What are the responsibilities and job description for the Discovery Scientist position at Maine Molecular Quality Controls(MMQC)?
23 Mill Brook Road
Saco, Maine 04072 (USA)
Phone: 207-885-1072; Fax: 207-885-1079
www.mmqci.com
POSITION TITLE: Discovery Scientist
EMPLOYER: Maine Molecular Quality Controls, Inc. (MMQCI) designs, develops,
manufactures, and markets unique quality control products used by hospital laboratories and
manufacturers to monitor the accuracy of tests for inherited disease, pharmacogenetics,
oncology, and infectious diseases. MMQCI has patented 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
and offer a relaxed but challenging work environment.
GENERAL SUMMARY:
The Discovery Scientist reports directly to the Manager of Discovery and will be responsible
for creating and overseeing discovery projects. The Discovery Group is a new team that will
add 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. With the Discovery Scientist’s in-depth
educational foundation in Chemistry she/he/they will serve as a scientific resource and
collaborator with the Manager of Discovery, Manager of R&D, and the R&D group. The
successful candidate will be an experienced scientist with an entrepreneurial spirit who enjoys
performing a variety of tasks at a fast pace, and has a history of success and collaboration.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Designs and performs experiments to discover new processes useful in the creation of
quality control products.
- Explore new technologies and platforms through frequent review of the literature,
attendance at conferences and connections with key opinion leaders.
- Manage and prioritize laboratory goals with input from the Discovery Manager.
- Develop and maintain timelines, experiments, and resources needed to achieve goals.
- Adhere to Design Control guidelines of 21CFR Part 820 and ISO 13485, as advised by
MMQCI’s QA/ RA team.
- Provide input to the R&D team to assist with troubleshooting, choosing best techniques,
and improvements to products and processes.
- Assist Manufacturing with troubleshooting and improvements.
- Become thoroughly familiar with clinical lab medicine and how QC is used in the clinical
lab.
- Stay current through trade journals such as CAP Today, peer-reviewed journals, and
attendance and participation at meetings such as AMP, including presentations at
workshops.
- Assist Customer Support team with customer inquiries as needed.
- Contribute to general laboratory support functions.
MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
1. Ph.D. in Chemistry ( a concentration in biochemistry or molecular biology is preferred but
not necessary).
2. Minimum of 7 years of relevant technical laboratory experience (e.g., biomaterials, protein
chemistry, analytical chemistry, bioengineering, nanomaterials/nanoparticles, synthetic
biology, etc.).
4. Demonstrates inquisitiveness and eagerness to learn.
5. Strong problem-solving skills. Creative problem solving by applying novel approaches or
considering solutions from alternative disciplines.
6. Strong data analysis and troubleshooting skills.
7. Interest in molecular diagnostic assays currently used in hospital labs for patient care
8. Experience and/or interest in molecular biology techniques used in MMQCI’s product
development and manufacturing, including cloning, sequencing, and qPCR.
9. Interest and up-to-date knowledge of innovative tools and techniques in the candidate’s
area of expertise.
10. Excellent communication, written and oral.
11. Proven ability to work with cross functional teams collaboratively and diplomatically.
12. Ability to multitask and manage multiple priorities.
13. Flexible; accustomed to fast-changing priorities of a small company.
14. Knowledge of cGMP or ISO regulations and understanding of the importance of
regulations in product development is a plus.
15. Must be a nonsmoker due to product contamination prevention requirements.
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
- Vacation
- Holidays
- Sick leave
- 401(k)
- Profit Sharing Plan
How to apply: by Email/ No Phone inquiries accepted
Email: HR@mmqci.com
A cover letter is required Please!
Contact Information:
Human Resources
Maine Molecular Quality Controls, Inc.
23 Mill Brook Road
Saco, Maine 04072
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 are
currently expanding 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!