Senior Scientist Molecular Assay Development

IDEXX; Westbrook (ME); On-site; USD 99,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental/Vision benefits

401k matching

Job summary

IDEXX is seeking a Senior Scientist in Molecular Assay Development to lead design, optimization, and validation of PCR and digital PCR assays within the Genomics group. You will work on protocol development, instrument operation, and delivering high-quality analytical data in a collaborative, regulated R&D environment.

The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, data-driven conclusions, and advancing pet health through molecular diagnostics.

Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genomics, or closely related discipline; equivalent industry experience considered.
• Hands-on PCR/dPCR assay design and development.
• Experience with diagnostic or clinical PCR assay development preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end PCR and digital PCR assay development from design through analytical validation.
• Design and execute PCR-based assay strategies (qPCR, digital PCR, multiplex).
• Lead troubleshooting for assay optimization, run quality outliers, and instrument issues with root-cause analysis.

Skills

PCR design

Digital PCR

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology/Biochemistry/Genomics

Tools

qPCR

Primer/probe design

Job description

As a Senior Scientist in Molecular Assay Development, you will oversee the design, optimization, and validation of PCR and digital PCR assays, including protocol development, instrument operation, and delivery of high-quality analytical data. The Genomics group in Discovery Tech Futures, R&D, is seeking a highly motivated candidate with exceptional PCR-based assay design and development skills and demonstrated experience in molecular diagnostic space. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in developing and troubleshooting PCR-based assays and utilizing digital PCR platforms for sensitive and precise molecular quantification. The successful candidate will be energetic, inquisitive, and excel in a highly collaborative and multi-disciplinary environment. This person will join a team of experienced scientists to support cutting-edge molecular assay development projects, bringing both hands-on technical expertise and strong analytical rigor to help translate assay data into statistically sound, actionable conclusions.

Why This Role Matters

At IDEXX, precise and reliable molecular assays are foundational to advancing pet health diagnostics, and this position sits at the center of that effort. As a Senior Scientist in the Genomics group, you will design and develop the PCR and digital PCR assays that underpin molecular diagnostic innovation across the Discovery pipeline. Your work — from assay design through data analysis — will directly enable accurate, sensitive, and reproducible diagnostics for millions of pets, and the veterinarians and pet owners who depend on them.

In This Role

• You will own end-to-end PCR and digital PCR assay development, from design through analytical validation, ensuring high-quality, reproducible data for internal stakeholders.
• You will design and execute PCR-based assay strategies — including qPCR, digital PCR, and multiplex approaches — to support Discovery research and molecular diagnostic goals.
• You will lead troubleshooting efforts for assay optimization failures, run quality outliers, and instrument issues — documenting root cause analysis and corrective actions in the lab knowledge base.
• You will collaborate with bioinformatics on analyzed NGS data to design PCR assays.
• You will serve as a key technical collaborator with product development teams, defining data standards, QC thresholds, and result interpretation for downstream decision-making.
• You will analyze and interpret quantitative PCR/dPCR data, applying sound statistical and analytical approaches to support assay performance claims.
• You will author and maintain SOPs, technical reports, and experimental summaries with the rigor expected in a regulated R&D environment.
• You will evaluate emerging PCR and digital PCR technologies and reagent chemistries — building internal validation frameworks and presenting findings to scientific leadership with clear recommendations.
• You will present data, technical strategies, and project updates to diverse audiences, including project teams and leadership.
• You will ensure full compliance with IDEXX safety, ethical conduct, and materials handling standards in all laboratory activities.
  
  

What You Need To Succeed

Education

• You have a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genomics, or a closely related discipline. Equivalent experience in an industry molecular assay development role, particularly in diagnostic or clinical PCR assay development, will be considered.
  
  

Preferred

• You have working knowledge of NGS data and outputs, and basic bioinformatics concepts, sufficient to collaborate effectively with bioinformatics on designing PCR assays.
  
  

PCR & Digital PCR Platforms

• You have hands-on proficiency in PCR-based assay design and development, including primer/probe design, assay optimization, and analytical validation (sensitivity, specificity, precision, and robustness).
• You have expertise with digital PCR platforms, including instrument operation and application of absolute quantification principles to assay development.
• You have designed, optimized, and validated PCR-based assays from concept through analytical performance characterization, including primer/probe design, specificity and sensitivity testing, and assay robustness evaluation.
  
  

Data Analysis

• You have strong quantitative data analysis skills, with the ability to independently analyze, interpret, and troubleshoot PCR/dPCR datasets and translate results into clear scientific conclusions.
• You are comfortable owning the full data lifecycle for an assay: generating, analyzing, and interpreting quantitative PCR/dPCR data, and translating it into clear conclusions and recommendations.
  
  

Collaboration & Communication

• You have a track record of working effectively in cross-functional, multi-disciplinary teams, including close collaboration with data analysis, bioinformatics, and product development groups. Excellent written and oral communication skills; comfortable presenting data and technical strategies to scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• You work cross-functionally with genomics, bioinformatics, and product development teams — collaborating closely to align assay performance with downstream product and diagnostic requirements.
• You are comfortable presenting assay data, technical strategies, and project updates to both scientific and cross-functional audiences, including senior leadership, and can communicate quantitative results in a way that supports clear decision-making.
  
  

What You Can Expect From Us

• Competitive Base Salary starting at $110,000, flexible based on experience
• Opportunity for annual cash bonus
• Health / Dental / Vision Benefits Day-One
• 5% matching 401k
• Additional benefits including but not limited to financial support, pet insurance, mental health resources, volunteer paid days off, employee stock program, foundation donation matching, and much more
  
  

Why IDEXX

We’re proud of the work we do, because our work matters. An innovation leader in every industry we serve since 1983, our team members help pet owners worldwide keep their companion animals healthy and happy, ensure safe drinking water for billions, and help farmers protect livestock and poultry from disease.

We have customers in over 175 countries and a collaborative global workforce. Our culture embraces challenges and encourages learning and discovery. At IDEXX, you’ll be supported by competitive compensation, incentives, and benefits while enjoying purposeful work that drives improvement.

Knowing our work makes a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of pets and people is what motivates us every day. If meaningful work and a sense of purpose are at the top of your list, you’ll find it here.

About the job location:

If you’re thinking about relocating for this role, here are a few things to know about living in Maine (often called “Vacationland”). The Westbrook, ME area provides great access to active downtown areas and the outdoors, with the coast and numerous mountains and hiking trails nearby. You’ll also find a number of large companies like ours in the area, creating a vibrant work culture.

You can learn more on the Portland tourism website: https://www.visitportland.com/visit/resources/moving-to-maine/

IDEXX values a diverse workforce and workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

IDEXX is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.

While we appreciate our staffing partners, we are unable to accept unsolicited agency resumes.