Senior Scientist Molecular Assay Development

As a Senior Scientist in Molecular Assay Development, you will oversee the design, optimization, and validation of PCR and digital PCR assays, including protocol development, instrument operation, and delivery of high-quality analytical data. The Genomics group in Discovery Tech Futures, R&D, is seeking a highly motivated candidate with exceptional PCR-based assay design and development skills and demonstrated experience in molecular diagnostic space.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in developing and troubleshooting PCR-based assays and utilizing digital PCR platforms for sensitive and precise molecular quantification. The successful candidate will be energetic, inquisitive, and excel in a highly collaborative and multi-disciplinary environment. This person will join a team of experienced scientists to support cutting-edge molecular assay development projects, bringing both hands-on technical expertise and strong analytical rigor to help translate assay data into statistically sound, actionable conclusions.

Why This Role Matters

At IDEXX, precise and reliable molecular assays are foundational to advancing pet health diagnostics, and this position sits at the center of that effort. As a Senior Scientist in the Genomics group, you will design and develop the PCR and digital PCR assays that underpin molecular diagnostic innovation across the Discovery pipeline. Your work — from assay design through data analysis — will directly enable accurate, sensitive, and reproducible diagnostics for millions of pets, and the veterinarians and pet owners who depend on them.

In This Role

• You will own end-to-end PCR and digital PCR assay development, from design through analytical validation, ensuring high-quality, reproducible data for internal stakeholders.
• You will design and execute PCR-based assay strategies — including qPCR, digital PCR, and multiplex approaches — to support Discovery research and molecular diagnostic goals.
• You will 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.
• You will collaborate with bioinformatics on analyzed NGS data to design PCR assays.
• You will serve as a key technical collaborator with product development teams, defining data standards, QC thresholds, and result interpretation for downstream decision-making.
• You will analyze and interpret quantitative PCR/dPCR data, applying sound statistical and analytical approaches to support assay performance claims.
• You will author and maintain SOPs, technical reports, and experimental summaries with the rigor expected in a regulated R&D environment.
• You will evaluate emerging PCR and digital PCR technologies and reagent chemistries — building internal validation frameworks and presenting findings to scientific leadership with clear recommendations.
• You will present data, technical strategies, and project updates to diverse audiences, including project teams and leadership.
• You will ensure full compliance with IDEXX safety, ethical conduct, and materials handling standards in all laboratory activities.

• 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,…