Senior Scientist - Reagent Design

Idexx • Westbrook, ID

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Scientist - Reagent Design performs a broad range of scientific activities spanning research, new product development (NPD), reagent manufacture, process transfer, and product support. Working within a technically focused R&D team, this role combines bench-level experimental rigor with cross-functional collaboration to advance veterinary diagnostic products from concept into production. The Senior Scientist will leverage their background in chemistry and biochemistry to plan and execute experiments ranging from coatings and conjugations to synthesis and rigorous analytical characterizations. A successful candidate is expected to have familiarity with data analysis and project management tools and concepts. Reagent Design spans a range of reagent modalities from small molecules and peptides to oligonucleotides, antibody conjugates, and functionalized particles. The Senior Scientist, Reagent Design will balance technical knowledge with people and project management skills to drive the right work forward the first time. This is an on-site role to be based out of our Westbrook, ME corporate Headquarters. Why this role matters: As a Senior Scientist in Reagent Design, you are the technical architect bridging the gap between innovative research and commercial reality. As a Senior Scientist, you won’t just work on one isolated phase of product development; you will be the vital link that transforms breakthrough scientific concepts into robust, manufacturable veterinary diagnostics. By mastering a diverse portfolio of modalities, from small molecules and oligonucleotides to advanced functionalized particles and characterization techniques, your technical rigor and cross-functional leadership will directly ensure our diagnostic assay reagents enable products that are precise, reproducible, and ready to improve animal health outcomes worldwide.

Requirements

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or equivalent combination of education and experience in organic chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, analytical chemistry, or related field is required with 0-3 years of industrial experience.
• PhD in organic chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, analytical chemistry, or related field with 0-3 years of relevant industry experience; or Master's degree in above disciplines with 8+ years of relevant industry experience; or Bachelor’s Degree 10+ years industry experience in IVD, diagnostics, or related product development environment.
• Demonstrated hands-on laboratory experience in protein biochemistry, immunoassay development, or related reagent sciences is required.
• Proven ability to independently design experiments, analyze data, and communicate results in written and oral formats is required.
• Strong problem-solving skills; ability to take new perspectives on existing solutions and address complex, non-routine challenges.
• Strong data analysis experience, familiarity with 6 Sigma and similar methodologies, proficient in the use of statistical analysis tools such as JMP.
• Strong project management experience and proficiency with project management tools.
• Strong written communication skills; experience generating technical reports and SOPs.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with conjugation chemistry, antibody/antigen production, biologics characterization, bio-conjugate purification, and/or functionalized particle preparation and characterization is preferred.
• Familiarity with regulated product development environments and associated documentation requirements is preferred.
• Experience with veterinary diagnostics or animal health product development is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to support new reagent development, including hypothesis generation, experimental execution, data analysis, and results reporting.
• Contribute to multi-disciplinary NPD project teams, applying deep scientific expertise to define and solve complex technical problems.
• Develop and refine assay components, including reagent characterization, reagent production, conjugation chemistry, and particle preparation.
• Learn and apply IDEXX NPD processes, including document creation and management.
• Provide technical solutions to NPD challenges; generate written reports and summaries autonomously.
• Prepare solutions and reagents; execute standard laboratory protocols with consistency and accuracy.
• Perform scientific procedures which may include bio-conjugations, conjugate purifications, particle functionalization, raw material qualification, reagent design verification, and analytical method development for reagents.
• Apply advanced scientific knowledge to analyze and interpret complex or ambiguous data sets and make evidence-based recommendations.
• Lead reagent design risk assessments.
• Document reagent process flows and transfer knowledge to Process Development teams including materials used in design assessments, training plans, process maps, function diagrams, analytical methods, design decision rationales.
• Support the development, maintenance, improvement, and mechanistic understanding of existing products and reagent production processes. Provide troubleshooting and root cause analysis as required.
• Provide technical answers to product support problems and participate in investigations involving field or manufacturing issues.
• Communicate results and technical findings clearly to colleagues, cross-functional teams, and executive management via written reports and verbal presentations.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and basic mentoring to junior scientific staff; may supervise others.
• Lead project teams and project programs that may span multiple scientific disciplines within the R&D organization.
• Build and leverage a network of internal and external scientific contacts to inform work and drive solutions.

Benefits

• Salary range starting at $105,000 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: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree