R&D Veterinary Services Intern - Fort Dodge, IA (Summer 2027)

Elanco • Fort Dodge, IA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

As a Veterinary Services Intern, you will join a team of five veterinarians and two veterinary technicians overseeing the health and welfare of research animals at Elanco’s Fort Dodge R&D site. You will support medical care, clinical studies, and the animal welfare program, working cross-functionally with Research and Development, Manufacturing, and Quality. The role provides an opportunity to learn how animal medicines are developed, regulated, and maintained, and how high-quality animal care supports R&D and product success.

Elanco’s project-based internship program provides hands-on experience focused on business-critical needs. The internship runs from May 17 through August 6, 2027, and is 100% on-site in Fort Dodge, Iowa, with approximately 10% travel to Elanco’s corporate facility in Indianapolis, Indiana, for opening and closing activities. Interns receive networking opportunities, an assigned mentor, and learning resources. Financial support and help securing housing are available. High-performing interns may be considered for full-time roles or additional internships, based on business needs.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program with a science concentration, such as biology, animal science, or pre-veterinary studies, or currently enrolled in a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.
• Must return to a degree-seeking program for the fall semester following the internship.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with veterinarians, technicians, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Enthusiasm to learn and grow in a regulated research environment, with an open and curious mindset.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining high standards of animal care and documentation.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated interest in laboratory animal medicine and/or animal welfare.
• Previous internship experience with a science, pharmaceutical, or animal health background.

Responsibilities

• Work effectively in a highly regulated environment, following applicable policies, procedures, and animal welfare standards.
• Learn how to develop, manage, and participate in a cohesive animal welfare program.
• Work with cross-functional teams to support animal health, welfare, and study execution.
• Support veterinary staff in colony maintenance and clinical case management.
• Present final project results orally to R&D colleagues and the intern community, summarizing project objectives, methods, results, and key learnings.

Benefits

• Networking events, assigned mentors, and learning resources.
• Financial support and help securing housing.
• High-performing interns may be considered for full-time roles or additional internships, based on business needs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed