Clinical Laboratory Research Scientist – Elanco

Company: Elanco
Job Title: Clinical Laboratory Research Scientist
Location: Fort Dodge, Iowa, USA
Job Type: Full-time
Work Arrangement: On-site
Travel: Less than 10%
Job Requisition ID: R0026470

About the Position

Elanco, a global leader in animal health, is seeking a Clinical Laboratory Research Scientist to join its Clinical Development Sciences team in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

The successful candidate will support clinical research and development programs by designing and conducting laboratory experiments, developing and implementing laboratory methodologies, analyzing scientific data, and ensuring compliance with applicable quality and regulatory standards.

This is an excellent opportunity for a laboratory scientist with strong experience in clinical laboratory research, microbiology, molecular biology, cell culture, assay development, and experimental design to contribute to innovative animal-health research.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with sponsors and study managers to define project requirements and develop protocols, validation methods, and sample-analysis plans.
• Design, conduct, and document laboratory experiments supporting clinical studies.
• Develop and implement viral and bacterial culture methods, analytical techniques, and laboratory technologies.
• Identify innovative technologies to enhance clinical laboratory capabilities.
• Review, approve, and prepare laboratory data and data packages for statistical analysis.
• Ensure scientific accuracy, data integrity, completeness, and compliance with GxP requirements and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Lead laboratory troubleshooting and resolve complex scientific and technical issues.
• Provide technical support to ensure clinical studies are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, infrastructure, safety, cleanliness, and organization.
• Develop, revise, and maintain laboratory SOPs and working procedures.
• Support complex projects and provide technical guidance to other scientists when required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, Animal Science, or a related scientific discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• 5–8 years of hands-on laboratory experience.
• Practical experience with laboratory techniques such as:
  • Cell culture
  • Assay development and design
  • Molecular biology
  • Laboratory experimentation
• Strong understanding of experimental design and data analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with the following qualifications will have an advantage:

• Master's degree or PhD in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Experience with clinical laboratory study design and execution.
• Knowledge of laboratory operations in a GxP-regulated environment.
• Strong scientific communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience presenting complex scientific data.
• Experience troubleshooting laboratory and scientific problems.
• Project leadership or mentoring experience.

Benefits and Perks

Elanco offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees' professional, financial, and personal well-being. Benefits may include:

• Relocation assistance
• Paid time off
• Two weeklong company shutdowns in the U.S.
• 8-week parental leave
• Annual bonus opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements
• Up to 6% 401(k) matching
• Employee Resource Groups

Why Apply?

This position provides an opportunity to work with a global animal-health organization and contribute to clinical research, laboratory innovation, and the development of products that improve animal health and well-being.

Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every listed qualification but possess relevant laboratory research experience and transferable scientific skills.