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Assay Development Manager information

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$11.9K

$77.3K

$115.1K

How much do assay development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for assay development manager in Gaithersburg, MD is $77,281.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $101,000.00 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 Gaithersburg, MD?

For Assay Development Manager jobs in Gaithersburg, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assay Development Manager jobs in Gaithersburg, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Assay Development Manager jobs in Gaithersburg, MD are:

What cities near Gaithersburg, MD are hiring for Assay Development Manager jobs?

Cities near Gaithersburg, MD with the most Assay Development Manager job openings:

Assay Development Manager jobs near you

Molecular Assay Lab Tech IV

Cherokee Federal

Frederick, MD • On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago

Job description


Molecular Assay Lab Tech IV
***This position requires an active Secret clearance or the ability to obtain a Secret clearance to be considered. ***
As required by our governmental client, this position requires being a US Citizen.
Cherokee Nation Integrated Health (CNIH) is seeking a Molecular Assay Lab Tech IV to provide technical laboratory support for assay development, molecular diagnostics, and mission-critical research at Fort Detrick, Maryland. In this role, you will perform laboratory experiments in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 laboratories using next-generation sequencing, real-time PCR, digital PCR, MAGPIX, molecular enrichment, microbiology, and other molecular diagnostic techniques. You will execute scientific studies with minimal technical guidance, analyze and summarize data, support technical documentation, maintain laboratory equipment and suite integrity, and facilitate the execution of research activities.
The successful candidate will possess strong laboratory experience in molecular biology, microbiology, molecular diagnostics, and assay development, with the ability to independently execute experiments and analyze results. The position requires experience working with biological materials, clinical and environmental samples, and laboratory systems within high-containment environments. The successful candidate must also demonstrate strong documentation, communication, organizational, and laboratory management skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with principal investigators and laboratory personnel.
Compensation & Benefits:
Estimated Starting Salary Range for Molecular Assay Lab Tech IV: $70,000 - $75,000
Pay commensurate with experience.
Full-time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K and other possible benefits as provided. Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.
Molecular Assay Lab Tech IV Responsibilities Include:
  • Perform laboratory work necessary to fulfill experimental requirements for assay development as determined in collaboration with the respective Project Investigator (PI) in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 laboratories.
  • Conduct experiments, perform testing, and analyze data for the detection of etiologic agents within animal and clinical samples originating from BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 containment suites.
  • Perform molecular techniques including nucleic acid amplification technologies such as PCR and isothermal amplification, nucleic acid quantification, and sample and library preparation for next-generation sequencing as required by the PI.
  • Perform sample processing techniques to generate nucleic acid material for molecular diagnostic testing using both robotic systems and manual preparation techniques, including QIAgen EZ1, MagNA Pure, and Zymo extraction kits.
  • Perform microbiological techniques, including manipulation of live virus and human cells, cell culture, viral culture, and bacterial growth, as required by the PI.
  • Support laboratory experiments involving pathogenic bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, clinical and environmental samples containing unknown pathogens, biothreat agents, and other biologically derived materials that pose human pathogenic risk.
  • Perform independent verification and validation of novel diagnostic technologies as required by the PI.
  • Execute scientific studies with minimal technical guidance, analyze and summarize experimental data, and support mission-critical research activities.
  • Maintain well-documented digital or physical records of experimentation and provide documentation to the PI upon request.
  • Assist PIs in preparing standard operating procedures, technical reports, and manuscripts for publication as required.
  • Maintain laboratory equipment and suite integrity, including preventative maintenance and safety testing.
  • Assist the suite supervisor and perform suite supervisor duties for laboratories used by the Division, including maintaining knowledge of instruments, chemicals, and biological work conducted in the laboratories.
  • Order supplies necessary for department projects, revise suite-specific manuals, conduct suite orientations, and coordinate personnel working in assigned laboratories.
  • Present protocols and data generated during weekly meetings and monthly assemblies as required.
  • Facilitate execution of mission-critical research and perform other duties as assigned.
  • CONUS/OCONUS travel may be required in support of the diagnostic mission.

