What are the responsibilities and job description for the Discovery Scientist - Molecular Biochemist position at MMQCI?
Discovery Scientist-Molecular Biochemist
EMPLOYER: 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 also provides custom products to IVD manufacturers for test development, internal QC and kit controls. 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. We are a small, growing company that offers a relaxed but challenging work environment with opportunities to gain experience using the latest molecular biology tools.
General Summary:
We are seeking an experienced scientist to do independent research toward discovery, design, and development of new capabilities for molecular diagnostic quality control products. Are you a bold, entrepreneurial scientist eager to drive groundbreaking discoveries in molecular diagnostics? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where rapid experimentation and creative problem-solving are the norm? If you're excited by the challenge of shaping the future of molecular diagnostic quality controls, we want you on our team.
The Discovery Scientist reports directly to the Manager of Discovery and will be responsible for creating and overseeing discovery projects. The Discovery Group adds to MMQCI’s already significant bank of scientific knowledge with the clear goal of developing new products intended to contribute to the accuracy of clinical laboratory tests in the cutting-edge field of molecular diagnostics.
This is not a typical R&D role. We’re looking for a skilled scientist with an entrepreneurial inventive mindset—someone who can think big, move fast, and embrace the unknown. You will design and execute rapid proof-of-concept experiments, identify new technologies, platforms, and product opportunities, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to turn ideas into reality.
Your Mission & Impact:
Must-Have Skills & Experience:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being
performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills of personnel so classified.
BENEFITS:
Contact Information:
Human Resources
Maine Molecular Quality Controls, Inc.
23 Mill Brook Road
Saco, Maine 04072
HR@mmqci.com
LOCATION: 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. In order to accommodate our rapid growth, we have recently expanded our state of-the-art facility which is conveniently located in Saco, right next to the Eastern Trail, open for walking, jogging, and biking. Look for the building with the shiny DNA helix on the outside and come join us!
EMPLOYER: 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 also provides custom products to IVD manufacturers for test development, internal QC and kit controls. 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. We are a small, growing company that offers a relaxed but challenging work environment with opportunities to gain experience using the latest molecular biology tools.
General Summary:
We are seeking an experienced scientist to do independent research toward discovery, design, and development of new capabilities for molecular diagnostic quality control products. Are you a bold, entrepreneurial scientist eager to drive groundbreaking discoveries in molecular diagnostics? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where rapid experimentation and creative problem-solving are the norm? If you're excited by the challenge of shaping the future of molecular diagnostic quality controls, we want you on our team.
The Discovery Scientist reports directly to the Manager of Discovery and will be responsible for creating and overseeing discovery projects. The Discovery Group adds to MMQCI’s already significant bank of scientific knowledge with the clear goal of developing new products intended to contribute to the accuracy of clinical laboratory tests in the cutting-edge field of molecular diagnostics.
This is not a typical R&D role. We’re looking for a skilled scientist with an entrepreneurial inventive mindset—someone who can think big, move fast, and embrace the unknown. You will design and execute rapid proof-of-concept experiments, identify new technologies, platforms, and product opportunities, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to turn ideas into reality.
Your Mission & Impact:
- 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.
- 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.
Must-Have Skills & Experience:
- Degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related field.
- 5 years of hands-on laboratory experience (molecular biology, synthetic biology, protein chemistry, bioengineering, or related).
- Strong problem-solving mindset—you see challenges as opportunities and approach problems creatively.
- Proven ability to think outside the box and self-driven to explore unconventional solutions.
- Experience in rapid experimental design and fast iteration to drive decisions.
- Technical skills in molecular biology techniques such as cloning, qPCR/dPCR, sequencing, protein expression, or bioinformatics.
- Interest in molecular diagnostics and clinical lab medicine—understanding how tests impact real-world patient care.
- Ability to navigate ambiguity, pivot quickly, and thrive in a fast-moving, startup-like environment.
- Excellent communication skills—you can articulate ideas clearly and collaborate across disciplines.
- Must be a nonsmoker due to product contamination prevention requirements.
- Experience in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatics analysis.
- Knowledge of synthetic biology, biomaterials, nanotechnology, or advanced analytical chemistry.
- Familiarity with FDA regulations (21 CFR Part 820, ISO 13485) and product development in a regulated environment.
- Exposure to machine learning and AI applications in molecular biology.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being
performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills of personnel so classified.
BENEFITS:
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- 401(k)
- Profit sharing plan
- Vacation
- Holidays
- Sick leave
- Paid Parental leave
Contact Information:
Human Resources
Maine Molecular Quality Controls, Inc.
23 Mill Brook Road
Saco, Maine 04072
HR@mmqci.com
LOCATION: 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. In order to accommodate our rapid growth, we have recently expanded our state of-the-art facility which is conveniently located in Saco, right next to the Eastern Trail, open for walking, jogging, and biking. Look for the building with the shiny DNA helix on the outside and come join us!
