Senior Research Scientist - Product Development

Role Summary

As the Senior Packaging Engineer, you will be a key contributor to Elanco’s global Packaging Development team, collaborating with colleagues across Indianapolis, Switzerland, and Germany. You will lead the development and implementation of packaging solutions for development-stage products across small molecule, biopharma, and vaccine portfolios. Your work will directly support Elanco’s global product development pipeline, advancing technology platform goals and ensuring high-quality packaging solutions from early development through commercial scale-up.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging from early development through CT material supply, registration and commercial readiness.
• Serve as the packaging Subject Matter Expert across multidisciplinary project teams, with emphasis on parenteral and sterile packaging.
• Partner with R&D and Manufacturing to evaluate feasibility, processability, and seamless transfer of packaging solutions into commercial production.
• Plan and execute packaging studies, machine trials, data evaluation, conclusions, and documentation, including authoring regulatory submission components.
• Scout innovative materials, technologies, and suppliers to strengthen packaging strategies and drive creative, compliant, and efficient solutions.
• Author packaging registration documents and interact with our registration team as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Required: Education: Master‚Äôs degree in Packaging Technology or related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Required: Experience: Minimum of 5 years in pharmaceutical drug product development with extensive exposure to parenteral packaging and associated regulatory expectations.
• Required: Strong technical expertise in packaging development, packaging materials, and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
• Required: Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate cross-functionally with global teams and external partners.
• Required: Familiarity with GMP principles, standards, and regulatory frameworks.
• Preferred: Experience supporting biopharma and vaccine product portfolios.
• Preferred: Hands-on experience with sterile manufacturing environments and container closure integrity (CCI) principles.
• Preferred: Prior experience authoring or supporting regulatory submissions for packaging.
• Preferred: Demonstrated ability to innovate within packaging development and manage multiple global projects with adaptability and learning agility.

Education

• Master‚Äôs degree in Packaging Technology or related discipline, or equivalent experience.

Additional Requirements

• Travel: 10‚Äì20% annually
• Location: Global Elanco Headquarters ‚Äì Indianapolis, IN ‚Äì Hybrid Work Environment