Senior Scientist (Chemist)

QuidelOrtho unites the strengths of Quidel Corporation and Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, creating a world-leading in vitro diagnostics company with award-winning expertise in immunoassay and molecular testing, clinical chemistry and transfusion medicine. We are more than 6,000 strong and do business in over 130 countries, providing answers with fast, accurate and consistent testing where and when they are needed most - home to hospital, lab to clinic.

Our culture puts our team members first and prioritizes actions that support happiness, inspiration and engagement. We strive to build meaningful connections with each other as we believe that employee happiness and business success are linked. Join us in our mission to transform the power of diagnostics into a healthier future for all.

The Role

At QuidelOrtho, we're advancing the power of diagnostics for a healthier future for all. Join our mission as our next Senior Chemist to support design, conjugation, and scale-up of biomaterials used to develop existing, as well as new diagnostic assays.

The candidate should have a strong understanding of organic chemistry, scale-up, characterization, as well as supporting analytical instrumentation and manufacturing processes. Furthermore, the candidate should command knowledge in both chemistry and biochemistry.

The Senior Scientist, as a member of a cross functional team, possesses specialized knowledge, with sufficient experience and skills in techniques to independently determine how to set up and execute complex analysis. The individual will function as a

technical project leader, as well as performing laboratory work. The candidate requires understanding and application of scientific disciplines; including the underlining principles involved. A successful Senior Scientist applies standard practices and techniques in specific situations, adjusts and correlates data and follows operations through a series of detailed steps and processes.

This position will be onsite full-time in Rochester, NY working in our R&D labs.

The Responsibilities

• Design new linkers (click chemistry, surface attachment)
• Bioconjugation chemistry
• Scale-up of processes
• Biochemistry/Bioanalytical
• Surface chemistry / characterization
• Hapten development
• Chromatography
• Utilizes statistical methods to analyze experimental data. Interprets data and draws conclusions. Readily discriminates between normal and abnormal variation. Presents data to functional project team.
• Applies knowledge in chemical kinetics, equilibria, enzymology, peptide engineering and immunochemistry to assist in the design of materials for use in in vitro diagnostic assays
• Maintains accurate records of work performed in accordance with Current Good Laboratory Process (cGLP) practices, established quality protocols and other standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Responsible for making improvements of processes, systems or products to enhance performance of technical job area.
• Problems and issues faced are difficult and may require broader technical knowledge. Problems typically involve consideration of multiple technical specialties.
• Problems are typically solved through drawing from prior experience and the application of advanced technical principles.
• Communication with outside vendors (commercial antibody/ antigen search) and internal business partners.
• Ability to work with OEM organic synthetic houses.
• Maintains a safe working environment through the proactive identification of hazards and risks.
• Works cooperatively with others to help a team or work group achieve its goals.
• Performs other work duties as assigned.

The Individual

Required:

• Advanced knowledge of technical areas typically obtained through advanced technical education combined with experience. May have practical knowledge of project management.
• Prefer an advanced university degree (PhD) or equivalent experience (MS) and minimum 3-5 years of relevant prior experience. The individual should be strong in organic chemistry with a good understanding of biochemistry.
• Prefer research experience at either the University, or relevant industry is desirable.
• Requires experience in experimental design and analytical analysis, including data evaluation and interpretation.
• Strong knowledge in analytical tools and laboratory equipment used for characterizing biomaterials and small molecules including but not limited to SEC, IEX, HIC, light scattering (dynamic, multi-angle), mass spectrometry.
• Experience with small molecule organic synthesis, knowledge of reaction mechanisms, and design of reactions.
• Superior communication skills, as well as being comfortable presenting data in front of others
• Basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), along with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with Minitab or other statistical software is preferred.
• Ability to utilize good judgment working independently and within a team setting.
• Ability to carry out general biochemical laboratory procedures including handling of human blood/serum samples and reagents for testing purposes.
• Knowledge of safe chemical and biological handling.
• Being a strong team player with a self-motivated and proactive attitude is highly desired
• Less than <10% travel
• This position is not currently eligible for visa sponsorship.

The Key Working Relationships

Internal Partners:

• Cross functional collaboration with many departments and project team members.

External Partners:

• Communicates with parties within and outside of own job function. Responsibility for communicating with parties external to the organization (e.g., customers, vendors, etc.)

The Work Environment

The work environment characteristics are representative of a BSL 1&2 laboratory and include handling of viral and bacterial hazards, potentially hazardous chemicals, as well as infectious or potentially infectious bodily fluids, tissues, and samples. Up to 50% of the time at desk, standing or sitting extended periods of time. Flexible work hours to meet project deadlines.

Physical Demands

This position has a light physical demand, and may include occasional sitting, standing, walking, repetitive movements of hands (i.e. typing and pipetting), light grasping, and lifting items weighing up to 20 pounds.

Salary Transparency

The salary range for this position takes into account a wide range of factors including education, experience, knowledge, skills, geography, and abilities of the candidate, in addition to internal equity and alignment with market data. At QuidelOrtho, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The salary range for this position is $85,000 to $105,000 and is bonus eligible. QuidelOrtho offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with a 401(k) plan, employee assistance program, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, paid time off (including sick time), and paid Holidays. All benefits are non-contractual, and QuidelOrtho may amend, terminate, or enhance the benefits provided, as it deems appropriate.

Equal Opportunity

QuidelOrtho believes in Equal Opportunity for all and is committed to ensuring all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, have an opportunity to apply for those positions that they are interested in and qualify for without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. QuidelOrtho is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals so that an individual can perform the duties. If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and require special assistance or an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please contact us at recruiting@quidelortho.com.