R&D Staff Scientist, mRNA-directed Immunogen Design

The R&D Discovery and Technology Futures group at IDEXX Laboratories is seeking an innovative and highly motivated R&D Staff Scientist, mRNA-directed Immunogen Design to assist with discovering the next generation of IDEXX diagnostic targets. You will join a group of talented, technically focused individuals working together to innovate solutions to complex challenges. The successful candidate will draw from extensive experience in biology, mRNA-based technologies and epitope selection to support diagnostic target engineering and drive mechanistic understanding of clinical relevance. A successful candidate with have a proven track record in identifying, establishing and executing novel technology platforms to characterize mRNA products to support diagnostic target development.

You will partner with world-class experts in animal health, clinical research, and assay development to define the next transformative innovations at IDEXX.

What You Can Expect

• Engage cross-functionally to select and design mRNA targets to support diagnostic target discovery efforts across a diverse pipeline

• Lead multi-step design, planning and execution of experiments to synthesize and characterize mRNAs

• Structural and biochemical modifications that regulate the expression and immune processing of mRNA immunogens.

• Partner to contribute to scientific discussions and strategic internal/external collaborations to advance RNA platforms for diagnostic targets

• Documents experiments and maintains accurate electronic records.

• Collaborates and communicates with colleagues in related areas to provide work support, exchange information and ensure efficient processes.

What You Need to Succeed:

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Cell Biology or related field with 5-7 years of industry experience.

• Deep understanding of biology, cancer biology, and immunology; knowledge of companion animal biology is very desirable

• Comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in mRNA element engineering and synthesis including UTRs, codon, and structure optimization.

• Experience in mentoring others in cell culture and the utilization of cell-based assays to characterize RNA-based products (e.g., multicolor flow cytometry, ELISA, RT-qPCR, luminescence, and single cell RNAseq)

• Evidence of innovative problem-solving, including the ability to identify and investigate important new research topics independently.

• Adaptable to priorities and able to quickly pivot between multiple projects; works well under pressure.

• Collaborating with diverse scientific teams across a multiomic discovery and assay development pipeline.

• Generating scientific hypotheses, planning research, interpreting and presenting data across the organization.

• Leading or co-leading projects in a multifunctional team setting.

• A positive attitude and willingness to mentor and support team members.

What you can expect from us:  

• Salary range is $125,000 - $130,000 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, we follow our Purpose and Guiding Principles to help pet owners worldwide keep their companion animals healthy and happy, to ensure safe drinking water for billions, and to help farmers protect livestock and poultry from disease. We have customers in over 175 countries and a global workforce of over 10,000 talented people.

So, what does that mean for you? We enrich the livelihoods of our employees with a positive and respectful work culture that embraces challenges and encourages learning and discovery. At IDEXX, you will be supported by competitive compensation, incentives, and benefits while enjoying purposeful work that drives impro