Postdoctoral Position, Molecular Virology and Structural Biology @ Elanco Animal Health

September 2, 2020

At Elanco, we advance our vision of food and companionship enriching life
by developing innovative solutions that protect and enhance animal health.
Since 1954, Elanco has been working to empower veterinarians, food
producers, and all those concerned with animal health with the tools needed
to help animals live healthy lives. Healthy animals play a critical role in the
health of people and our planet. Our business is based on innovative animal
health solutions that contribute to healthier animals, and ultimately healthier
people and a healthier environment. We believe that starting with animals
is the key to solving our global health care, food security, and sustainability
challenges. Elanco combines a holistic world view and decades of
experience for a unique perspective in animal health, and its impact on the
world. We bring this to life daily, both through the products and services we
offer and the initiatives that result from our approach to animal health.
Responsibilities The Post Doctoral Scientist is responsible for conducting basic and applied
research as an individual contributor in the Elanco Research Labs and the
Virology Research group. The primary research project will involve
molecular, structural, and functional elucidation of virus attachment and
fusion glycoproteins. This information will be applied to rational design of
viral antigens in order to elicit more potent immune responses to veterinary
infectious diseases. A strong foundation in molecular biology techniques
and structural biology will be required to succeed within the team. The ability
to independently conceptualize and execute experiments, coupled with a
“can do” attitude, is essential.

Key Objectives
and Deliverables

 Design, model, express, and purify proteins of interest, and characterize
them using a variety of biochemical and biophysical techniques
 Determine protein structural information using techniques such as
crystallization, electron microscopy, and Cryo-EM
 Analyze oligomeric protein complexes from biochemical and structural
perspectives
 Perform mutagenesis of protein expression plasmids. Analyze mutation
phenotypes and design follow-up experiments
 Create recombinant viruses and cell lines expressing genes of interest
 Design and build cell and virus-based assays to assess and quantify
protein function
 Participate in cross-functional research teams and effectively
collaborate with other functional groups in the organization
 Enable the timely progression of research projects through the practical
application of scientific expertise which may include planning, protocol
creation, hands-on laboratory work

 Keep abreast of relevant scientific literature/new technologies
/capabilities.
 Proactively search for novel technologies or product opportunities and
establish collaborations and research programs to deliver innovative
technical solutions
 Demonstrates proficiency at data reporting, interpretation, and trending.
 Demonstrates good documentation skills with regard to raw data
recording and protocol authoring

Basic
Qualifications

 PhD degree in virology, immunology, structural biology, molecular
biology or related scientific discipline and/or M.D. or D.V.M.
 This position is not permanent. It is for a fixed duration of two years with
potential to extend annually for up to 4 years.

Additional
Skills/Preferences

  • Broad knowledge of Virology and Molecular Biology principles including molecular cloning, PCR, Gibson Assembly, nucleic acid extraction, purification, & sequence analysis
  • Proficiency with mammalian cell culture
  • Extensive experience with protein biochemistry, including recombinant protein expression and purification and co-immunoprecipitations
  • Experience with structural elucidation of viruses and/or oligomeric protein complexes including crystallography and/or CryoEM
  • Effective oral and written communications skills.
  • High personal ethical and quality standards.
  • Exceptional problem solving and decision-making skills.
  • Must be able to work productively in an interdisciplinary team environment

Additional
Information

Occasional travel (mainly US).
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.
Apply at Elanco.com