Discovery Scientist

MMQCI-Maine Molecular Quality Controls Inc.; Saco (ME); On-site; USD 75,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) retirement savings plan

Company profit sharing program

Paid time off

Parental Leave

Job summary

MMQCI-Maine Molecular Quality Controls Inc. in Maine is seeking a Discovery Scientist to drive discovery, design, and development of new capabilities for molecular diagnostic quality control products.

The role emphasizes rapid experimentation, entrepreneurial spirit, and collaboration with cross-functional teams. You will lead discovery efforts, design rapid experiments, stay ahead of technologies, and engage with external peers and industry leaders to turn ideas into reality in a fast-moving,

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry with biochemistry or molecular biology coursework preferred.
• 7+ years lab experience; 1-2 years in a commercial/industrial lab.
• Energetic, inquisitive, eager to learn.
• Strong problem-solving and data analysis skills.
• Knowledge of emerging tools and techniques in the field.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques (cloning, sequencing, qPCR/dPCR) is a plus.
• Excellent written and oral communication.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally.
• Able to multitask in a fast-changing small company.
• Knowledge of cGMP or ISO regs is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead scientific discovery efforts to identify novel approaches for QC products in diagnostics.
• Design and execute rapid experiments to test ideas and pivot quickly.
• Stay ahead of emerging technologies and trends in molecular diagnostics.
• Collaborate across R&D, Manufacturing, Regulatory, and Commercial teams.
• Engage with key opinion leaders and attend industry conferences.
• Contribute to a fast-moving, high-energy culture encouraging curiosity and learning from failure.

Skills

Energetic mindset

Problem solving

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Multitasking

Adaptability

Education

PhD in Chemistry

Tools

Cloning

Sequencing

qPCR/dPCR

Job description

As a Discovery Scientist at MMQCI, you will do independent research toward discovery, design, and development of new capabilities for molecular diagnostic quality control products. Are you an energetic, bold, entrepreneurial scientist eager to drive groundbreaking discoveries in molecular diagnostics? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where rapid experimentation and creative problem-solving are the norm? If you're excited by the challenge of shaping the future of molecular diagnostic quality controls, we want you on our team.

What You Will Get to Do

The Discovery Scientist reports directly to the Manager of Discovery and will be responsible for creating and overseeing discovery projects. With the Discovery Scientist’s in-depth educational foundation in Chemistry, they will serve as a scientific resource and collaborator with the Manager of Discovery, Manager of R&D, and the R&D group. The successful candidate will be an experienced scientist with an energetic, entrepreneurial spirit who enjoys performing a variety of tasks at a fast pace and has a history of success and collaboration.

This is not a typical R&D role. We’re looking for a skilled scientist with an entrepreneurial inventive mindset, someone who can think big, move fast, and embrace the unknown, someone who loves a technical challenge. You will design and execute rapid proof‑of‑concept experiments, identify new technologies, and product opportunities, solve problems and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to turn ideas into reality.

The Discovery Scientist will:

• Lead scientific discovery efforts to identify novel approaches for quality control products in diagnostics.
• Design and execute rapid experiments to test ideas, learn quickly, and pivot as needed—fail fast, refine, and move forward.
• Stay ahead of emerging technologies and molecular diagnostic trends to uncover new opportunities.
• Collaborate across teams (R&D, Manufacturing, Regulatory, and Commercial) to bring innovative ideas from concept to reality.
• Engage with key opinion leaders and attend industry conferences to ensure our discoveries align with cutting‑edge science.
• Contribute to a fast‑moving, high‑energy culture where creativity, risk‑taking, and learning from failure are encouraged.

Required Skills & Experience

• Ph.D. in Chemistry ( some coursework in biochemistry or molecular biology is preferred)
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant technical laboratory experience (e.g., biomaterials, polymer chemistry, protein chemistry, analytical chemistry, bioengineering, nanomaterials/nanoparticles, synthetic biology, etc.), with 1-2 years in a commercial/industrial laboratory
• Demonstrates high energy, inquisitiveness and eagerness to learn
• Strong problem‑solving skills. Creative problem solving by applying novel approaches or considering solutions from alternative disciplines
• Strong data analysis and troubleshooting skills
• Interest and up‑to‑date knowledge of innovative tools and techniques in the candidate’s area of expertise
• Experience and/or interest in molecular biology techniques used in MMQCI’s product development and manufacturing, including cloning, sequencing, and qPCR/dPCR is a plus
• Excellent communication, written and oral
• Proven ability to work with cross functional teams collaboratively and diplomatically
• Ability to multitask and manage multiple priorities
• Flexible; accustomed to fast‑changing priorities of a small company
• Knowledge of cGMP or ISO regulations and understanding of the importance of regulations in product development is a plus

Why You'll Love Working Here

• You will learn rapidly by working closely with other senior Scientists on cutting‑edge molecular projects
• You will contribute to the development of useful products and technologies that impact molecular diagnostics and patient care
• You will join a collaborative, energetic team that values curiosity, initiative, and scientific rigor

Benefits We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Company profit sharing program
• Paid time off: including vacation, holidays, and sick leave
• Paid Parental Leave Program

The pay range for this position is $75,000-$122,000 annually

Get to know the MMQCI team! https://www.mmqci.com/about/employee-spotlight/employee-spotlight.html

Maine Molecular Quality Controls, Inc. (MMQCI) designs, develops, manufactures, and sells unique quality control products used by hospital laboratories and manufacturers to monitor the accuracy of tests for genetic, oncologic and infectious diseases, and pharmacogenetics. MMQCI has proprietary technologies to stabilize DNA and RNA for use as quality controls and continues to pursue the discovery of novel techniques useful for the development of new quality control products.

MMQCI is conveniently located in beautiful southern coastal Maine, minutes from the Maine Turnpike, Portland International Jetport, and less than 2 hours from Boston. Close by are fabulous Portland restaurants, sandy beaches, and a plentiful supply of Maine lobsters! Many terrific outdoor activities are easily accessible including hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, skiing and snowshoeing. We’re in a state‑of‑the‑art facility, located in Saco, right next to the Eastern Trail. Come join us.