Senior Scientist Molecular Assay Development

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

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end PCR and digital PCR assay development, from design through analytical validation, ensuring high-quality, reproducible data for internal stakeholders.
• Design and execute PCR-based assay strategies — including qPCR, digital PCR, and multiplex approaches — to support Discovery research and molecular diagnostic goals.
• 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.
• Collaborate with bioinformatics on analyzed NGS data to design PCR assays.
• Serve as a key technical collaborator with product development teams, defining data standards, QC thresholds, and result interpretation for downstream decision-making.
• Analyze and interpret quantitative PCR/dPCR data, applying sound statistical and analytical approaches to support assay performance claims.
• Author and maintain SOPs, technical reports, and experimental summaries with the rigor expected in a regulated R&D environment.
• Evaluate emerging PCR and digital PCR technologies and reagent chemistries — building internal validation frameworks and presenting findings to scientific leadership with clear recommendations.
• Present data, technical strategies, and project updates to diverse audiences, including project teams and leadership.
• Ensure full compliance with IDEXX safety, ethical conduct, and materials handling standards in all laboratory activities.

Requirements

• 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.
• Hands-on proficiency in PCR-based assay design and development, including primer/probe design, assay optimization, and analytical validation (sensitivity, specificity, precision, and robustness).
• Expertise with digital PCR platforms, including instrument operation and application of absolute quantification principles to assay development.
• 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.
• Strong quantitative data analysis skills, with the ability to independently analyze, interpret, and troubleshoot PCR/dPCR datasets and translate results into clear scientific conclusions.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Benefits

• Competitive base salary starting at $110,000, flexible based on experience
• Opportunity for annual cash bonus
• Health, dental, and vision benefits
• Day-one 5% matching 401k
• Financial support, pet insurance, mental health resources, volunteer paid days off, employee stock program, foundation donation matching, and more

About the Location

If you’re considering 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 in the area, creating a vibrant work culture. Learn more on the Portland tourism website.