Molecular Assay Lab Tech IV Experience, Education, Skills, Abilities requested:
  • Bachelor's degree in Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline, with relevant laboratory experience in molecular diagnostics, microbiology, assay development, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated laboratory experience performing molecular biology and microbiological techniques, including PCR, isothermal amplification, nucleic acid quantification, molecular enrichment, and next-generation sequencing sample and library preparation.
  • Experience performing laboratory work in BSL-2, BSL-3, and/or BSL-4 containment environments and handling pathogenic bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, clinical samples, environmental samples, or other biologically derived materials that pose human pathogenic risk.
  • Experience with nucleic acid extraction and sample processing using automated and manual systems, including QIAgen EZ1, MagNA Pure, and Zymo extraction kits.
  • Experience with cell culture, viral culture, bacterial growth, and manipulation of live virus and human cells, as required for laboratory research.
  • Experience conducting assay development, experimental testing, verification and validation of diagnostic technologies, and analysis of laboratory data.
  • Ability to independently execute scientific studies with minimal technical guidance, analyze and summarize experimental data, and communicate findings to PIs and multidisciplinary laboratory teams.
  • Experience maintaining detailed laboratory records and assisting with the preparation of standard operating procedures, technical reports, manuscripts, protocols, and other scientific documentation.
  • Experience maintaining laboratory equipment and supporting laboratory suite operations, including preventative maintenance, safety testing, supply ordering, manual revision, suite orientation, and coordination of laboratory personnel.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, technical writing, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple laboratory activities and mission-critical research requirements.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with PIs, laboratory personnel, supervisors, and other project stakeholders in a high-containment research environment.
  • BPRP enrollment is required and will be held and maintained in accordance with the provisions of the contract and all applicable regulations.
  • Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting molecular diagnostic assay development and testing within BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 laboratory environments.
  • Experience with next-generation sequencing, real-time PCR, digital PCR, MAGPIX, molecular enrichment, and other molecular diagnostic platforms or technologies.
  • Experience supporting verification and validation of novel diagnostic technologies and translating experimental results into technical documentation.
  • Experience performing laboratory suite management or supervisory functions, including equipment maintenance, safety testing, supply management, laboratory orientation, and coordination of personnel.
  • Experience working with clinical and environmental samples and biological materials containing unknown pathogens or biothreat agents.

Company Information:
Cherokee Nation Integrated Health (CNIH) is a part of Cherokee Federal - the division of tribally owned federal contracting companies owned by Cherokee Nation Businesses. As a trusted partner for more than 60 federal clients, Cherokee Federal LLCs are focused on building a brighter future, solving complex challenges, and serving the government's mission with compassion and heart. To learn more about CNIH, visit cherokee-federal.com.
#CherokeeFederal #LI #LI-ONSITE
Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.
Similar Searchable Job Titles
  • Molecular Assay Laboratory Technician
  • Molecular Biology Laboratory Technician
  • Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory Technician
  • Molecular Assay Technician
  • Microbiology Laboratory Technician
  • Molecular Biology Technician

Keywords
  • Molecular Assay Development
  • Molecular Diagnostics
  • BSL-2, BSL-3 & BSL-4 Laboratory Operations
  • Next-Generation Sequencing
  • Real-Time PCR & Digital PCR
  • Nucleic Acid Extraction & Quantification
  • Cell Culture & Viral Culture
  • Microbiology & Bacterial Growth
  • Assay Verification & Validation
  • Clinical & Environmental Sample Processing
  • Laboratory Equipment & Suite Management
  • Technical Reports, SOPs & Scientific Documentation
  • Biological Sample Handling
  • Mission-Critical Research

Legal Disclaimer: Cherokee Federal is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit cherokee-federal.com/careers for information regarding our Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer Statement, and Accommodation request.
Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.
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About Cherokee Federal

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Cherokee Federal - a division of Cherokee Nation Businesses - is a team of tribally owned federal contracting companies focused on building solutions, solving complex challenges, and serving the nation's mission around the globe for more than 60 federal clients. Our team of companies manages nearly 1,000 projects of all sizes across the construction, consulting, engineering and manufacturing, health, and technology portfolios. Since 2012, the Cherokee Federal team of companies has won more than $5 billion in government contracts. Our 3,000+ employees work in 26 countries, 50 states and 2 U.S. territories. Why choose Cherokee Federal? Visit our website and learn about the great reasons to join our team. cherokee-federal.com

Industry

Architectural services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Tulsa, OK, US

Year founded

1969

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