Principal Research Scientist, Molecular Pharmacology

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Position Summary
We are seeking a Principal Research Scientist to lead our Molecular Pharmacology team and in vitro pharmacology strategy across Small Molecule, Large Molecule, and Parasitology discovery.
This role requires strong small-molecule drug discovery experience, deep cell-based and biochemical assay expertise, direct people leadership, and the ability to translate pharmacology data into lead optimization and candidate-selection decisions.
What You’ll Do (Your Impact)
Lead and develop a team of scientists.
Own in vitro pharmacology and assay strategy across discovery programs.
Design and optimize cell-based and biochemical assays for potency, MOA, target engagement, and cellular response.
Partner with medicinal chemistry and discovery teams to support SAR, lead optimization, and candidate progression.
Provide scientific leadership across multiple programs and build new assay capabilities where needed.
Ensure high-quality pharmacology data supports go/no-go and candidate-selection decisions.
What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):
Ph.D. in a related scientific discipline with 12 years of relevant industry experience, or M.S. with 15 years.
Strong experience in molecular/in vitro pharmacology and small-molecule drug discovery.
Demonstrated ownership of assay strategy and development, not just assay execution.
Experience supporting compound characterization, lead optimization, and progression decisions.
Direct people-management experience, including coaching and developing scientists.
Strong cross-functional scientific leadership within drug discovery.
What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):
Extensive medicinal chemistry partnership and SAR experience.
Experience with biologics or other large-molecule modalities.
Parasitology or parasite-host biology experience.
Experience with automation, HTS, or building new assay platforms.
Additional Information:
This role is based in Indianapolis and will work closely with cross-functional discovery teams across Elanco R&D.
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!
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
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.
Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against job‑related criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.
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
Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against job‑related criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.