Clinical Laboratory Research Scientist

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. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose – all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.

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!

Clinical Laboratory Research Scientist

• Experimental Design & Execution:
  Work with Sponsors and Study Managers to define project requirements; develop and review protocols, validation methods, and sample analysis plans to support clinical studies (GRP).
• Methodology & Innovation:
  Identify, develop, and implement new viral/bacterial culture methodologies, analytical methods, and laboratory technologies to continuously update and improve the clinical laboratory's capabilities.
• Data Integrity & Analysis:
  Independently review, approve, and prepare raw data and laboratory data packages for statistical analysis, ensuring scientific accuracy, completeness, and compliance with all quality systems and standards (e.g., GxP, SOPs).
• Technical Leadership & Support:
  Lead troubleshooting efforts to resolve scientific issues, manage complex project workloads, and provide technical support to ensure the successful and timely completion of studies.
• Laboratory Operations:
  Maintain the laboratory infrastructure, including equipment and a clean, safe, and organized working environment, while preparing and updating SOPs and working procedures.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, Animal Science, or a related scientific discipline with equivalent experience.
• Experience:
  
  A minimum of 5-8 years of hands‑on experience in a laboratory setting.
• Top
  
  Skills:
  
  Demonstrated experience in laboratory techniques (such as cell culture, assay design, and molecular biology) and a strong understanding of experimental design and data analysis.

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in a relevant scientific discipline.
• In-depth knowledge of clinical laboratory study design, execution, and operational workflow in a GxP-regulated environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with proven ability to collaborate effectively in a team setting and present complex scientific data.
• Experience in leading troubleshooting efforts, managing complex projects, or mentoring junior scientists.

Travel:
Less than 10%

Location:

Fort Dodge, IA – On‑Site Work Environment

• 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.

Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against job‑related criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer.

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE: ELAN) is a global leader in animal health dedicated to innovating and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets, creating value for farmers, pet owners, veterinarians, stakeholders, and society as a whole. With nearly 70 years of animal health heritage, we are committed to helping our customers improve the health of animals in their care, while also making a meaningful impact on our local and global communities.

At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching life and our Elanco Healthy Purpose™ CSR framework – all to advance the health of animals, people and the planet.

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