R&D PCR Assay Development Scientist

IDEXX • Westbrook, ME

6d • $83,000

About The Position

As an R&D PCR Assay Development Scientist, you will join our cross‑functional research and development team focused on designing, developing, and optimizing molecular diagnostic PCR assays that support our product pipeline. You will perform experiments, analyze data, and contribute scientific insight to drive technical decision‑making. The successful candidate will bring strong molecular biology expertise, sound judgment, and a collaborative mindset, thriving in a fast‑paced, discovery‑oriented environment. What will you do? Prepare materials, design and perform experiments, generate data, carry out analysis, and reach scientifically supported conclusions. Meticulously document experiments and laboratory activities; prepare written reports, summaries, and presentations of results and recommendations. Participate on and occasionally lead project teams, including organizing, planning, and coordinating activities. Collaborate cross‑functionally with colleagues in related technical areas to exchange information, support workflows, and ensure efficient and compliant processes. Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of products, procedures, industry developments, and regulatory expectations; follow approved laboratory practices and applicable regulations. Apply advanced knowledge to interpret complex data sets, troubleshoot experiments, and contribute to PCR assay design, optimization, and validation. Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to enhance processes, procedures, or experimental approaches. What do you need to succeed? Master’s degree in molecular biology or a related life science required with 5-7 years of industrial experience in assay development. Technical, hands‑on experience with PCR and molecular biology, including assay design and development. Strong working knowledge of standard laboratory equipment used in PCR workflows. Demonstrated analytical and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to troubleshoot complex data and experimental outcomes. Excellent communication skills—both written and oral—with the ability to clearly translate scientific concepts to diverse audiences. Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams. Strong organizational skills, ability to plan work effectively, and attention to detail. Demonstrated initiative, accountability, and adaptability in dynamic research environments. Ability to work well under pressure and manage deadlines. Comfortable working in a laboratory environment with standard physical demands, including standing, pipetting, and occasional lifting. What you can expect from us: Salary range starting at $83,000 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 If you’re looking for a role that’ll challenge you, offer a variety of work and learning, while helping an amazing industry, we’d love to hear from you! Why IDEXX? We’re proud of the work we do, because our work matters. An innovation leader in every industry we serve, 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 is one that 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 has 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. Let’s pursue what matters together. 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. #LI-CAG An innovation leader in every industry we serve, IDEXX follows its Purpose and Guiding Principles to help pet owners worldwide keep their companion animals healthy and happy, ensure safe drinking water for billions, and to help farmers protect livestock and poultry from disease. We have customers in over 175 countries and a global workforce of over 10,000 talented people. Approximately one-third of our team is located outside the United States.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in molecular biology or a related life science required with 5-7 years of industrial experience in assay development.
• Technical, hands‑on experience with PCR and molecular biology, including assay design and development.
• Strong working knowledge of standard laboratory equipment used in PCR workflows.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to troubleshoot complex data and experimental outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills—both written and oral—with the ability to clearly translate scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to plan work effectively, and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated initiative, accountability, and adaptability in dynamic research environments.
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage deadlines.
• Comfortable working in a laboratory environment with standard physical demands, including standing, pipetting, and occasional lifting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare materials, design and perform experiments, generate data, carry out analysis, and reach scientifically supported conclusions.
• Meticulously document experiments and laboratory activities; prepare written reports, summaries, and presentations of results and recommendations.
• Participate on and occasionally lead project teams, including organizing, planning, and coordinating activities.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with colleagues in related technical areas to exchange information, support workflows, and ensure efficient and compliant processes.
• Maintain up‑to-date knowledge of products, procedures, industry developments, and regulatory expectations; follow approved laboratory practices and applicable regulations.
• Apply advanced knowledge to interpret complex data sets, troubleshoot experiments, and contribute to PCR assay design, optimization, and validation.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to enhance processes, procedures, or experimental approaches.

Benefits

• Salary range starting at $83,000 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