Distinguished Research Scientist – Upstream Process Development

Your Role:
Distinguished Research Scientist – Upstream Process Development

This position directly supports the Elanco Technical Development (TD) Organization in delivering Innovation, Characterization and Control. The primary responsibilities are to lead and drive the next generation of mammalian cell culture strategies, characterize and control product quality, and develop robust upstream processes needed to advance Elanco’s early and late phase biomolecule portfolio. The role provides day‑to‑day technical and strategic leadership, supports all upstream lab activities covering the broad scope of Elanco’s large molecule portfolio, and initially focuses on delivering therapeutic monoclonal antibody platforms.

As a high‑visibility lead scientist, the incumbent will serve on CM&C, governance, and project teams across R&D and Manufacturing, requiring strong organizational management and excellent communication skills. The position will have direct reports, establish upstream processing strategy, identify future capability, and support development activities while building and maintaining GMP/USDA capabilities and capacity.

• Lead upstream process development for mammalian cell culture, including experimental design and analysis of fed‑batch and intensified fed‑batch operations, seed train expansion, and high‑throughput bioreactor capabilities to optimize productivity and product quality.
• Drive technical innovation and platform development by introducing new technologies, leveraging industry expertise, and applying phase‑appropriate risk strategies to accelerate protein production and support vaccines and biotherapeutics programs.
• Provide technical leadership and program oversight, including lab supervision, project management (scope, timelines, budget), and coordination with internal teams, manufacturing, and external collaborators to advance pipeline goals.
• Author and review critical documentation such as protocols, SOPs, batch records, technical reports, and tech transfer documents; deliver clear technical presentations to internal and external stakeholders.
• Support technology transfer and external partnerships by collaborating with CROs, CMOs, and consultants, establishing contracts, and ensuring effective knowledge transfer to manufacturing partners.

• PhD in engineering, biochemistry or related biotechnology field plus 15 years of industry experience.
• Experience working with mammalian cell culture of large molecule product streams (Monoclonal Antibodies, Proteins, Antigens, etc.).
• Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to be employed in the United States.

• Extensive upstream process development experience, including intensified fed‑batch cell culture, perfusion, high‑throughput screening, and process scale‑up from development to manufacturing.
• Proven expertise in technology transfer and continuous bioprocess control strategies, ensuring robust, efficient, and scalable production processes.
• Strong regulatory background, with hands‑on experience in cGMP and USDA‑regulated environments, BSL‑1 & BSL‑2 labs, and participation in regulatory filings and submissions.
• Broad technical knowledge across multiple platforms, including fermentation, analytical method development, purification, and formulation technologies.
• Excellent problem‑solving and collaboration skills, combining strategic and creative thinking with the ability to build strong partnerships and influence cross‑functional teams and CDMOs.

• Location:
  
  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
• 9 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.