Senior Scientist MS&T (m/f/d) - Pharma

About the role

Join Elanco as a Senior Scientist MS&T in Technical Services / Manufacturing Science to act as the bridge between Research & Development (R&D) and commercial vaccine manufacturing.

The role is based at Lohmann Animal Health GmbH in Cuxhaven, part of Elanco; the team ensures manufacturing processes are robust, validated, and state-of-the-art to guarantee a continuous supply of high-quality vaccines, with more than 50 years of poultry vaccine production experience and exports to over 70 countries.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire diverse cross-functional teams (Production, Quality Assurance, Engineering) to achieve project milestones through influence and collaboration.
• Drive the seamless transfer and scale-up of vaccine manufacturing processes from pilot to industrial level, ensuring alignment with GMP and pharmaceutical regulatory frameworks.
• Leverage complex data analysis to optimize equipment utilization and inform strategic staffing requirements.
• Champion continuous improvement by implementing operational standards, managing critical deviations, and leading Root Cause Investigations (RCI) and CAPA processes.
• Maintain the validated state of manufacturing processes and lead technical risk assessments (e.g., FMEA) to ensure robust business continuity and high-quality outcomes.
• Execute the technical implementation of secondary suppliers, ensuring full compliance with internal and external quality and regulatory requirements.
• Act as a key technical consultant for cross-functional departments to develop and maintain scalable, cost-effective, and safe production processes.
• Represent technical site functions during regulatory inspections and lead expert discussions with auditors.
• Synthesize complex technical challenges into clear, strategic updates for site leadership and global stakeholders.

Requirements

• Required education: University degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Biology, Chemistry, Veterinary Medicine, Biotechnology, or a related life science discipline.
• Required experience: At least 5 years of professional experience in a pharmaceutical environment, specifically within pharmaceutical production.
• Familiarity with Global Quality Standards (FDA, EU-GMP) and a solid understanding of aseptic processes.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in German and English; effective communication in multicultural settings.
• Strong analytical capabilities and proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word); experience with statistical software (e.g., JMP) is highly desirable.

Preferred qualifications

• Strategic thinking: ability to develop and implement long-term strategies aligned with business goals.
• Conflict resolution: ability to resolve conflicts and foster a positive team environment.
• Change management: experience leading and managing change within teams and across departments.
• Continuous improvement mindset: proactive in identifying and implementing process improvements.
• Cross-functional collaboration: proven ability to work with Production, R&D, Quality Assurance, and Supply Chain.
• Adaptability and flexibility: ability to respond effectively to changing priorities and demands.
• Problem-solving and decision-making: demonstrated ability to analyze complex situations and make sound decisions.

Skills

• Data analysis and IT: strong analytical skills, MS Office (Excel, Word) proficiency, and desirable experience with statistical software such as JMP.
• Quality and compliance: familiarity with FDA and EU-GMP standards and aseptic processes.
• Languages: excellent written and spoken German and English.

Work arrangement

Role based at Lohmann Animal Health GmbH in Cuxhaven; position serves as the technical bridge between R&D and commercial manufacturing.

Compensation

Competitive compensation: an attractive salary package and participation in the company's bonus scheme.

Benefits

• Autonomy and growth: room for personal initiative and independent action within a modern, growing global pharmaceutical company.
• Career development: access to an internal global career network with development and training opportunities.
• Dynamic environment: work in a diverse environment where your contribution directly impacts animal health worldwide.

Company context

Elanco is a global leader in animal health that develops and markets products and services to prevent and treat diseases in pets and livestock and is driven by the vision 'Food and Companionship Enriching Life' and the purpose to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.

Elanco states it fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment, values new ways of thinking, and offers opportunities to work with dynamic colleagues to improve the lives of animals.

Lohmann Animal Health GmbH in Cuxhaven is part of Elanco and has specialised in poultry vaccine production for more than 50 years, exporting to over 70 countries.

Relevant source disclaimer

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of the listed protected characteristics; Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of the recruitment process, these tools do not make hiring decisions and all decisions involve a human reviewer; for more information see the Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.