We are seeking a strategic, collaborative, and technically fluent Technical Project Leader to guide cross-functional R&D development of new diagnostic products from concept through launch. This role is ideal for a scientist who is ready to transition into program leadership—someone who thrives at the interface of science, product strategy, and operational execution. In this role you will partner closely with both internal teams and external collaborators to manage timelines, align strategies, and bring clarity to complex problems.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in ambiguity, excels at systems thinking, and can confidently navigate technical details and big-picture strategy. You’ll serve as a bridge between scientific, operational, and business functions—ensuring progress, clarity, and accountability at every stage. While you won’t be working hands-on in the lab, your scientific literacy will be critical in shaping decisions, assessing risk, and aligning technical strategy with business objectives.

What will you do?

Lead end-to-end R&D projects, aligning scope, strategy, and execution across functions

Translate customer and clinical needs into high-level technical goals, requirements, and priorities

Drive cross-functional alignment across assay design, medical affairs, and business functions

Develop and manage integrated project plans, dependencies, milestones, and risk mitigation strategies

Partner with scientists, functional leaders, and executive stakeholders to balance technical rigor and execution speed

Ensure scientific feasibility and integrity of plans without micromanaging lab work

Communicate project updates, strategy, and technical details to all levels, from scientists to executives —distilling complexity into clarity

Contribute to a culture of innovation, learning agility, and bias for action

Identify and monitor technical program risks and foster early, structured decision-making to proactively develop mitigation strategies

Excellent learning agility with the ability to rapidly absorb and apply new technical or strategic information

Balance multiple initiatives simultaneously, with excellent prioritization skills

Make confident decisions in high-stakes, fast-changing, and ambiguous environments

What do you need to succeed?

PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant scientific field (e.g., biology, biochemistry, chemistry, engineering) OR a bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a scientific discipline with 5-10 years of relevant work experience

Proven track record of cross-functional leadership without formal authority

Strong strategic thinking and structured problem-solving capabilities

Exceptional verbal and written communication, including executive-level presentations

Strong understanding of experimental design, data interpretation, and assay development frameworks

Demonstrated excellence in project/program management, including planning, risk management, and stakeholder coordination

Experience navigating regulated product environments (e.g., design control, verification, validation)

Generalist mindset with the ability to connect ideas across disciplines

Bias to action to keep projects moving forward with momentum – even amid uncertainty

What you can expect from us:  

Salary range starting at $105,000  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, we follow our Purpose and Guiding Principles to help pet owners worldwide keep their companion animals healthy and happy, to ensure safe drinking water for billions, and to help farmers protect livestock and poultry from disease. We have customers in over 175 countries and a global workforce of over 10,000 talented people.

So, what does that mean for you? We enrich the livelihoods of our employees with a positive and respectful work culture that embraces challenges and encourages learning and discovery. At IDEXX, you will be supported by competitive compensation, incentives, and benefits while enjoying purposeful work that drives improvement.

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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