Associate Scientist – Technical Services & Manufacturing Sciences (TS/MS) (Food Services)
At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) – it all starts with animals!
As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. We're driven by our vision of ‘Food and Companionship Enriching Life' and our approach to sustainability – the Elanco Healthy Purpose™ – to advance the health of animals, people, the planet and our enterprise.
At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you'll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.
Making animals' lives better makes life better – join our team today!
Your Role: Associate Scientist – Technical Services & Manufacturing Sciences (TS/MS)
As a Scientist on the TS/MS team at Elanco's Technology Center in Indianapolis, you will support the optimization and advancement of bacterial and mammalian cell culture manufacturing processes. In this role, you'll be responsible for executing lab-scale models, analyzing experimental data, identifying process improvements, and collaborating across functions to support Elanco's diverse pharmaceutical and biotech product portfolio.
Your Responsibilities:
Design, execute, and analyze lab-scale experiments to model large-scale fermentation and cell culture processes, using engineering and microbiological principles to generate actionable data that supports process optimization and troubleshooting
Lead and manage small-scale laboratory projects, ensuring experiments are properly designed with clear objectives, timelines, and documentation in laboratory notebooks and technical reports
Drive process improvement initiatives by monitoring process trends, performing data mining using control systems and data historians, and identifying optimization opportunities through technical investigations and collaboration with senior scientists
Provide scientific support for manufacturing processes, including oversight of mammalian and bacterial culture (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella), guidance on scale-up strategies, and troubleshooting deviations or yield issues
Communicate technical findings and recommendations through formal presentations, summary reports, and participation in department technical reviews, while also contributing to a culture of safety and scientific rigor in the lab
What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):
Education: Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Engineering, or a related scientific discipline
Required Experience: Demonstrated laboratory experience in designing and conducting experiments; ability to interpret biological and process data with strong mechanical aptitude
Top Skills: Strong communication and problem-solving skills; ability to prioritize tasks and work effectively in both team-based and independent settings
What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):
Hands-on experience with bacterial and/or mammalian cell culture systems and the operation of bioreactors or fermenters
Experience with experimental design, data interpretation, and use of 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 the ability to work cross-functionally with R&D, manufacturing, and quality teams
Growth mindset with a desire for ongoing scientific and professional development
Additional Information:
Location: Elanco Technology Center – Indianapolis, IN
May involve working with hazardous or biologically active materials, occasional exposure to high noise levels, and interaction with large-scale lab equipment
Some weekend or off-hours work may be required during peak periods
Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!
Elanco Benefits and Perks:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:
Multiple relocation packages
Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)
8-week parental leave
9 Employee Resource Groups
Annual bonus offering
Flexible work arrangements
Up to 6% 401K matching
Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status
