Principal Research Scientist - Medicinal Chemist

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. Our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life is driven by our purpose – Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People. We foster a diverse and inclusive work environment that values new ways of thinking and collaboration.

As a key figure in our small molecule drug discovery engine, you will guide the design and synthesis of innovative medicines that improve the health and well‑being of animals. You will advance multiple therapeutic programs from lead generation to development candidate selection, collaborate with global, cross‑functional teams, and leverage cutting‑edge technologies such as AI/ML and DNA‑Encoded Libraries to solve complex chemical challenges.

• Guide the design and optimization of novel small molecules by applying advanced synthetic strategies and integrating biological, pharmacological, and ADME/PK data to manage Structure‑Activity Relationship (SAR) campaigns.
• Serve as a key medicinal chemistry figure on multidisciplinary project teams, collaborating with partners in Biology, Pharmacology, DMPK, Toxicology, and Computational Sciences to strategically advance discovery programs.
• Manage and coordinate synthetic chemistry efforts with external Contract Research Organizations (CROs) and internal partners, ensuring efficient execution of project goals and timelines.
• Leverage drug discovery technologies, including DNA‑Encoded Libraries (DEL), computational chemistry, and AI/ML‑enabled tools, to accelerate hit identification and lead optimization.
• Promote scientific excellence and data integrity while providing mentorship and technical guidance to junior scientists, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.

• Education:
  
  PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience:
  
  A minimum of 6 years of relevant industry experience in medicinal chemistry within a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or animal health research environment.
• Top
  
  Skills:
  
  Demonstrated expertise in modern medicinal chemistry, including the design and multi‑step synthesis of complex small molecules, and a strong understanding of Structure‑Activity Relationships (SAR), pharmacology, and ADME/PK principles.
• Proven ability to autonomously manage scientific initiatives within a cross‑functional team and manage external collaborations with CROs.

• Postdoctoral experience.
• Experience applying modern drug discovery technologies such as DNA‑Encoded Libraries (DEL), computational chemistry, or AI/ML‑enabled molecular design.
• A strong track record of advancing small‑molecule discovery programs toward preclinical development, evidenced by significant patent and/or publication contributions.
• Prior research experience in the animal health industry.
• Expertise in peptide chemistry, macrocycles, or related drug modalities.

Less than 10%

Global Elanco Headquarters – Indianapolis, IN – Hybrid Work Environment

• Multiple relocation packages
• Two weeklong shutdowns (mid‑summer and year‑end) in the US (in addition to PTO)
• 8‑week parental leave
• Employee Resource Groups
• Annual bonus offering
• Flexible work arrangements
• Up to 6% 401(k) 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.