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Assay Development Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Build and structure the ACCELLIX Assay R&D team, including hiring, role definition, and ... Managing Work Processes: Driving continuous improvement by evaluating processes and implementing ...

R&D Assay Director - Accellix

Lombard, IL · On-site

$195K - $255K/yr

Build and structure the ACCELLIX Assay R&D team, including hiring, role definition, and ... Managing Work Processes: Driving continuous improvement by evaluating processes and implementing ...

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Assay Development Manager information

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$11K

$71.5K

$106.5K

How much do assay development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for assay development manager in the United States is $71,527.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,500.00 and $93,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assay Development Manager, and why are they important?

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.
More about Assay Development Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Assay Development Manager jobs? Cities with the most Assay Development Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Assay Development jobs? The most popular types of Assay Development jobs are:
What states have the most Assay Development Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Assay Development Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Assay Development Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 10% Internship, 72% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 10% Summer. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,527 per year, or $34.4 per hour.
Principal Scientist, Biomarker Assay Development Bench Scientist

Principal Scientist, Biomarker Assay Development Bench Scientist

Healthcare Businesswomen's Association

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$126K - $234K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Description Summary

Internal Position Title: Principal Scientist I/II

Location: Cambridge, MA, #LI-Onsite

This role is based in Cambridge, MA. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

Job Description Key responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and qualify preclinical and clinical biomarker assays (cellular, soluble, proteomic, genetic, and genomic) to support target engagement, pharmacodynamics, and patient stratification for DAx programs.
  • The ideal candidate will bring deep technical and strategic expertise in designing, developing, optimizing, and clinically implementing ligand binding assays (e.g. ELISA, MSD, immunoassays). Ensuring analytical rigor, robustness, and “fit-for purpose” performance expectations and technical assessment standards.
  • Execute laboratory-based research, including hands‑on assay development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
  • Analyze and interpret experimental data, ensuring scientific rigor and reproducibility.
  • Collaborate with Translational Medicine, Biomarker Development, and DAx project teams to align assay strategies with DAx therapeutic area priorities.
  • Support the implementation of biomarker assays in preclinical and clinical studies, including documentation and reporting of results.
  • Maintain exemplary laboratory practices, including accurate record keeping and adherence to safety and regulatory guidelines.
  • Present research findings in lab meetings and contribute to scientific publications and internal reports.
Essential Requirements
  • PhD or MD, Postdoctoral Fellowship preferred, with 4+ years’ experience in scientific and technical discipline of relevant field, or BS/MS with 8+ years’ experience in scientific and technical discipline of relevant field.
  • Hands‑on experience with designing and executing LBA assays.
  • Demonstrated experience in biomarker assay development, proteomics, genetics, genomics, or related fields within pharma or biotech.
  • Demonstrated expertise in assay development, qualification, and implementation for preclinical and/or clinical studies across various animal and human matrices.
  • Proven skill in independently developing and executing biochemical and cellular assays for drug discovery.
  • Innovative and critical thinking, with a track record of scientific impact and continuous improvement.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Commitment to scientific rigor, curiosity, and accountability in laboratory research.
Desirable Requirements
  • Experience with multiomics profiling and patient stratification approaches, especially as applied to renal, liver, fibrosis, or exploratory disease areas.
  • Familiarity with animal models and ex vivo assays is a plus.
  • Hands‑on experience with RNA assays and/or LC‑MS based biomarker or assay quantification an added plus.
  • Knowledge of statistics and computational data analysis is desirable.
  • Experience working with CROs or external vendors to support assay development, biomarker studies or analytical deliverables.
Salary Range

Principal Scientist I: $108,500 – $201,500 per year

Principal Scientist II: $126,000 – $234,000 per year

EEO Statement

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com or call +1(877)395‑2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Skills Desired
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Chemical Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Clinical Trials
  • Collaboration
  • Curious Mindset
  • Data Analysis
  • Detail‑Oriented
  • Drug Development
  • Ethics
  • Gene Therapy
  • Immunology
  • Inventory Management
  • Machine Learning (ML)
  • Medical Research
  • Molecular Biology
  • Python (Programming Language)
  • Science
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