Automated Antibody Engineering Scientist

IDEXX • Westbrook, ME

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Reagent Discovery group in Discovery Tech Futures, R&D, is looking for a motivated Automated Antibody Engineering Scientist to join a team focused on developing high-throughput antibody workflows for the next generation of IDEXX diagnostics. The successful candidate will employ a broad range of molecular biology and biochemistry techniques — from gene design and cloning through antibody generation to provide validated reagents for downstream immunoassay development. The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and collaborative environment. Why This Role Matters: At IDEXX, the ability to rapidly develop high-quality antibody reagents is foundational to advancing pet health diagnostics. The Reagent Discovery team is the critical bridge between biomarker discovery and immunoassay development — and this role sits at the center of that pipeline. As a Scientist II, you will drive the molecular biology and antibody generation workflows that move novel biomarkers from target sequence to validated reagent, directly enabling new diagnostic tools for the veterinarians and pet owners we serve.

Requirements

• A degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or a related discipline
• Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s with 5-7 years’ of relevant laboratory experience, Master's with 3-5 years’ experience of relevant laboratory experience.
• Strong hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques including primer design, PCR, restriction enzyme cloning, Gibson assembly, site-directed mutagenesis, and sequence analysis is a must.
• Experience with recombinant protein or antibody expression in mammalian, insect, or bacterial systems is a must.
• Familiarity with standard protein characterization techniques (e.g., SDS-PAGE, analytical SEC, Western blot, ELISA).
• Familiarity with laboratory automation platforms (e.g., Hamilton, Tecan, Biomek, or similar liquid handling systems).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively toward a unifying set of goals.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are a must.
• Organizational skills and ability to plan and prioritize work across multiple projects are a must.
• Takes initiative and is accountable; detail-oriented and adaptable to shifting priorities.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in protein purification utilizing AKTA FPLC or similar instruments is a plus.
• Experience in antibody discovery platforms such as hybridoma technology, phage display, or single B-cell cloning is a plus.
• Background in immunoassay development or in vitro diagnostics is a plus.
• Working knowledge of binding assay technologies such as BLI or SPR is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute molecular biology workflows for antigen and antibody construct development, including primer design, PCR-based cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, and sequence verification.
• Develop and optimize recombinant expression constructs using mammalian, insect, or bacterial systems to support high-throughput antigen production.
• Devise and execute antibody generation workflows, including platform selection, immunization or display screening, and hit confirmation.
• Perform protein and antibody characterization utilizing standard biochemical techniques including SDS-PAGE, Western blot, ELISA, BLI, and analytical SEC.
• Develop and maintain automated liquid handling protocols to increase throughput and reproducibility across molecular biology and screening workflows.
• Collaborate with LC/MS and genomics teams to evaluate incoming biomarker targets and establish feasible antigen design and production strategies.
• Partner with downstream immunoassay development teams to communicate reagent performance data, define acceptance criteria, and meet delivery milestones.
• Generate clear, concise presentations and communicate progress updates to cross-functional audiences.
• Leverage published literature to identify novel molecular biology, antibody generation, and expression technologies applicable to the Reagent Discovery pipeline.
• Document experiments and maintain accurate electronic records.
• Adheres to appropriate safety procedures and regulatory requirements.

Benefits

• Salary range starting at $90,000 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree