As a Senior Research Scientist - DMPK, you will serve as a subject matter expert in drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics for discovery and pre-clinical research projects. In this role, you will be responsible for designing and implementing DMPK and PK/PD strategies that guide compound optimization, de-risking and accelerating early R&D programs through candidate selection and progression into the development pipeline.
Your Responsibilities:• Serve as the PK/DMPK scientific lead across multidisciplinary discovery and pre-clinical research teams, establishing strategies to guide small and large molecule candidates toward nomination.
• Design, execute, and monitor in vitro DMPK/ADME and in vivo PK/PD profiling studies to evaluate target exposure, bioavailability, metabolism, and drug interaction risks.
• Integrate DMPK findings with pharmacology and toxicology data to build robust lead profiles, perform IVIVC or mechanistic modeling, and drive go/no-go progression decisions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally across global R&D and partner with external CROs and academic collaborators to access specialized technologies and advance early pipeline packages.
• Prepare and deliver clear scientific summaries, reports, and presentations on DMPK findings to enable evidence-based governance decisions.
What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):• Education: Advanced scientific degree (PhD, PharmD, DVM, or Master's/Bachelor's degree with equivalent level of experience) in Pharmacology, Chemistry, Veterinary/Medical Sciences, or related scientific discipline.
• Required Experience: A minimum of 4 years of experience in pharmaceutical industry or academia in discovery and pre-clinical DMPK research, with demonstrated experience in both small and large molecule drug development.
• Strong foundational expertise in early-phase DMPK/ADME characterization, PK/PD data interpretation, and proficiency in PK software tools (such as Phoenix WinNonlin, Monolix, or equivalent).
What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):• Experience with mechanistic PK modeling and/or physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling.
• Strong chemistry background with understanding of compound structures, classes, and in vitro profiling.
• Familiarity with veterinary drug development and species-specific considerations in animal metabolism and pharmacokinetics.
• Demonstrated experience managing and collaborating with external contract research organizations (CROs) and academic partners.
• Proven track record of cross-functional collaboration and delivering clear scientific presentations to diverse technical and non-technical audiences.
Additional Information:• Travel: Up to 10% of domestic and international travel
• Location: Global Elanco Headquarters - Indianapolis, IN - Hybrid Work Environment
Elanco Benefits and Perks:We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:
- Multiple relocation packages
- Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)
- 8-week parental leave
- 9 Employee Resource Groups
- Annual bonus offering
- Flexible work arrangements
- Up to 6% 401K matching
