Senior Scientist I

Molecular Designs, LLC; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Molecular Designs is seeking a hands‑on molecular biologist to join the Birmingham, AL team as a scientist focused on RT‑qPCR/qPCR assay optimization for infectious disease applications. The role emphasizes assay-level design, performance improvements, and robust analytical validation.

The ideal candidate will contribute from primer/probe design through analytical validation, with experience in master mix formulation considered a plus, and will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure

Qualifications

• Design and optimize RT-qPCR/qPCR assays for infectious disease diagnostics.
• Lead analytical validation studies (LoD, specificity, cross-reactivity, precision, linearity).
• Ensure studies comply with regulatory/ISO requirements.
• Mentor junior scientists and present findings to stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize primers and probes for multiplex real‑time PCR assays.
• Troubleshoot assay performance issues (amplification efficiency, non‑specific amplification, cross‑reactivity).
• Lead analytical validation studies (LoD, specificity, precision, linearity, interference).
• Ensure regulatory/ISO compliance across workflows.
• Mentor team members and review experimental design and data interpretation.
• Present findings to internal stakeholders and partners.

Skills

Primer/probe design

qPCR optimization

Analytical validation

Troubleshooting

Regulatory compliance

Mentoring

Data interpretation

Education

Four-year degree in basic sciences

Tools

Master mix formulation

Job description

Molecular Designs- PP - Birmingham, AL 35243

Overview

Level

Experienced

Position Type

Full Time

Job Shift

Day

4 Year Degree

Travel Percentage

Category

Biotech

Description

Molecular Designs is a team of doctors and scientists working to advance molecular diagnostics.
Our founding physicians entered the molecular diagnostics market focused on the most common pathogens that impact the population making products that are cost‑effective, reduce waste, and are easy‑to‑use.

This scientist role supports the design, refinement, and performance optimization of RT-qPCR/qPCR assays primarily for infectious disease applications. This role is centered on driving assays to best‑in‑class analytical performance such as sensitivity, specificity, robustness, and reproducibility, through rigorous experimentation, root‑cause troubleshooting, and iterative design improvements. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on molecular biologist who thrives on squeezing performance out of an assay and enjoys the full arc from primer/probe design through analytical validation. Experience with master mix or reagent formulation is a valuable plus, but the core focus of this role is assay‑level optimization and design.

Essential Functions

• Develop and optimize primers and probes for multiplex real‑time PCR assays.
• Troubleshoot assay performance issues related to amplification efficiency, non‑specific amplification, and cross‑reactivity.
• Lead analytical validation studies such as: limit of detection (LoD), specificity/cross‑reactivity, precision, linearity, and interference studies.
• Ensure studies are done in compliance with regulatory/ISO requirements.
• Mentor junior scientists and research associates; review experimental design and data interpretation.
• Present findings to internal stakeholders and, as needed, external partners or customers.
• Report out results and data in a clear and concise manner to management.
• Familiarity with formulating PCR/RT‑PCR master mixes or related enzymatic reagent systems (enzyme kinetics, buffer optimization, lyophilization or stabilization chemistry) is a plus.

Qualifications

• Ability to collaborate with a team developing molecular assays for infectious diseases diagnostics on qPCR platforms.
• Knowledge and expertise in molecular assays for infectious disease and drug resistance.
• Ensure projects meet timelines, identify, and remove roadblocks to team success.
• Manage relationships and alignment with internal and external partners.
• Provide assessment of competitive diagnostic comparator assays and help evaluate appropriate comparator assays.
• Manage relationships and alignment with internal and external partners.
• Actively participate as a member of cross‑functional product development teams.
• Drive continuous process improvement.
• Adopt a culture to drive regulatory compliance across the workflow, particularly in the area of new assay formats.

Education Requirements

• Four‑year degree required. Preferably with a focus on basic sciences, such as biology or chemistry.
• Minimum 2–6 years of proven experience.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Must have good eye‑hand coordination for pipetting.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Must be comfortable working with human pathogens.