Sr Research Scientist

Elanco is a global animal health company that develops products and knowledge services to prevent and treat disease in food animals and pets in more than 90 countries. With a 64-year heritage, we rigorously innovate to improve the health of animals and benefit our customers, while fostering an inclusive, cause-driven culture for more than 5,800 employees. At Elanco, we're driven by our vision of food and companionship enriching life - all to advance the health of animals, people and the planet. Learn more at www.elanco.com

Responsibilities
The Global Vaccine Research (VAR) team is responsible for identifying and evaluating the vaccine platform technologies and potential vaccine candidates for food producing animals (cattle, swine, poultry and aqua) and Companion Animals (Dog and Cat). The team focuses on the research stages of portfolio projects leading up to proof of concept testing prior to early development phase.

The purpose of this position is to apply scientific expertise in Virology/Bacteriology/Immunology to the development of new Food & Companion Animal vaccines. In this role, the incumbent serves as a Research Project Leader (RPL) responsible for the efficient and timely progression of novel vaccine candidates.
As a member of vaccine research team, the RPL will work collaboratively with multidisciplinary team members to ensure that projects have strong scientific merit and project plans incorporate risk identifying / mitigating strategies to ensure early go / no go decision-making. In addition, the individual in this role will be the key effectiveness leader responsible for understanding mode of action, designing and overseeing the Proof-of-Principle (POP) and Proof-of-Concept (POC) safety/efficacy studies.

The incumbent will collaborate with internal clinical sites and contract research organizations for the conduct of these studies; coordinate with internal functions such as Elanco Research Labs (ERL) and Regulatory to ensure work is conducted to appropriate standards while meeting rigorous technical and timeline requirements.
This individual should be accountable to apply the best practices as a RPL, good documentation practices, aligned with the contracts and budget management.

This research scientist will work collaboratively with members of Global Elanco FA and CA Development Teams to deliver de-risked Vaccine Research Portfolio.

Leadership

• Develops an understanding of R&D team goals and works effectively toward achieving them;
• Influence, support, and ensure implementation of decisions and strategies agreed by the VAR Team.
• Effectively align project objectives and priorities with team members, Elanco R&D teams, and external partners to achieve overall project deliverables.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key external partners and key opinion leaders; strong emphasis on working relationships with ERL team members on internal ideation and External Innovation Team member/s on evaluation of external opportunities
• Proactively communicate overall project strategy, key issues and any other critical topics in a timely manner to the project team, appropriate management level, and stakeholders.
• Create a positive work environment that is aligned with company objectives
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing in an inter disciplinary environment
• Align with the Director, Global vaccine Research on strategy and deliverables to meet the REI objectives

Technical Expertise

• Provide scientific expertise in virology/bacteriology/immunology / molecular biology in Cattle, Poultry and Companion Animal species indicated above but be flexible to continuous learning and apply his/her expertise in other species such as Aqua.
• Deliver innovative technical solutions.
• Leverage expertise in challenge model development (CMD), target animal POP/POC Safety/efficacy studies to advance projects toward early development decision.
• Working within multidisciplinary team: design and conduct CMD, POP and POC safety/ efficacy studies at internal and external sites for food producing and Companion Animals
• To be responsible for protocol development, data interpretation, and reports.
• Keeps abreast of relevant literature;
• Flexibility to leverage latest knowledge in the area of virology/bacteriology and immunology expertise applied to deliver innovative solutions for unmet clinical needs in different Food and Companion Animal Species.
• Evaluate new technologies and new vaccine candidates in order to fuel the research pipeline with high quality assets.

Project Management Skills

• As a research scientist, ensure all key subject matter experts and stakeholders are identified and engaged to move the project from the evaluation phase to entry into development; ensure technical requirements and project milestone documentation are complete; represent the project and the team at governance milestone reviews; work closely with project management support to ensure accurate project plans and budget forecasts to ensure project delivery in a high quality, timely, cost-effective manner
• Lead the development of a scientifically and technically sound progression strategy and detailed project plan from initial product concept to pipeline entry.
• Lead the identification of efficacy and safety related project risks and develop effective mitigation and contingency plans.
• Develop and maintain accurate project budgets and timelines.
• Ensure delivery of objectives in a high quality, timely, cost-effective manner.
• Organize and prepare projects for key stage gate decisions

49924BR

Basic Qualifications

• PhD / DVM Degree Level
• Minimum of 5-10 Years of Vaccine Research and Development experience in US Animal Health Industry
• Experience in Research and Development of either Food or Companion Animal Vaccines in US or EU

Additional Skills/Preferences

• Experience with molecular pathways and animal models related to immunology applied to cattle/Poultry/Companion Animals
• Knowledge of the commercial cattle, poultry, aqua and companion animal industries
• Knowledgeable in Product Development experience to meet either USDA or EU Regulations
• Knowledge of the GCP and GLP regulations
• Knowledge of the relevant VICH guidance documents

Additional Information
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.

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