Senior Research Scientist - Product Development
Elanco
August 06, 2026
Remote friendly (Indianapolis, IN)
United States
Clinical Research and Development
Your Responsibilities
- Lead early-formulation programs for lead molecules to identify formulations with superior solubility, stability, and freeze-thaw potential.
- Direct and mentor a small characterization team; establish analytical workflows and acceptance criteria for biophysical and functional assays.
- Identify and mitigate formulation-related risks (aggregation, precipitation, viscosity) at high concentrations.
- Evaluate and implement novel formulation technologies and high-throughput screening platforms to accelerate lead selection.
- Serve as technical formulation lead on concurrent project teams, partnering with Discovery Research, Process Development, Analytical Development, and Formulation Development.
- Maintain ELN documentation, author technical reports, and provide data-driven recommendations for pipeline transition.
Minimum Qualifications
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related discipline.
- 3+ years biopharmaceutical industry experience focused on protein formulation and characterization.
- Proven experience leading formulation projects from concept through execution.
Required Skills
- Expertise in protein chemistry, physical biochemistry, and colloidal science.
- Hands-on protein characterization (e.g., DLS/Zetasizer, DSC, DSF, SEC, spectroscopy) and data integrity practices.
- Ability to thrive in fast-paced, evolving priorities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with advanced/high-concentration monoclonal antibody formulation platforms.
- Understanding of early formulation impacts on lyophilization/technology transfer.
- Experience with DoE/statistical tools (e.g., JMP).
- Track record mentoring junior scientists and building analytical capabilities.
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 are encouraged to apply.
- Lead early-formulation programs for lead molecules to identify formulations with superior solubility, stability, and freeze-thaw potential.
- Direct and mentor a small characterization team; establish analytical workflows and acceptance criteria for biophysical and functional assays.
- Identify and mitigate formulation-related risks (aggregation, precipitation, viscosity) at high concentrations.
- Evaluate and implement novel formulation technologies and high-throughput screening platforms to accelerate lead selection.
- Serve as technical formulation lead on concurrent project teams, partnering with Discovery Research, Process Development, Analytical Development, and Formulation Development.
- Maintain ELN documentation, author technical reports, and provide data-driven recommendations for pipeline transition.
Minimum Qualifications
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related discipline.
- 3+ years biopharmaceutical industry experience focused on protein formulation and characterization.
- Proven experience leading formulation projects from concept through execution.
Required Skills
- Expertise in protein chemistry, physical biochemistry, and colloidal science.
- Hands-on protein characterization (e.g., DLS/Zetasizer, DSC, DSF, SEC, spectroscopy) and data integrity practices.
- Ability to thrive in fast-paced, evolving priorities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with advanced/high-concentration monoclonal antibody formulation platforms.
- Understanding of early formulation impacts on lyophilization/technology transfer.
- Experience with DoE/statistical tools (e.g., JMP).
- Track record mentoring junior scientists and building analytical capabilities.
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 are encouraged to apply.