We are seeking an accomplished and visionary
Staff Formulation Scientist to join our
Integrated Platform Architecture Team, where you will serve as a key technical authority in advancing IDEXX's diagnostic product pipeline through the development of liquid, solid, and lipid-based formulations. In this role, you will not only drive innovation across complex formulation challenges but will also shape the strategic direction of the formulation function - establishing best practices, mentoring scientists, and influencing formulation-related platform-level decisions across key stages of the product development lifecycle. The successful candidate will bring deep domain expertise, a track record of technical leadership, and the ability to operate with significant autonomy in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
What will you do?- Lead and partner in the development and optimization of liquid, solid, and lipid-based formulations to support the diagnostic product pipeline across multiple stages of development
- Explore and implement formulation development for alternative drying methodologies - such as spray drying, foam drying, and vacuum drying - to expand the formulation toolbox and identify optimal approaches for reagent stabilization
- Shape excipient and matrix strategy by leading the systematic evaluation and qualification of stabilizers, excipients, and formulation matrices, setting selection criteria that protect reagent activity under diverse storage and operational demands
- Investigate the relationship between drying parameters and assay performance, establishing a mechanistic understanding of how formulation and processing conditions impact diagnostic function
- Develop and apply characterization techniques to assess dried reagent quality, stability, and functional integrity across formulation iterations
- Collaborate cross-functionally with assay development, manufacturing, and process engineering teams to translate bench-scale formulations into scalable, reproducible processes
- Support technology transfer activities by generating robust process documentation, defining critical quality attributes, and establishing design space for scale-up or scale-down
- Troubleshoot formulation and process failures by identifying root causes and implementing corrective strategies that maintain assay performance
- Drive continuous improvement by staying current with emerging drying technologies and formulation science, applying new methodologies where appropriate to enhance pipeline efficiency and product robustness
What do you need to succeed?- Ph.D. in Formulation Science, Pharmaceutical Science, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related field with 8+ years of relevant industry experience
- Deep understanding in formulation development across diverse application spaces including dry down, lyophilization, and other drying methods.
- Demonstrated ability to investigate and characterize the relationship between a formulation, the drying processes, and downstream assay or product performance.
- Expertise in formulation development across liquid, solid, and lipid-based systems, with experience selecting and qualifying excipients and stabilizers.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to design experiments, interpret complex data sets, and translate findings into actionable formulation strategies.
- Experience supporting technology transfer, process documentation, and the establishment of critical process parameters for manufacturing scale activities.
- Familiarity with diagnostic assay development or working knowledge of how formulation decisions impact assay sensitivity, specificity, and stability.
- Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment, communicating technical concepts clearly to diverse stakeholders.
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!
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/
