R&D Intern – Laboratory Role (Summer 2026) (Biotech)
At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) – it all starts with animals!
As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation 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 - Greenfield, 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 18th – August 7th (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
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
