Reagent Design Scientist

IDEXX•Westbrook, ME

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Reagent Design Scientist performs a broad range of hands-on scientific activities spanning research, new product development (NPD), reagent manufacture, and product support. Working within a technically focused R&D team, this role centers on peptide synthesis, with the flexibility to contribute to chemical synthesis, conjugation chemistry, and fluorophore labeling as project needs evolve. This scientist will apply their background in chemistry and biochemistry to plan and execute peptide synthesis and purification with rigorous analytical characterization, supporting the advancement of veterinary diagnostic products from concept toward production. This scientist is expected to build familiarity with data analysis tools and IDEXX NPD processes. Reagent design spans a range of reagent modalities from small molecules and peptides to oligonucleotides, antibody conjugates, and functionalized particles. The Reagent Design Scientist will pair sound experimental technique with growing scientific judgment to help drive the right work forward the first time. Why this role matters: As a Reagent Design Scientist, you help turn innovative research into robust, manufacturable veterinary diagnostics. Your bench-level rigor in peptide synthesis, together with chemical synthesis, conjugation, purification, and analytical characterization, directly supports diagnostic assay reagents that are precise, reproducible, and ready to improve animal health outcomes worldwide. You will develop deep expertise while collaborating closely with an experienced, cross-functional team.

Requirements

A degree in organic chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field is required. Master's degree with 0–2 years of industrial experience, OR Bachelor's degree with 4-6 years of experience.
Hands-on laboratory experience in chemical synthesis, peptide synthesis, conjugation, purification, and analysis is required.
Experience with common laboratory and analytical instrumentation used to synthesize, purify, and characterize reagents, including HPLC, LC-MS, UV-Vis, and related techniques is a must.
Ability to document experiments and results in a clear, concise manner and to communicate findings in written and oral formats.
Ability to execute experiments independently, analyze data, and draw sound conclusions.
Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and disciplined laboratory documentation.

Nice To Haves

Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) and broader peptide synthesis experience is preferred.
Fluorescent dye chemistry and relevant analytical techniques is preferred.
Bioconjugation chemistry, including small-molecule and biomolecule conjugation is preferred.
Industry experience in IVD, diagnostics, or a related regulated product development environment is preferred.
Experience with veterinary diagnostics or animal health product development is a plus.
Familiarity with data analysis tools and statistical software (e.g., JMP).
Strong written communication skills, including experience generating technical reports and SOPs.

Responsibilities

Design and execute experiments to advance new reagent development, with a primary focus on solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS).
Purify and characterize synthetic products and conjugates using a range of chromatographic, spectroscopic, and other analytical techniques, and develop analytical methods for reagent characterization.
Prepare solutions and reagents and execute standard laboratory protocols with consistency and accuracy.
Document experiments and results clearly and concisely and communicate findings to colleagues and cross-functional teams through written reports and verbal presentations.
Contribute to multi-disciplinary NPD project teams, applying scientific expertise to help define and solve technical problems.
Analyze and interpret experimental data and make evidence-based recommendations, escalating complex or ambiguous findings as appropriate.
Learn and apply IDEXX New Product Development processes, including document creation and management.
Support the maintenance, improvement, and mechanistic understanding of existing reagents and production processes, contributing to troubleshooting and root-cause analysis as needed.
Document experimental work and contribute materials that support reagent process flows and knowledge transfer to Process Development teams.