Senior Scientist - Reagent Design

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.

In this role:

• You will design and execute experiments to support new reagent development, including hypothesis generation, experimental execution, data analysis, and results reporting.

• You will contribute to multi-disciplinary NPD project teams, applying deep scientific expertise to define and solve complex technical problems.

• You will develop and refine assay components, including reagent characterization, reagent production, conjugation chemistry, and particle preparation.

• You will learn and apply IDEXX NPD processes, including document creation and management.

• You will provide technical solutions to NPD challenges; generate written reports and summaries autonomously.

• You will prepare solutions and reagents; execute standard laboratory protocols with consistency and accuracy

• You will perform scientific procedures which may include bio-conjugations, conjugate purifications, particle functionalization, raw material qualification, reagent design verification, and analytical method development for reagents.

• You will apply advanced scientific knowledge to analyze and interpret complex or ambiguous data sets and make evidence-based recommendations.

• You will lead reagent design risk assessments

• You will 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.

• You will support the development, maintenance, improvement, and mechanistic understanding of existing products and reagent production processes. Provide troubleshooting and root cause analysis as required.

• You will provide technical answers to product support problems and participate in investigations involving field or manufacturing issues.

• You will communicate results and technical findings clearly to colleagues, cross-functional teams, and executive management via written reports and verbal presentations.

• You will provide guidance, coaching, and basic mentoring to junior scientific staff; may supervise others.

• You will lead project teams and project programs that may span multiple scientific disciplines within the R&D organization.

• You will build and leverage a network of internal and external scientific contacts to inform work and drive solutions.

What you need to succeed:

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

What you can expect from us:

• 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

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 since 1983, 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 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.

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 prohibitedby local, state, or federal laws.

While we appreciate our staffing partners, we are unable to accept unsolicited agency resumes.

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