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Assay Development Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tempus

Senior Scientist R&D

Chicago, IL · On-site

$94K - $135K/yr

... assays in support of IVD & CDx programs. In this role you will lead projects with staff scientists that lead the wet lab efforts during development and guide documentation specialists to assist in ...

Tempus

Senior Scientist R&D

Chicago, IL

$94K - $135K/yr

... assays in support of IVD & CDx programs. In this role you will lead projects with staff scientists that lead the wet lab efforts during development and guide documentation specialists to assist in ...

Tempus

Senior Scientist R&D

Atlanta, GA

$94K - $135K/yr

... assays in support of IVD & CDx programs. In this role you will lead projects with staff scientists that lead the wet lab efforts during development and guide documentation specialists to assist in ...

Tempus

Senior Director, Research & Development

Chicago, IL · On-site

$173K - $245K/yr

... assay development efforts * Mentor and develop a high-performing teams of scientists and documentation specialists * Contribute to resource planning, budgeting, staffing strategy, and organizational ...

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Assay Development Specialist information

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$33.5K

$81.6K

$141K

How much do assay development specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for assay development specialist in the United States is $81,632.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $99,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assay development specialist?

Assay Development Specialists are scientists who design, develop, and optimize laboratory tests (assays) used to detect or measure substances in samples, such as proteins, nucleic acids, or small molecules. They work in fields like biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and clinical diagnostics to create reliable and robust assays for research, drug development, or disease diagnosis. Their responsibilities include selecting appropriate technologies, validating assay performance, and troubleshooting technical issues to ensure accuracy and reproducibility. Assay Development Specialists often collaborate with cross-functional teams and may also be involved in documenting procedures and training other laboratory personnel.

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

To thrive as an Assay Development Specialist, you need a strong background in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field, typically with a relevant degree and laboratory experience. Familiarity with assay platforms (such as ELISA, PCR, or flow cytometry), data analysis software, and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for optimizing protocols and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure accurate assay results, drive innovation, and support the development of reliable diagnostic or research tools.

What are some common challenges faced by assay development specialists when optimizing new assays for high-throughput screening?

Assay Development Specialists often encounter challenges such as ensuring assay robustness, minimizing variability, and maintaining reproducibility when scaling up for high-throughput screening. Balancing sensitivity and specificity while adapting assays to automated platforms can also require multiple rounds of optimization. Additionally, troubleshooting unexpected results and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, such as instrumentation engineers and data analysts, is essential to address technical hurdles efficiently.

What is the difference between Assay Development Specialist vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectAssay Development SpecialistLaboratory Technician
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Life Sciences, relevant certificationsAssociate's degree or equivalent, technical training
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, biotech companies, pharmaceutical firmsClinical, research, or manufacturing labs
Job FocusDesigning, optimizing, and validating assaysPerforming routine lab tests and sample preparation

The Assay Development Specialist and Laboratory Technician roles both operate within laboratory settings, but the specialist focuses on developing and validating assays, requiring advanced knowledge and certifications. The technician performs routine testing and sample handling, supporting assay development but with less emphasis on method creation. Both roles are essential in biotech and pharmaceutical industries, but differ in scope and expertise level.

What are popular job titles related to Assay Development Specialist jobs?

For Assay Development Specialist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Assay Development Specialist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 34% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,632 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Assay Development Specialist - Histology

Fort Myers, FL

NeoGenomics
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about NeoGenomicsexternal

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

NeoGenomics rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Are you motivated to participate in a dynamic, multi-tasking environment? Do you want to join a company that invests in its employees? Are you seeking a position where you can use your skills while continuing to be challenged and learn? Then we encourage you to dive deeper into this opportunity.
We believe in career development and empowering our employees. Not only do we provide career coaches internally, but we offer many training opportunities to expand your knowledge base! We have highly competitive benefits with a variety of HMO and PPO options. We have company 401k match along with an Employee Stock Purchase Program. We have tuition reimbursement, leadership development, and even start employees off with 16 days of paid time off plus holidays. We offer wellness courses and have highly engaged employee resource groups. Come join the Neo team and be part of our amazing World Class Culture!
NeoGenomics is looking foranAssay Development Specialist for our Histology department in Fort Myers, FLwho wants to continue to learn in order to allow our company to grow.
Shift: Monday-Friday, 11:00am-7:30pm (subject to change based on business needs)
Now that you know what we're looking for in talent, let us tell you why you'd want to work at NeoGenomics:
As an employer, we promise to provide you with a purpose driven mission in which you have the opportunity to save lives by improving patient care through the exceptional work you perform. Together, we will become the world's leading cancer reference laboratory.
Position Summary:
The Assay Development Specialist I, Anatomic Pathology manages the validations and enhancement of clinical tests and services in the following areas: Histology, ISH, IHC, and Image Analysis at the local site level. The Specialist provides insight to assay design, performs validations, and works cohesively with the local AP department to maintain assays and instrumentation for the department.
This is a technical role that reports to the Assay Development Manager for Anatomic Pathology. This role requires a combined set of strong technical and interpersonal skills. The Assay Development Specialist I must have high understanding of laboratory techniques and clinical lab practices. The Assay Development Specialist Ihasongoing opportunities to mentor junior members of the department and interact with numerous levels of staff in other departments.
Core Responsibilities:
  • Demonstrate initiative in making suggestions to improve efficiency throughout the AP lab section
  • Prepare validation summary for each completed validation
  • Assist in maintaining documentation and slides per CAP/CLIA regulations
  • Basic knowledge of regulatory regulations
  • Assist in troubleshooting of test performance and instrumentation issues
  • Performs the bi-annual instrument and/or assay correlations as assigned
  • Assist in the IQ/OQ/PQ process for all instrumentation per SOP
  • Assist in maintaining and enhancing existing assays as assigned
  • Perform staining for assay validation per SOP or established validation plan
  • Proficient with department staining and scanning platforms and programs
  • Assist in specimen procurement for validation as assigned
  • Prepare and update internal document for review
  • Assist in coordinating instrument maintenance and service
  • Assist with internal PT and AA as assigned
  • Proficient in reagent preparation
  • Basic knowledge of antibody and IHC staining methods
  • Assist in training laboratory staff as assigned
  • Provide support to laboratory staff and management to maintain routine operation
Experience, Education and Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science in chemical, biological, or clinical laboratory science or medical technology (HistotechnologyProgram) from an accredited institution - OR -
  • Associate of Science in a laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution - OR -
  • Equivalent education of 60 semester hours with 24 semester hours in biological and chemical science courses
  • 2 years of experience in Histology/Anatomic Pathology required, 4 total years of experience preferred
  • HT or HTL (ASCP) required

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