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Assay Development Scientist Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

About R&D Roles at Danaher Are you driven by curiosity, discovery, and a desire to contribute to ... Conducting laboratory studies to evaluate assay performance under guidance from scientific staff

About R&D Roles at Danaher Are you driven by curiosity, discovery, and a desire to contribute to ... Conducting laboratory studies to evaluate assay performance under guidance from scientific staff

About R&D Roles at Danaher Are you driven by curiosity, discovery, and a desire to contribute to ... Conducting laboratory studies to evaluate assay performance under guidance from scientific staff

About R&D Roles at Danaher Are you driven by curiosity, discovery, and a desire to contribute to ... Conducting laboratory studies to evaluate assay performance under guidance from scientific staff

About R&D Roles at Danaher Are you driven by curiosity, discovery, and a desire to contribute to ... Conducting laboratory studies to evaluate assay performance under guidance from scientific staff

About R&D Roles at Danaher Are you driven by curiosity, discovery, and a desire to contribute to ... Conducting laboratory studies to evaluate assay performance under guidance from scientific staff

About R&D Roles at Danaher Are you driven by curiosity, discovery, and a desire to contribute to ... Conducting laboratory studies to evaluate assay performance under guidance from scientific staff

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Assay Development Scientist information

See Tennessee salary details

$18

$35

$55

How much do assay development scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for assay development scientist in Tennessee is $35.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.72 and $41.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Assay Development Scientist job?

An Assay Development Scientist designs, optimizes, and validates biochemical and cell-based assays for drug discovery, diagnostics, or research applications. They work with a variety of techniques such as ELISA, PCR, and high-throughput screening to measure biological or chemical responses. Their role involves troubleshooting, data analysis, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure assay accuracy and reproducibility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Assay Development Scientist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assay Development Scientist, you need a strong background in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field, along with experience in assay design, optimization, and validation. Proficiency with laboratory instrumentation such as plate readers, liquid handlers, and data analysis software (e.g., GraphPad Prism or SoftMax Pro), as well as familiarity with regulatory guidelines, is often required. Effective problem-solving, meticulous attention to detail, and strong communication skills set exceptional candidates apart. These abilities ensure the successful development of reliable assays, facilitate collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, and support impactful scientific advancements.

What does a typical day look like for an Assay Development Scientist?

A typical day for an Assay Development Scientist involves designing experiments, running and optimizing biochemical or cell-based assays, analyzing data, and documenting results. You will often collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including research scientists, project managers, and quality assurance specialists, to ensure assays meet project requirements. Regular meetings to discuss progress, troubleshoot technical challenges, and plan next steps are common. The role also involves staying up-to-date with new technologies and industry standards to continuously improve assay performance.

What are the most commonly searched types of Assay Development Scientist jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Assay Development Scientist jobs in Tennessee are:
What job categories do people searching Assay Development Scientist jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Assay Development Scientist jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Assay Development Scientist jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Assay Development Scientist job openings:
Infographic showing various Assay Development Scientist job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,990 per year, or $35.1 per hour.

Sr Medical Lab Scientist-Clinical Microbiology

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Memphis, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


St. Jude Children's Research Hospital rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 1,054 rated hospitals


Job description

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a world-class pediatric research hospital. Every one of our professionals shares a commitment to making a difference in the lives of the children and families we serve, including those from across the globe.
The Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist supports patient care through the development, evaluation, validation, implementation, and optimization of assays, reagents, instruments, and testing systems related to the detection and characterization of infectious disease agents, with a particular emphasis on bacterial and fungal pathogens. This role serves as a technical resource within Clinical Microbiology and contributes to advanced testing initiatives, assay development, antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), method validation, and implementation of emerging diagnostic technologies.
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop, evaluate, validate, verify, and optimize new and existing microbiology assays, test systems, reagents, instruments, and workflows to support clinical diagnostic services.
  • Apply a broad range of established and emerging microbiological methodologies for the detection, identification, characterization, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of infectious disease agents.
  • Utilize technologies and methodologies including, but not limited to:
    • Manual and automated biochemical testing
    • Gradient diffusion methods
    • Broth and agar dilution or microdilution techniques
    • Flow cytometry
    • Mass spectrometry and related analytical platforms
    • Morphokinetic and microbial characterization technologies
    • Artificial intelligence and machine learning-based analytical approaches
    • Digital and visual diagnostic modalities
  • Design and execute evaluation, validation, and verification studies, including development of project plans, workflows, timelines, and data management tools.
  • Independently manage assigned projects while collaborating with laboratory leadership and technical staff to advance section goals and priorities.
  • Provide technical expertise in troubleshooting existing assays and instrumentation and contribute to assay selection, study design, and implementation of new diagnostic approaches.
  • Facilitate the transition of new or modified methods into clinical operations through staff training, technical support, development of quality control processes, and preparation of standard operating procedures.
  • Support ongoing assay performance through development and maintenance of quality control materials, calibrators, validation documentation, and performance monitoring activities.
  • Maintain accurate records and communicate technical findings, project outcomes, literature reviews, and scientific data through written reports, presentations, meetings, publications, and other professional forums.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement within Clinical Microbiology.
  • Demonstrated experience with method validation, verification, assay implementation, data analysis, and quality management principles.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced knowledge of antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), including broth microdilution methodologies.
  • Experience with assay development, validation, verification, and implementation in a clinical laboratory environment particularly in Microbiology.
  • Experience leading or coordinating technical projects and laboratory initiatives.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop project plans, manage timelines, and supervise complex laboratory studies.
  • Experience with emerging diagnostic technologies, automated microbiology systems, mass spectrometry platforms, artificial intelligence applications, or advanced microbial characterization methods.

Minimum Education and/or Training:
  • Bachelor's degree in medical technology/medical laboratory science or in one of the biological, chemical, or physical sciences and completion of a medical laboratory training program required.
  • Master's degree in Clinical Lab Science or PhD preferred.

Minimum Experience:
  • 6+ years of medical laboratory experience.
  • Experience Exceptions: Master's degree in Clinical Lab Science with 4+ years of experience (OR) PhD with 2+ years of experience.
  • Substantial experience in lab equipment operations, medical laboratory techniques, and execution of specialized lab test procedures.
  • Substantial experience in data collection and analysis.
  • Experience working with cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Proven performance in earlier role/ comparable role.

Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by Law:
  • None

Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by SJCRH Only:
  • Certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS from the ASCP, NRCC, ABB, ASCPi (if taken after January 2015) is required within six (6) months of hire if not licensed in Tennessee as a medical laboratory professional.
  • Acceptable licenses are Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Medical Technologist (MT), Medical Laboratory Supervisor-General or Categorical Supervisor, Special Analyst or Categorical Technologist in assigned laboratory section.

Compensation
In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $34.00 - $61.00 per hour for the role of Sr Medical Lab Scientist-Clinical Microbiology.
Explore our exceptional benefits!
St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer
No Search Firms
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.

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