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Assay Development Scientist Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

$110 - $160/hr

The (Senior) Scientific Project Manager will be responsible for providing project management ... Lead the contracting with third-party lab service providers for assay development and validation.

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Assay Development Scientist information

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How much do assay development scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 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?

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 does an assay development scientist do?

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assay development scientist?

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,990 per year, or $35.1 per hour.

Scientist - Development in Therapeutics Production & Quality

Memphis, TN • On-site

Socket.dev
Network Security • 1 - 10 employees

$86 - $155/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Join our Team!

The Therapeutics Production and Quality department within our Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) facility is looking for a Scientist - Development to design and implement process development experiments with minimal supervision including both upstream and downstream unit operations. In this role you will perform small scale cell culture experiments, set up and run bioreactors for culture of mammalian or bacterial cells, and optimize purification methods using various chromatography techniques. Experience in mammalian and bacterial cell culture, bioreactors, protein purification, plasmid DNA purification, tangential flow filtration and various other filtration techniques is preferred. You will generate purified plasmid DNA and gene therapy vectors including Lentiviral.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Coordinate multiple aspects of projects/processes within area (GMP/ECTL) with guidance, and execute processes (e.g., tech transfer & scale-up runs, HPLC/biologic assays, manufacturing of cellular therapeutics) utilizing appropriate techniques, equipment, and methods.
  • Provide inputs regarding revisions to SOPs and/or process flows within area.
  • Support development, documentation, and reporting of relevant experimental data (e.g., production batch records, HPLC reports, summary reports for manufacturing campaigns).
  • Monitor and document compliance with quality and regulatory requirements; and address deviations.
  • Support monitoring and stocking of supplies, and calibration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and purchase of equipment within area.
  • Instruct other staff in basic techniques, procedures, and systems within area (e.g., operations of cGMP equipment and control software).
  • Perform other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and institution.
  • Maintains regular and predictable attendance.

Minimum Education and/or Training:

  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Master's OR PhD preferred.

Minimum Experience:

  • Minimum Requirement: Bachelor's degree with 7+ years experience in relevant scientific area (e.g., GMP: chemistry, biology, chemical engineering, analytical chemistry, biotechnology; ECTL: cellular biology, molecular biology, immunology, biochemistry).
  • Experience exception: 5+ years of experience in relevant area with Master's
  • Experience exception: 3+ years of experience in relevant area with PhD
  • Prior experience in relevant area to own domain (e.g., upstream/downstream cGMP experience, process development, HPLC/biological assays) strongly preferred.
  • Experience in lab and scientific project coordination, maintenance, and other research support activities preferred.

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 $86,320 - $154,960 per year for the role of Scientist - Development in Therapeutics Production & Quality.

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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