Molecular Biologist

motivated Molecular Biologist to join a fast-paced discovery team working at the intersection of molecular biology and diagnostics. The successful candidate will apply a broad range of molecular biology and biochemistry techniques that support the development of biological reagents - including but not limited to antibody selection, vector design, guide RNA creation, cloning and cDNA library development. Outputs from this position support novel immunoassay reagent and format development in collaboration with downstream partners. The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and collaborative environment.

Why This Role Matters:

At IDEXX, developing high-quality biological reagents is foundational to advancing companion animal health diagnostics. The Reagent Discovery team is the critical bridge between biomarker discovery and immunoassay development. As part of the Reagent Discovery team, you will apply your molecular biology expertise to move novel targets from sequence to validated reagent, contributing directly to new diagnostic tools for the veterinarians and pet owners we serve. We value scientific curiosity and technical breadth - this role is an opportunity to grow alongside a team tackling complex problems across the full reagent development workflow.

• You have strong hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques, including primer design, cloning, and recombinant construct development, and can apply these skills to solve complex biological problems.

• You have experience generating and analytically characterizing biological reagents - antibodies, recombinant proteins, or similar - and understand the bench workflow from protein construct design through expression and basic characterization.

• You are comfortable working across a broad experimental toolkit and are eager to develop new skills as project needs evolve.

• You have worked cross-functionally with discovery or assay development teams, communicating experimental data clearly and aligning with stakeholders on project timelines.

• You are organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to advance multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced environment.

In this role, you will:

• Design and execute molecular biology workflows for construct development, including primer design, PCR-based cloning, Gibson assembly, site-directed mutagenesis, and sequence verification.

• Develop and optimize recombinant expression constructs using mammalian, insect, or bacterial systems to support antigen and reagent production.

• Devise and execute biological reagent development workflows with a primary focus on antibody generation, including platform selection, screening, and hit confirmation.

• Perform protein and antibody characterization utilizing standard biochemical techniques including SDS-PAGE, Western blot, ELISA, and analytical SEC.

• Contribute to the development and optimization of workflows that increase throughput and reproducibility, including the use of automation tools where applicable.

• Explore the use of in silico tools and AI to generate and design antibody candidates

• Partner with downstream immunoassay development teams to communicate reagent performance data, define acceptance criteria, and meet delivery milestones.

• Generate clear, concise presentations and communicate progress updates to cross-functional audiences.

• Leverage published literature to identify novel molecular biology, expression, and reagent development technologies applicable to the Reagent Discovery pipeline.

• Document experiments and maintain accurate electronic records. Adheres to appropriate safety procedures and regulatory requirements.

What You Need to Succeed:

• A degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or a related life science discipline. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's with 5-7 years' of relevant laboratory experience, or a Master's with 3-5 years' of relevant laboratory experience.

• Strong hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques including primer design, PCR, restriction enzyme cloning, Gibson assembly, site-directed mutagenesis, and sequence analysis'

• Experience with recombinant protein expression in mammalian, insect, or bacterial systems.

• Familiarity with standard protein characterization techniques (e.g., SDS-PAGE, analytical SEC, Western blot, ELISA).

• Experience in any area of biological reagent development including antibodies, recombinant proteins, peptides, or related reagents is highly valued.

• Experience in antibody discovery platforms such as hybridoma technology, phage display, recombinant expression, or single B-cell cloning is desirable.

• Background in immunoassay development, in vitro diagnostics, or translational research is desirable.

• Working knowledge of binding assay technologies such as ELISA, BLI, or SPR is a plus.

• Familiarity with laboratory automation platforms (e.g., Hamilton, Tecan, Opentrons, or similar) is preferred.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively toward a unifying set of goals.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are required.

• Organizational skills and ability to plan and prioritize work across multiple projects are a must.

• Takes initiative and is accountable; detail-oriented and adaptable to shifting priorities.

What you can expect from us:

• Salary range starting at $90,000 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 prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.

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

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