Principal Scientist - Antibody Characterization, Optimization & Immunology

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.

What Will You Do

• 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.

• Apply humoral immunology knowledge — antibody isotypes, Fc effector biology, T cell help, and antigen presentation — to guide candidate generation, selection, and optimization decisions.

• 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.

• Provide technical leadership within cross-functional teams, author technical reports, design history files, and laboratory notebooks.

What Do You Need to Succeed

• 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 development — 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 $120,000 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, 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 is one that 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.

Knowing our work has a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of pets and people is what motivates us every day. 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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