Animal Care & Pet Services STEM OPT Jobs in Maine

INTRODUCTION

The Reagent Design Scientist performs a broad range of hands-on scientific activities spanning research, new product development (NPD), reagent manufacture, and product support. Working within a technically focused R&D team, this role centers on peptide synthesis, with the flexibility to contribute to chemical synthesis, conjugation chemistry, and fluorophore labeling as project needs evolve. This scientist will apply their background in chemistry and biochemistry to plan and execute peptide synthesis and purification with rigorous analytical characterization, supporting the advancement of veterinary diagnostic products from concept toward production. This scientist is expected to build familiarity with data analysis tools and IDEXX NPD processes.

Reagent design spans a range of reagent modalities from small molecules and peptides to oligonucleotides, antibody conjugates, and functionalized particles. The Reagent Design Scientist will pair sound experimental technique with growing scientific judgment to help drive the right work forward the first time.

Why this role matters:

As a Reagent Design Scientist, you help turn innovative research into robust, manufacturable veterinary diagnostics. Your bench-level rigor in peptide synthesis, together with chemical synthesis, conjugation, purification, and analytical characterization, directly supports diagnostic assay reagents that are precise, reproducible, and ready to improve animal health outcomes worldwide. You will develop deep expertise while collaborating closely with an experienced, cross-functional team.

In this role:

• You will design and execute experiments to advance new reagent development, with a primary focus on solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS).
• You will purify and characterize synthetic products and conjugates using a range of chromatographic, spectroscopic, and other analytical techniques, and develop analytical methods for reagent characterization.
• You will prepare solutions and reagents and execute standard laboratory protocols with consistency and accuracy.
• You will document experiments and results clearly and concisely and communicate findings to colleagues and cross-functional teams through written reports and verbal presentations.
• You will contribute to multi-disciplinary NPD project teams, applying scientific expertise to help define and solve technical problems.
• You will analyze and interpret experimental data and make evidence-based recommendations, escalating complex or ambiguous findings as appropriate.
• You will learn and apply IDEXX New Product Development processes, including document creation and management.
• You will support the maintenance, improvement, and mechanistic understanding of existing reagents and production processes, contributing to troubleshooting and root-cause analysis as needed.
• You will document experimental work and contribute materials that support reagent process flows and knowledge transfer to Process Development teams.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED:

• A degree in organic chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field is required. Master's degree with 0–2 years of industrial experience, OR Bachelor's degree with 4-6 years of experience.
• Hands-on laboratory experience in chemical synthesis, peptide synthesis, conjugation, purification, and analysis is required.
• Experience with common laboratory and analytical instrumentation used to synthesize, purify, and characterize reagents, including HPLC, LC-MS, UV-Vis, and related techniques is a must.
• Ability to document experiments and results in a clear, concise manner and to communicate findings in written and oral formats.
• Ability to execute experiments independently, analyze data, and draw sound conclusions.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and disciplined laboratory documentation.
• Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) and broader peptide synthesis experience is preferred.
• Fluorescent dye chemistry and relevant analytical techniques is preferred.
• Bioconjugation chemistry, including small-molecule and biomolecule conjugation is preferred.
• Industry experience in IVD, diagnostics, or a related regulated product development environment is preferred.
• Experience with veterinary diagnostics or animal health product development is a plus.
• Familiarity with data analysis tools and statistical software (e.g., JMP).
• Strong written communication skills, including experience generating technical reports and SOPs.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US:

• Salary range starting at $75,000 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.

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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