Senior Research Scientist – Translational Pharmacology

Elanco•Indianapolis, IN

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) or PhD in Veterinary Medicine, Medicine, Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
1–3 years of early-career professional experience (including relevant postdoctoral training or residency) in pharmaceutical industry research and/or development.
Demonstrated expertise in In Vivo pharmacology study design and the strategic identification of biomarkers for clinical translatability.

Nice To Haves

Background in veterinary internal medicine, dermatology, oncology, pain, metabolic disease, or immunology is highly preferred.
Experience collaborating with external partners such as CROs, KOLs, and consultants.
Strong intercultural and interpersonal skills with a mindset geared toward working in constantly changing, interdisciplinary scientific teams.
Fluent in English; ability to influence Marketing and Business Development stakeholders effectively.
Candidates with connections to local research hubs (e.g., Purdue or IU) are encouraged to apply.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.