Discovery Scientist

Are you a bold, entrepreneurial scientist ready to drive discoveries in molecular diagnostics? If you thrive on rapid experimentation, creative problem-solving, and shaping the future of quality controls, we want you on our team!

The Discovery Scientist, reporting directly to the Manager of Discovery, will be responsible for creating and overseeing discovery projects that add to MMQCI’s significant bank of scientific knowledge with the goal of developing new products to improve the accuracy of clinical laboratory tests in molecular diagnostics. This is not a typical R&D role—we’re looking for a skilled scientist with an entrepreneurial and inventive mindset, someone who can think big, move fast, embrace the unknown, and execute rapid proof-of-concept experiments.

What You Will Get to Do:

• Lead scientific discovery efforts to identify novel molecular biology 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.
• Identify new technologies, platforms, and product opportunities, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to turn ideas into reality.
• 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:

• B.S. in molecular biology, synthetic biology, protein chemistry, bioengineering, or related field with 10+ years of industry lab experience, or M.S./Ph.D. with 5+ years of industry lab experience
• Experience in rapid experimental design, fast iteration, and data-driven decision-making
• Technical expertise in molecular biology methods (e.g., cloning, qPCR/dPCR, sequencing); additional skills in protein expression or bioinformatics a plus
• Interest in molecular diagnostics and clinical lab medicine, with awareness of real-world patient impact
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, pivot quickly, and succeed in a fast-paced, startup-like environment
• Excellent communication and cross-disciplinary collaboration skills
• Must be a nonsmoker due to product contamination prevention requirements

Bonus Skills (Preferred, Not Required):

• Experience with NGS, bioinformatics, synthetic biology, biomaterials, nanotechnology, advanced analytical chemistry, regulated product development (FDA 21 CFR Part 820, ISO 13485), or emerging applications of machine learning and AI in molecular biology

Benefits We Offer:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401(k)
• Profit Sharing Plan
• Vacation
• Holidays
• Sick leave

Get to know the MMQCI team!
https://www.mmqci.com/about/employeespotlight/employee-spotlight.html

Maine Molecular Quality Controls, Inc. (MMQCI) designs, develops, manufactures, and
markets unique quality control products used by hospital laboratories to monitor the accuracy of tests for inherited disease, pharmacogenetics, oncology, and infectious diseases. MMQCI has developed 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 Maine Turnpike, 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, skiing and snowshoeing. We’re in a state-of-the-art facility, located in Saco, right next to the Eastern Trail. Come join us!

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