R&D Intern - Laboratory Role (Summer 2025)

Company Overview:

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) – it all starts with animals! 

As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovating and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. We’re driven by our vision of ‘Food and Companionship Enriching Life’ and our approach to sustainability – the Elanco Healthy Purpose™ – to advance the health of animals, people, the planet and our enterprise.

At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you’ll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights. 

Making animals’ lives better makes life better – join our team today!

Your Role: R&D Intern – Laboratory Role

As an R&D Intern working in Elanco’s labs, you will be executing hands on experiments in areas such as chemistry and analytics, pharmaceutical science, cell culture, molecular biology, protein sciences, or immunology to deliver on projects aimed at directly impacting our Research and Development pipelines. 

Your Responsibilities: 

• Executing experiments in an R&D lab and demonstrating an understanding of resulting data
• Performing independent laboratory work
• Managing regular check-ins and reporting/presenting work to your direct supervisor
• Providing recommendations on experiment, instrumentation, or process improvements
• Working within cross-functional teams to implement project outcomes

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):

• Education: Currently enrolled in a STEM field such as chemistry, biology, biochemistry, chemical engineering, pharmaceutical science, molecular biology, animal science, or other related fields
  • Degree: This role is open to students pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, or professional degree (e.g., DVM, PharmD, etc.)
• General experience with hands-on experiments through coursework or independent research
• Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel experience
• Scientific curiosity and a desire to innovate
• Highly self-motivated, demonstrated learning agility, and critical thinking

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):

• One semester or more of undergraduate or graduate research experience in a STEM lab
• Experience working with statistical software or data management tools
• Ability to work exceptionally well independently and with minimal supervision
• Have an interest in wanting to make a difference for pets, sustainability, veterinary medicine, or data-driven approaches
• Strong communication, interpersonal skills, speaking, and presentation skills
• Ability to make decisions within the context of uncertainty and ambiguity
• Strong organizational and time management skills

Additional Information: 

• Travel:  0%
• Locations:
  • Global Elanco Headquarters - Indianapolis, IN – 100% On-site
  • Fort Dodge, IA – 100% On-site

Our Internship Program

Our internship program is designed to provide students with experiences! Internships are project based and comprised of business-critical needs. All interns have the opportunity to significantly impact Elanco’s success over the summer and kickstart a career that counts. 

• Internship Dates: May 19th – August 8th (12 Weeks)
• Competitive salary: $20-$40/hour (dependent upon major and year in school)
• Networking events
• Assigned mentors
• Professional development opportunities
• Optional all-inclusive housing for $150 per week or a $4000 housing stipend (ONLY for Sales and Kansas City/Elwood interns)
• Full time roles or additional internships for interns with outstanding performance

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles! 

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.