Hiring: Senior Scientist Molecular Assay Development Company: IDEXX Location: Westbrook, ME Job Posted Time: 2026-09-10 10:35:29 Target Skills & Keywords : R About the job Required Skills: •Own end-to-end PCR and digital PCR assay development, from design through analytical validation, ensuring high-quality, reproducible data for internal stakeholders. •Design and execute PCR-based assay strategies — including qPCR, digital PCR, and multiplex approaches — to support Discovery research and molecular diagnostic goals. •Lead troubleshooting efforts for assay optimization failures, run quality outliers, and instrument issues — documenting root cause analysis and corrective actions in the lab knowledge base. •Collaborate with bioinformatics on analyzed NGS data to design PCR assays. •Serve as a key technical collaborator with product development teams, defining data standards, QC thresholds, and result interpretation for downstream decision-making. •Analyze and interpret quantitative PCR/dPCR data, applying sound statistical and analytical approaches to support assay performance claims. •Author and maintain SOPs, technical reports, and experimental summaries with the rigor expected in a regulated R&D environment. •Evaluate emerging PCR and digital PCR technologies and reagent chemistries — building internal validation frameworks and presenting findings to scientific leadership with clear recommendations. Qualifications: •You have a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genomics, or a closely related discipline. Equivalent experience in an industry molecular assay development role, particularly in diagnostic or clinical PCR assay development, will be considered. •You have working knowledge of NGS data and outputs, and basic bioinformatics concepts, sufficient to collaborate effectively with bioinformatics on designing PCR assays. •You have hands-on proficiency in PCR-based assay design and development, including primer/probe design, assay optimization, and analytical validation (sensitivity, specificity, precision, and robustness). •You have expertise with digital PCR platforms, including instrument operation and application of absolute quantification principles to assay development. •You have designed, optimized, and validated PCR-based assays from concept through analytical performance characterization, including primer/probe design, specificity and sensitivity testing, and assay robustness evaluation. •You have strong quantitative data analysis skills, with the ability to independently analyze, interpret, and troubleshoot PCR/dPCR datasets and translate results into clear scientific conclusions. •You are comfortable owning the full data lifecycle for an assay: generating, analyzing, and interpreting quantitative PCR/dPCR data, and translating it into clear conclusions and recommendations. •You have a track record of working effectively in cross-functional, multi-disciplinary teams, including close collaboration with data analysis, bioinformatics, and product development groups. Excellent written and oral communication skills; comfortable presenting data and technical strategies to scientific and non-scientific audiences. •You work cross-functionally with genomics, bioinformatics, and product development teams — collaborating closely to align assay performance with downstream product and diagnostic requirements. •You are comfortable presenting assay data, technical strategies, and project updates to both scientific and cross-functional audiences, including senior leadership, and can communicate quantitative results in a way that supports clear decision-making. Compensation: •Opportunity for annual cash bonus Interested candidates, please apply directly through the job posting on company's career page or try via AI auto apply on this platform. Don't miss this opportunity to join a forward-thinking team!