Senior Research Scientist – Translational Pharmacology at Elanco in Indianapolis, IN

Job description

• In this non-laboratory-based (Senior) Research Scientist role in the Non-Clinical Development team, you will drive critical pharmacological strategies in early drug development to profile new chemical and biological entities and advanced therapies. Your focus will be on mitigating clinical development risks by bridging the gap between in vitro screening and clinical efficacy. Working as the translational representative within cross-functional teams, you will apply a deep understanding of target pharmacology and therapeutic options to advance our pipeline assets and translate findings into clinical development scenarios.

Responsibilities

• Design and coordinate translational pharmacological studies for profiling compounds.
• Analyze drug mechanisms of action, target biology, and disease pathophysiology to generate actionable insights that reduce clinical development risk.
• Scientific Oversight of CROs
• Manage the integration of translational R&D by coordinating early in vivo profiling programs across involved disciplines.
• Provide technical oversight for experimental in vivo studies, ensuring the selection of suitable animal disease models for screening and dose prediction.
• Biomarker & PK/PD Execution
• Define and implement in vitro and in vivo biomarker strategies for target engagement, pharmacodynamics, and safety.
• Partner with Safety and DMPK experts to initiate PK/PD approaches that provide robust scientific justification for therapeutic dosing.
• Translational Analysis
• Execute reverse translational processes by performing meta-analyses of clinical data across species.
• Identify reasons for study failure, evaluate consequences for further development, and uncover new indications for existing portfolio compounds.
• Matrix Representation & Scientific Leadership
• Serve as the translational pharmacology subject matter expert (SME) within a complex matrix organization.
• Collaborate with external academic and industry partners to assess in-licensed products.
• Provide clear scientific guidance to Marketing, Business Development, and project teams throughout the innovation process until launch.
• Maintain expertise in the latest professional publications and developments in the animal health industry by attending international scientific meetings.

Requirements

• Education: DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) or PhD in Veterinary Medicine, Medicine, Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Experience: 1–3 years of early-career professional experience (including relevant postdoctoral training or residency) in pharmaceutical industry research and/or development.
• Technical Skillset: Demonstrated expertise in In Vivo pharmacology study design and the strategic identification of biomarkers for clinical translatability.
• Veterinary Focus: Background in veterinary internal medicine, dermatology, oncology, pain, metabolic disease, or immunology is highly preferred.
• Operational Excellence: Experience collaborating with external partners such as CROs, KOLs, and consultants.
• Soft Skills: Strong intercultural and interpersonal skills with a mindset geared toward working in constantly changing, interdisciplinary scientific teams.
• Communication: Fluent in English; ability to influence Marketing and Business Development stakeholders effectively.
• Local Connection: Candidates with connections to local research hubs (e.g., Purdue or IU) are encouraged to apply.

Skills

Required

• In Vivo pharmacology study design

Preferred

• Fluent in English

Benefits

• 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