Translational Research & Bench Biology·Confirmed live in the last 24 hours·
Full-timeSaco, ME, USA
About the Job
Requirements
A Ph.D. in Chemistry is required; coursework in biochemistry or molecular biology is preferred.
At least 7 years of relevant technical laboratory experience, including 1–2 years in a commercial or industrial laboratory.
Strong data analysis and troubleshooting skills.
Up-to-date knowledge of innovative tools and techniques in the candidate’s area of expertise.
Ability to work collaboratively and diplomatically with cross-functional teams.
Ability to multitask and manage multiple priorities, and flexibility with changing priorities.
Knowledge of current Good Manufacturing Practice or ISO regulations and their importance in product development is a plus.
Interest or experience in molecular biology techniques used in product development and manufacturing, including cloning, sequencing, and quantitative or digital PCR, is a plus.
Responsibilities
Lead scientific discovery efforts to identify novel approaches for diagnostic quality control products.
Design and execute rapid proof-of-concept experiments, evaluate results, and adapt approaches as needed.
Monitor emerging technologies and molecular diagnostic trends to identify opportunities.
Collaborate with Research and Development, Manufacturing, Regulatory, and Commercial teams to develop ideas into products.
Engage with key opinion leaders and attend industry conferences to align discoveries with current scientific developments.
Create and oversee discovery projects and serve as a scientific resource and collaborator for Discovery and Research and Development leadership.
Desired Qualifications
Coursework in biochemistry or molecular biology.
Experience or interest in cloning, sequencing, and quantitative or digital PCR techniques used in product development and manufacturing.
Knowledge of current Good Manufacturing Practice or ISO regulations and their importance in product development.
As a Discovery Scientist at MMQCI, you will do independent research toward discovery, design, and development of new capabilities for molecular diagnostic quality control products. Are you an energetic, bold, entrepreneurial scientist eager to drive groundbreaking discoveries in molecular diagnostics? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where rapid experimentation and creative problem-solving are the norm? If you're excited by the challenge of shaping the future of molecular diagnostic quality controls, we want you on our team.
What You Will Get to Do The Discovery Scientist reports directly to the Manager of Discovery and will be responsible for creating and overseeing discovery projects. With the Discovery Scientist’s in-depth educational foundation in Chemistry, they will serve as a scientific resource and collaborator with the Manager of Discovery, Manager of R&D, and the R&D group. The successful candidate will be an experienced scientist with an energetic, entrepreneurial spirit who enjoys performing a variety of tasks at a fast pace and has a history of success and collaboration.
This is not a typical R&D role. We’re looking for a skilled scientist with an entrepreneurial inventive mindset, someone who can think big, move fast, and embrace the unknown, someone who loves a technical challenge. You will design and execute rapid proof-of-concept experiments, identify new technologies, and product opportunities, solve problems and collaborate with cross-functional teams to turn ideas into reality. The Discovery Scientist will:
Lead scientific discovery efforts to identify novel approaches for quality control products in diagnostics.
Design and execute rapid experiments to test ideas, learn quickly, and pivot as needed—fail fast, refine, and move forward.
Stay ahead of emerging technologies and molecular diagnostic trends to uncover new opportunities.
Collaborate across teams (R&D, Manufacturing, Regulatory, and Commercial) to bring innovative ideas from concept to reality.
Engage with key opinion leaders and attend industry conferences to ensure our discoveries align with cutting-edge science.
Contribute to a fast-moving, high-energy culture where creativity, risk-taking, and learning from failure are encouraged.
Required Skills & Experience
Ph.D. in Chemistry (some coursework in biochemistry or molecular biology is preferred)
Minimum of 7 years of relevant technical laboratory experience (e.g., biomaterials, polymer chemistry, protein chemistry, analytical chemistry, bioengineering, nanomaterials/nanoparticles, synthetic biology, etc.), with 1-2 years in a commercial/industrial laboratory
Demonstrates high energy, inquisitiveness and eagerness to learn
Strong problem-solving skills. Creative problem solving by applying novel approaches or considering solutions from alternative disciplines
Strong data analysis and troubleshooting skills
Interest and up-to-date knowledge of innovative tools and techniques in the candidate’s area of expertise
Experience and/or interest in molecular biology techniques used in MMQCI’s product development and manufacturing, including cloning, sequencing, and qPCR/dPCR is a plus
Excellent communication, written and oral
Proven ability to work with cross functional teams collaboratively and diplomatically
Ability to multitask and manage multiple priorities
Flexible; accustomed to fast-changing priorities of a small company
Knowledge of cGMP or ISO regulations and understanding of the importance of regulations in product development is a plus
Why You’ll Love Working Here
You will learn rapidly by working closely with other senior Scientists on cutting-edge molecular projects
You will contribute to the development of useful products and technologies that impact molecular diagnostics and patient care
You will join a collaborative, energetic team that values curiosity, initiative, and scientific rigor
Benefits We Offer
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) retirement savings plan
Company profit sharing program
Paid time off: including vacation, holidays, and sick leave
Paid Parental Leave Program
The pay range for this position is $75,000-$122,000 annually
Interested in joining our team? Please submit both a resume and cover letter with your application for consideration.
Get to know the MMQCI team! https://www.mmqci.com/about/employee-spotlight/employee-spotlight.html
Maine Molecular Quality Controls, Inc. (MMQCI) designs, develops, manufactures, and sells unique quality control products used by hospital laboratories and manufacturers to monitor the accuracy of tests for genetic, oncologic and infectious diseases, and pharmacogenetics. MMQCI has proprietary technologies to stabilize DNA and RNA for use as quality controls and continues to pursue the discovery of novel techniques useful for the development of new quality control products.
MMQCI is conveniently located in beautiful southern coastal Maine, minutes from the MaineTurnpike, Portland International Jetport, and less than 2 hours from Boston.Close by are fabulous Portland restaurants, sandy beaches, and a plentiful supply of Maine lobsters! Many terrific outdoor activities are easily accessible including hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing,skiingand snowshoeing.We’reina state-of-the-artfacility,locatedin Saco, right next to the Eastern Trail. Come join us!