EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
JAKE SCHURKMAN
R&D Scientist II
How long have you been with MMQCI and how did you first learn about our company?
I’ve been with the company since July 11th of 2022. I learned about the company through the Bioscience Association of Maine job board where I saw that R&D Scientist positions were listed. If you’re looking for biology related career opportunities, I highly encourage the use of the job board and the association!
What are your primary responsibilities?
The primary responsibilities of an R&D scientist are quite broad. My main role at MMQCI requires me to design, test, and develop innovative scientific solutions which will generate new product concepts and new products for MMQCI. I work hard to design quality controls that monitor all essential aspects of the molecular diagnostic assays I am working with so that labs can be confident in their test results. Another one of my main roles is to write, perform, and analyze rigorous studies for our controls to allow for FDA 510k and IVDR submission. I also consider myself to be somewhat of a social event coordinator here at MMQCI. I’m involved in pretty much all events that go on at the company like softball tournaments, picnics, holiday parties, birthday celebrations, and more! The list of other responsibilities could go on for a while, but those are my main responsibilities.
Describe MMQCI in three words:
Driven, thorough, and caring
What do you like best about MMQCI?
What I love best about MMQCI is the cooperative effort that everyone has to achieve the same goal. All departments fluidly work together to ensure that we provide the best quality controls possible.
How would you describe your team?
Diverse yet cohesive, intelligent, and fun!
What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen since joining MMQCI?
Growth. We haven’t stopped hiring since I started working here. We have gone through a huge building expansion to allow for more office/desk space and growth. It’s been awesome to see and experience the growth firsthand. I only wish I arrived at MMQCI sooner to see it grow from an even smaller size!
What are the toughest challenges you’ve had at work?
Some molecular diagnostic assays can be quite complex. I’ve had to do intense troubleshooting to identify why a control wasn’t working the way it was designed to. Ultimately, our team has a diverse set of skills and knowledge, and we have been able to collaborate to get over all hurdles.
What has your experience been with our company culture?
Everyone here likes to work hard and have fun.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I am heavily involved in the aquatic’s community in Southern Maine. I frequent Masters swimming practices and I even founded a water polo team here. If you’re looking for me, look in a pool, at MMQCI, or at my house where I love spending time with my wife and daughter, watching TV, and playing some video games. I love getting out and doing social events as well.
Where is your happy place in Maine?
In the water doing a morning sunrise swim from Ferry Beach to Scarborough Beach during the summer.
What’s one thing that’s on your “Bucket List”?
I’d like to go somewhere far north, setup camp, and see the Aurora Borealis.
What do you enjoy most about working here?
No day is the same, I get to improve patient results, and I love that I get to work with and understand a large variety of molecular diagnostic assays.
Where were you born and raised?
Born and raised in Norco California, nicknamed Horse town USA! We originally moved to Maine so that my wife could attend medical school at the University of New England. One fun fact about Norco is that sidewalks are illegal in residential areas. All residential areas must have horse trails instead of sidewalks to allow for citizens to ride their horses without hurting any hooves. Our main grocery store even has a place to keep and tie up your horse while you shop!
Who are some of your biggest inspirations, and why?
My Dad has always been a hero of mine. I watched him work incredibly hard. He started his own flooring business and grew it up to be quite successful. On top of that, he always made time for his family and for fun. I try to mirror how he lived his life in a sort of work hard play hard mentality.
How have you grown professionally since you’ve joined the MMQCI team?
I’ve attended conferences each year where I have made many connections within the molecular diagnostic industry. Also, I came from an academic background where I didn’t have much of an understanding of how industry works. I have grown a lot in my understanding of the biotech industrial setting.
What, if anything, are you currently binge-watching? Or reading?
White Lotus and Yellow Jackets. Big fans of both.
What is something about you that most people don’t know?
I can recite the alphabet backwards and I can touch my nose with my tongue!
What best advice can you give someone who might be interested in joining us here at MMQCI?
Come and interview! See if you’re a good fit!