Poultry Vaccine Specialist

As a leading global animal health company, Elanco delivers innovative products and services to improve the health of pets and farm animals around the world because we believe making animals' lives better, makes life better. Since 1954, we have provided solutions that support veterinarians, farmers and pet owners to advance our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life. Elanco's promise to employees: Together, we foster an inclusive culture where everyone can make a difference, encouraging ownership, growth and well-being.

Share your passion for innovation and complex problem solving with like-minded scientists at a cause-driven, customer focused company dedicated to positively impacting the health of animals, people and the planet.

The Technical Services & Manufacturing Sciences (TS/MS) team at Elanco Technology Center, Indianapolis plays a key role in continuous process and productivity improvements initiatives and support of Elanco’s network of manufacturing sites with a diverse portfolio of pharmaceutical and biotech products. This Senior Scientist role is ideal for the individual looking to make a meaningful impact while pursuing both their short- and long-term career goals. As a global leader in the animal health industry, Elanco offers a variety of career opportunities inside and outside of the Manufacturing & Quality function at exciting locations around the world.

Reporting to the Principal Research Scientist of the Elanco Tech Center, the incumbent will be responsible for providing technical and strategic direction for vaccine process optimization with a particular emphasis on the poultry vaccine projects within the Life Cycle Management (LCM) program. The incumbent will also support other platforms within the Biotech Network, including microbial fermentation and monoclonal antibodies. The incumbent will collaborate with Scientists/Engineers in multiple geographies to deliver on a technical agenda focusing on product innovation, portfolio expansion, and productivity. The position is based in Indianapolis, with a vibrant community, a thriving life sciences industry and top-rated academic institutions.

Key Objectives/Deliverables:

Technical and strategic leadership of poultry vaccine life cycle management (LCM) activities at the Elanco Tech Center. Responsibilities include:

Designing, establishing, and sustaining the poultry vaccine support core facility at the Elanco Tech Center

Manage scope, deliverables, and timelines to facilitate delivery of LCM portfolio of poultry vaccine projects

Design, conduct, and oversee the execution of laboratory experiments

Assisting with the establishment of appropriate and relevant characterization assays to enhance process development and optimization activities for biologicals

Utilize statistical modeling (DoE) approaches to deliver effective analytical solutions

Explore and champion emerging technologies that may be applied to the biological’s portfolio

Propose, gain support for, and implement technologies from the incumbent’s experience and knowledge to enhance process optimization of poultry vaccines

Prepare verification and validation studies in accordance with current regulatory compliance

Provide technical leadership to the network organization regarding process improvements, and troubleshooting

Participate in manufacturing site investigations as needed, enhancing poultry vaccine knowledge, understanding and problem solving

Coach and grow technical talent at ETC and across the network

Write technical papers and reports in a timely fashion

Utilize safe laboratory practices, lead in safety compliance and improvement

Basic Requirements:

B.S. (+8yrs), M.S. (+4yrs), PhD in Microbiology/Virology/Biological science/biochemistry or Veterinary science degree with Veterinary/poultry vaccine focus.

Experience with a variety of technologies and platforms is preferred including; poultry vaccine technologies, recombinant protein platforms, protein-based therapeutics, cell culture and fermentation technology

Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to be employed in the United States. Elanco does not anticipate visa (e.g. H1B) sponsorship for this position.

Additional Skills and Preferences:

Experience with upstream production of viruses in cell monolayers (T-flasks, roller bottles,, cell factories), batch/fed batch/perfusion bioreactors and/or embryonated chicken eggs

Proven record of successfully troubleshooting vaccine processes, QA/QC analysis, vaccine potency

Experience with biologicals manufacturing and aseptic manufacturing/Upstream and downstream process development

Knowledgeable in cell and egg-based assays for virus titrations, making virus stocks, primary cells, cell banks, virus growth kinetics, Virus inactivation kinetics, downstream processes involving virus harvest, virus inactivation, virus concentration, viral vaccine formulations, lyophilization, stability studies etc,

Experience with monitoring and leading contract service provider relationships that support process improvements

Lean manufacturing and six sigma experience

Proven organization and time management skills to meet time sensitive deadlines, attention to detail, and collaboration in a team-based environment are essential.

Personal attributes: self-starter; attentive to details; results oriented; accountable; respectful of others; committed while maintaining balance and perspective; good written and oral communication skills.

Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment with changing priorities, and flexibility to support multiple projects simultaneously.

Ability to problem solve using innovative thinking and good decision making.

Ability to influence people

Ability to build collaborative relationships with areas inside and outside of Elanco

Familiarity with Global Regulatory Standards (FDA, EU GMP, USDA)

Travel:

0-10% Domestic and International travel

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.