecules and biologics.
- Design and deploy high-throughput, multi-modal screening strategies; use AI-augmented data analysis/digital discovery to minimize experimental cost.
- Lead cross-functional discovery from concept through target validation with Computational Sciences, Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Computational Biology, Technical Development, and Preclinical Development.
- De-risk targets and enhance translational potential via CMC considerations; assess on-/off-target safety; develop biomarker and translational in vitro disease models (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9-edited primary cell lines, organoids).
- Manage external CRO/biotech partnerships (e.g., DEL, phage display, yeast display) and stay current on study design/NAMs.
Qualifications (minimum):
- Ph.D. in Cell/Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, or related field + several years postdoctoral training.
- Industry research/early-stage biotech or drug discovery experience; CRO management; integrated digital discovery and HTS platform experience.
- Expertise in target identification/validation (assay development; high-throughput methods such as DEL/virtual screening).
- Expertise in NAMs (organoids/iPSCs; CRISPR/Cas9 screening) with AI/ML + deep learning.
Preferred:
- 3+ years pharma experience (animal health preferred); publication record; generative AI experience (e.g., ProteinMPNN).
- Agile, cross-functional project leadership; statistical/data analysis knowledge; screening/omics experience (RNA-seq, flow cytometry).
Additional:
- Travel up to 25%; Hybrid (Indianapolis, IN).
- Benefits highlights: multiple relocation packages; two weeklong shutdowns; 8-week parental leave; annual bonus; flexible work; up to 6% 401K matching.
Application instruction:
- If you don’t meet every requirement, you’re encouraged to apply.