What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Research Scientist - Packaging Development position at Elanco?
Your Role: Senior Packaging Engineer (m/f/d)
Location: Global Elanco Headquarters – Indianapolis, IN – Hybrid Work Environment
About the Role
As the Senior Packaging Engineer, you will be a key contributor to Elanco’s global Packaging Development team, collaborating with colleagues across Indianapolis, Switzerland, and Germany. You will lead the development and implementation of packaging solutions for development-stage products across small molecule, biopharma, and vaccine portfolios. Your work will directly support Elanco’s global product development pipeline, advancing technology platform goals and ensuring high-quality packaging solutions from early development through commercial scale-up.
Your Responsibilities
- Lead the design and implementation of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging from early development through CT material supply, registration and commercial readiness.
- Serve as the packaging Subject Matter Expert across multidisciplinary project teams, with emphasis on parenteral and sterile packaging.
- Partner with R&D and Manufacturing to evaluate feasibility, processability, and seamless transfer of packaging solutions into commercial production.
- Plan and execute packaging studies, machine trials, data evaluation, conclusions, and documentation, including authoring regulatory submission components.
- Scout innovative materials, technologies, and suppliers to strengthen packaging strategies and drive creative, compliant, and efficient solutions.
- Author packaging registration documents and interact with our registration team as appropriate.
What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications)
Education: Master’s degree in Packaging Technology or related discipline, or equivalent experience.
Experience: Minimum of 5 years in pharmaceutical drug product development with extensive exposure to parenteral packaging and associated regulatory expectations.
- Strong technical expertise in packaging development, packaging materials, and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate cross-functionally with global teams and external partners.
- Familiarity with GMP principles, standards, and regulatory frameworks.
What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (preferred qualifications)
- Experience supporting biopharma and vaccine product portfolios.
- Hands-on experience with sterile manufacturing environments and container closure integrity (CCI) principles.
- Prior experience authoring or supporting regulatory submissions for packaging.
- Demonstrated ability to innovate within packaging development.
- Proven ability to manage multiple global projects with adaptability and learning agility.
Additional Information
Travel: 10–20% annually
Location: Global Elanco Headquarters – Indianapolis, IN – Hybrid Work Environment