R&D Laboratory Intern – Vaccines Technical Development - Fort Dodge, IA (Summer 2027)

Your Role

As an R&D Laboratory Intern at Elanco’s Fort Dodge, IA site, you will contribute directly to our Vaccines Technical Development organization by performing hands-on laboratory work in support of new and existing animal health products. You will own the progress of an innovative project on the Analytical Development Team and work alongside scientists to design and execute experiments, generate and interpret data, and contribute to robust in vitro assay development for companion and/or farm animals.

Your Responsibilities

• Design and execute hands-on experiments in an R&D laboratory following established safety protocols and guidelines.
• Prepare solutions, reagents, media, and test articles. Operate relevant instrumentation. Analyze and interpret experimental data, summarize findings, and propose next steps in collaboration with your supervisor and project team.
• Perform independent laboratory work under appropriate supervision, including troubleshooting and optimizing experimental procedures.
• Provide recommendations on experimental design, instrumentation, or process improvements that may enhance robustness, efficiency, or scalability.
• Participate in regular check-ins, presenting progress and results to your supervisor and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Rigorously document experimental plans, procedures, and results in laboratory notebooks, maintaining high standards and data integrity.
• Present final project results in an oral presentation summarizing your project objectives, methods, results, and key learnings to R&D colleagues and the intern community.

What You Need to Succeed (Minimum Qualifications)

• Currently enrolled in a STEM field such as chemistry, biology, biochemistry, chemical engineering, pharmaceutical science, molecular biology, microbiology, biomedical engineering, or other related fields
• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD
• Students must return to a degree seeking program for the fall semester following the completion of the internship.

Technical Skills and Core Competencies

• Experience with hands-on laboratory work gained through independent research, teaching labs, or prior internship experience.
• Comfort working at the bench (e.g., pipetting, solution preparation, aseptic technique, basic instrumentation) and following written protocols.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint for data organization, analysis, and presentation.
• Scientific curiosity and a desire to innovate. Strong learning agility and willingness to acquire new techniques and concepts quickly.
• Demonstrated critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in team environments and communicate clearly with technical and non-technical colleagues

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Expected graduation date between December 2027 and August 2028 with intention of entering industry following degree completion.
• Sustained performance (>1 semester) in an undergraduate or graduate STEM research laboratory (academic, industry, or prior internship/co-op) with demonstrated technical growth.
• Analytical development skills (chromatography, bioassay, ELISA, etc.), hands-on experience with biologics (proteins, peptides, monoclonal antibodies), mammalian cell culture, molecular biology techniques.
• Familiarity with statistical or data analysis tools (e.g., R, JMP, Python, Minitab, or similar) and/or data management systems.
• Ability to work exceptionally well both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, with appropriate levels of supervision.
• Demonstrated interest in animal health, sustainability, veterinary medicine, or data driven approaches to R&D.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to clearly present scientific results.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced research environment.

Additional Information

• Travel: 0%
• Location: Fort Dodge, IA – 100% On-site