Job Description

Education : EQUIVALENTEXPERIENCE


At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) - it all starts with animals!

As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. We're driven by our vision of 'Food and Companionship Enriching Life' and our approach to sustainability - the Elanco Healthy Purpose(TM) - to advance the health of animals, people, the planet and our enterprise.

At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you'll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.

Making animals' lives better makes life better - join our team today!

Position Description:


Drive and influence for successful identification and design of novel small molecule drug candidates for clinical development, utilizing a complementary set of •in silico•, •in vitro• and •in vivo• tools and datasets within a matrix environment inclusive of internal and external collaboration partners. Actively support the research portfolio, project strategies, and initiatives that contribute to the success of Elanco R&D.

Functions, Duties, Tasks:

• Generate, support or lead global projects focused on the design and progression of small molecule drug candidates across Elanco research activities (multi parameter optimization)
• Manage allocation and capacity of the external chemistry resources to ensure timelines and key milestones.
• Work with the head of small molecules discovery to ensure resource alignment with project prioritization schemes (scope - SAR plans, timelines, resources & risk/mitigation/contingencies).
• Ensure constant flow of new research projects aligned with R&D strategy, by reviewing literature and external sources of innovation (academia, biotech/phama and agricultural companies) for new chemistry targets or platforms; contribute to Elanco Research strategies and goals.
• Provide scientific input and guidance to external project sources for portfolio entry into the companion and food animal research efforts.
• Identify and implement relevant technologies, methods and strategies in the respective discipline. Continuously improve technical expertise in the function. Proactively initiates value-added work to simplify processes, build capabilities and/or drive the portfolio.
• Maintain and foster sound working relationships within Research and to other functions such as Computational Science / Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacology/ Parasiticides, Safety, and External Innovation.


Ensure compliance with internal and external guidelines regarding quality and safety (quality manuals, good research principles, health authority guidance and SOPs).

Minimum Qualification (education, experience and/or training, required certifications):

• PhD in Organic /Medicinal Chemistry or equivalent postgraduate education.
• Postdoc experience in Europe or US
• Drive and influence the successful identification and design of novel small-molecule drug candidates from HIT to LEAD stage ultimately leading to clinical development, utilizing a complementary set of in silico, in vitro and in vivo tools and datasets within a matrix environment inclusive of internal and external collaboration partners. Actively support the research portfolio, project strategies, and initiatives that contribute to the success of Elanco R&D.
• Minimum 15-20 years of demonstrated success in functional area of responsibility in industry (Drug Discovery / Research - multinational companies)
• Excellent knowledge in Medicinal Chemistry related to various therapeutic areas (e.g. dermatology, pain, parasiticides) and supporting functions (e.g. ADME, molecular biology, pharmacology)
• Experience functioning within a strong multi-disciplinary team and utilizing cross-functional information, such as ADME, DMPK, in vitro and in vivo data to drive drug design strategies
• High drive for innovation with growth mindset
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Good understanding of IP strategy
• Exceptional problem solving and decision-making skills.


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