JobsSenior Scientist, Upstream Process Development (Mammalian Cell Culture)
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Senior Scientist, Upstream Process Development (Mammalian Cell Culture)

Elanco

Location

Indianapolis, IN

Type

Full-time

Posted

10/1/2026

Compensation

Not listed

Undergraduate with 5+ Years of Experience
H-1B FY2026100% approval+3% YoY
○ Occasional sponsor

Job description

The Upstream Senior Research Scientist at Elanco will be a key technical leader in the Technical Development organization, focusing on advancing the biologics portfolio, including monoclonal antibodies and vaccines. This role involves leading the design, optimization, and scaling of mammalian cell culture processes. The scientist will collaborate with cross-functional teams to shape the future of upstream platforms and contribute to the development of next-generation therapies. The position emphasizes innovation and the application of scientific principles to enhance animal health solutions.

Requirements

  • PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related scientific field; OR a Master's degree with 3+ years of relevant experience; OR a Bachelor's degree with 5+ years of relevant experience.
  • Hands-on experience in upstream process development for mammalian cell culture, including direct experience with bioreactor operations at the bench or pilot scale.
  • Demonstrated ability to apply scientific principles to solve process development challenges.
  • Foundational knowledge of experimental design, data analysis, and process scale-up principles.

Responsibilities

  • Lead upstream process development for mammalian cell culture systems, including bioreactor optimization and scale-up from bench to pilot scale.
  • Design and execute experiments utilizing Design of Experiments methodologies to enhance cell culture performance and product yield.
  • Drive the development of new upstream platforms, including the formulation and optimization of novel basal and feed media.
  • Lead the technology transfer of upstream processes to manufacturing sites, ensuring process scalability and authoring technical documents.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams and provide technical mentorship to junior scientists to advance biologics production.

Benefits

  • Employees at Elanco are often offered competitive compensation with annual bonus and equity eligibility, retirement plans (including a U.S. 401(k)), and comprehensive health coverage—medical, dental, vision, company-paid life and disability—and even pet insurance. Time-off and flexibility typically include generous PTO, U.S. mid-year and year-end paid shutdown weeks, parental leave, and flexible/remote work options. Employees also benefit from strong development programs (onboarding, course libraries, mentorship, nine ERGs, and tiered leadership programs) that support both professional growth and community involvement.

H-1B filing history

Public USCIS petition and DOL LCA counts · latest USCIS FY2026, LCA FY2026

Combined across 2 filing entities: Elanco Us Inc, Elanco Animal Health Inc

As of Aug 23, 2026

Initial approvals

4

FY2026

Approval rate

100.0%

FY2026

LCA certified

12

FY2026

Entry-level share

0.0%

FY2026

Initial approvals YoY

+3%

Trend

LCA certified YoY

-25%

Trend

Initial approvals by fiscal year

Approval rate by fiscal year

Continuing vs initial approvals

LCA certified positions by quarter

LCA certified positions by fiscal year

Based on public USCIS and DOL filings; not a sponsorship guarantee.

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