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Assay Development Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The University of Chicago

Research, Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

... assay development, and tissue culture. Experience with long-read sequencing platforms (Oxford ... Manage procurement and stocking of reagents, consumables, and equipment for both labs; maintain ...

Abbott

Manager Technical Affairs

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of ... Lead technical and scientific support for diagnostic assays and systems across key customer ...

Abbott

Manager Technical Affairs

Lake Forest, IL · On-site +1

Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of ... Lead technical and scientific support for diagnostic assays and systems across key customer ...

Abbott

Manager Technical Affairs

Lake Forest, IL · On-site +1

Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of ... Lead technical and scientific support for diagnostic assays and systems across key customer ...

Northwestern University

Core Technologist Sr

Chicago, IL · On-site

$25.05 - $31.31/hr

Assists in the development and implementation of new core services, and other core laboratory and ... Scientific * Plans, conducts and evaluates experiments and assays of varying complexity.

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Assay Development Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11.3K

$73.7K

$109.7K

How much do assay development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for assay development manager in Chicago, IL is $73,683.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,200.00 and $96,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assay development manager?

An Assay Development Manager is a scientific professional responsible for leading the design, development, validation, and optimization of laboratory assays, which are tests used to measure the presence or amount of a substance in biological samples. They manage teams of scientists and collaborate closely with research, quality, and regulatory departments to ensure assays meet scientific and regulatory requirements. Their work is vital in fields such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and diagnostics, supporting drug discovery, disease diagnosis, and product development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assay development manager?

To thrive as an Assay Development Manager, you need a strong background in molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field, typically with an advanced degree and experience in assay design and validation. Familiarity with laboratory automation, data analysis software, and quality management systems is essential, along with relevant certifications like GLP or ISO standards. Strong project management, leadership, and communication skills help drive cross-functional teams and ensure effective collaboration. These competencies are crucial for delivering reliable assays that meet scientific, regulatory, and business objectives.

What are some common challenges faced by an assay development manager during the early stages of a new project?

One of the main challenges Assay Development Managers encounter in the early phases of a project is balancing the need for high sensitivity and specificity with practicality and scalability. They often need to troubleshoot unexpected assay variability, optimize protocols, and ensure the reproducibility of results under tight deadlines. Additionally, coordinating input from cross-functional teams—such as R&D scientists, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs—can present logistical hurdles. Effective communication and project management skills are essential to navigate these complexities and drive the project forward.

What is the difference between Assay Development Manager vs Laboratory Supervisor?

AspectAssay Development ManagerLaboratory Supervisor
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Life Sciences, relevant certificationsBachelor's in Life Sciences or related field, relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, biotech or pharma companiesLaboratories, clinical or research settings
Employer & IndustryBiotech, pharmaceutical, diagnosticsResearch institutions, hospitals, biotech
Primary FocusDesigning and optimizing assays, project managementOverseeing daily lab operations, staff supervision

The Assay Development Manager focuses on designing, developing, and optimizing assays, often managing projects and teams. In contrast, the Laboratory Supervisor oversees daily lab operations and staff, ensuring smooth workflow. Both roles require relevant scientific credentials and work in similar environments, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

How to do assay development?

Assay development involves designing and optimizing laboratory tests to accurately measure specific analytes or biological activities. It requires selecting appropriate detection methods, validating assay performance parameters such as sensitivity and specificity, and ensuring reproducibility. Skills in laboratory techniques, familiarity with instrumentation, and understanding of regulatory standards are essential for successful assay development.

What are popular job titles related to Assay Development Manager jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Assay Development Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assay Development Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Assay Development Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Assay Development Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Assay Development Manager job openings:

Assay Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assay Development Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $73,683 per year, or $35.4 per hour.

Flow Cytometry Sr. Analyst

The University of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$119K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

165th of 620 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Department
BSD SRF - Custom Anti-body Technique
About the Department
The Cytometry and Antibody Technology (CAT) Facility serves the faculty by providing access to state-of-the-art technology in quantitative analytical approaches to measure molecular and cellular function. The facility is designed to meet the widespread needs for specialized cytometric analysis and continues to respond to the demand for new and improved technology. It is a BSD core part of the Office of Shared Research Facilities.
Job Summary
The job participates in scientific research projects. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Writes articles, reports and manuscripts. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings.
The Flow Cytometry Sr. Analyst provides technical expertise in flow cytometry and cell analysis to support researchers, partner institutions, and biotechnology organizations. This role delivers exceptional customer service by operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting specialized flow cytometry instrumentation, including cell sorters and analyzers, while assisting investigators with experimental design, fluorescence assay development, and data acquisition.
Responsibilities
  • Provide excellent customer service by operating cell analyzers, cell sorters and analysis software, assisting the users in developing fluorescence assays and participate in the maintenance of the facility's specialized instruments.
  • Responsible for operating and maintaining cell sorter (Aria and Aria Fusion) for faculty researchers.
  • Support and train CAT Facility staff in the proper use of the facility's equipment. Perform the maintenance and quality control protocols on benchtop flow cytometers.
  • Assist core facility users in the operation of instruments and advice on the most appropriate techniques and protocols to use, diagnose and troubleshoot technical issues on the instruments hosted in the facility.
  • Responsible for operating and maintaining bench-top flow cytometers (BD LSRII, BD LSR Fortessa, BD-Attune C6) and performing maintenance and quality control protocols on benchtop flow cytometers.
  • Assist the Technical Director with ongoing scientific projects, ensure compliance of research activities/procedures with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies. Analyzes possible solutions using standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Take responsibility for other laboratory duties, not limited to ordering, inventory, organization and upkeep.
  • Applies research principles and relevant subject matter knowledge relevant to administer a research project. With a moderate level of direction, manages lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Helps develop, design and conduct research projects according to plan.
  • Supports data collection and analytical needs of research projects. Conducts literature reviews and helps write reports and manuscripts. Ensures project compliance with different policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
  • Takes responsibility for the following laboratory duties: recognizing abnormal results and varying conditions or procedures to correct problems; setting up and performing experiments. Analyze the meaning, significance, causes, and effects of the subject.
  • Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
---
Preferred Qualifications
Experience:
  • Follow cytometry instrumentation and/or software strongly preferred.
  • Operating and maintaining cell sorters and benchtop analyzers strongly preferred.
  • Developing fluorescence assays strongly preferred.

Preferred Competencies
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive working relationships strongly preferred.
  • Scientific and technical problem-solving skills strongly preferred.
  • Ability to read, interpret, and prepare protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) strongly preferred.
  • Proficiency in learning and using new software, instrumentation, and computer applications strongly preferred.
  • Ability to work independently and exercise initiative strongly preferred.

Working Conditions
  • Laboratory and office environment.

Application Documents
  • Resume (required)
  • Cover Letter (preferred)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Research
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
Yes
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$60,000.00 - $80,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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