Join IDEXX's Molecular Analytics and Bioanalytical Research and Instrumentation Center (BRIC) at the intersection of immunology and antibody science — where deep knowledge of the immune system directly drives the development of diagnostic products used by veterinarians worldwide. As a Principal Scientist, you will apply expertise spanning adaptive immunity, antibody biology, and biophysical characterization across a portfolio unmatched in the industry, working with cross-functional teams to advance candidates from immunological concepts to characterized lead.
Why this role matters:This role sits at the intersection of immunology and antibody science. As a Principal Scientist within the Molecular Analytics and BRIC team, you will work cross-functionally to translate deep immunological insight into high-quality antibody candidates — advancing novel targets from concept to characterized lead. Your expertise in adaptive immunity, biophysical characterization, and single-cell platforms will shape how IDEXX discovers and develops reagents at scale, with direct and lasting impact on animal health globally.
In this role:You will leverage automated single-cell biology platforms and deep understanding of B cell activation, affinity maturation for high-throughput screening, and selection of high-quality antibody candidates against novel targets.
You will apply humoral immunology knowledge, including antibody isotypes, Fc effector biology, T cell help, and antigen presentation, to guide candidate antibody generation and selection.
You will engineer multi-format antibody molecules: IgG, Fab, nanobodies, and scFv; leveraging yeast and phage display platforms.
You will lead biophysical characterization (BLI, SPR), developability assessments, epitope mapping, evaluate binding kinetics, stability, and sequence liabilities, executing optimization campaigns via site-directed mutagenesis and structure-guided engineering.
You will provide technical leadership within cross-functional teams, author technical reports, design history files, and laboratory notebooks.
Ph.D. in Immunology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, or related field with 5–7 years of industry/academia experience
Deep understanding of adaptive immunity: B and T cell biology, humoral immune responses, and antibody affinity maturation
Proven experience in antibody engineering (IgG, Fab, nanobodies, and scFv), biophysical characterization, and lead optimization
Hands-on expertise in biophysical methods and molecular biology skills including cloning and mammalian expression systems
Multi-species antibody experience is a significant advantage
Experience with automated single-cell biology platforms for high-throughput antibody screening and functional cell profiling
Strong planning, execution, decision-making, and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to drive complex projects to completion
Excellent written and verbal communication; demonstrated ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams
What you can expect from us:
Salary range starting at $125,000 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.
You can learn more on the Portland tourism website: https://www.visitportland.com/visit/resources/moving-to-maine/
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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Skills Required
- Ph.D. in Immunology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field
- 5-7 years of industry/academia experience
- Deep understanding of adaptive immunity and antibody affinity maturation
- Experience in antibody development and biophysical characterization
- Hands-on expertise in biophysical methods and molecular biology skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
IDEXX Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about IDEXX and has not been reviewed or approved by IDEXX.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes multiple medical options, dental and vision, and robust add‑ons such as mental‑health support, virtual care, and specialty navigation programs. Feedback suggests these elements, often available from day one, are broadly seen as comprehensive and valuable.
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Retirement Support — Retirement offerings feature a 401(k) with a dollar‑for‑dollar match on the first 5% after six months. Feedback suggests this consistent match is a notable anchor of total rewards.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off includes accrued PTO, paid holidays, and paid parental leave with adoption assistance. Feedback suggests this structure, alongside supportive family programs, contributes meaningfully to work‑life support.
IDEXX Insights
What We Do
10,000 people, one global focus - enhancing the health and well-being of pets, people, and livestock. We are passionate about what we do at IDEXX – and why wouldn’t we be? When you’re working to raise the standard of care for pets, make drinking water safe for billions and keep our livestock population around the globe healthy and free of disease, it’s no wonder that what we do each day is more than just a job. There’s an energy across IDEXX that is contagious – where caring and committed people come together to make things better. IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ: IDXX), a member of the S&P 500, is a leader in pet healthcare innovation, serving practicing veterinarians around the world with a broad range of diagnostic and information technology-based products and services. Headquartered in southern Maine, we conduct operations through more than 70 locations around the world and serve customers in over 175 countries. Our primary business focuses on pet health, a growing market around the world. Our products —in-clinic diagnostic tests and instrumentation, reference laboratory and telemedicine consultation services, and practice management software—enhance the ability of veterinarians to provide advanced medical care, improve staff efficiency and to build more economically successful practices. We also develop and manufacture diagnostic tests and information for the global production animal industry, including poultry and livestock, as well as tests for the quality and safety of water and milk. Please visit our website, IDEXX.com/careers, for further information and to view all of our job opportunities.
