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How much do assay development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for assay development in California is $38.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.98 and $45.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced when developing new assays, and how can they be addressed?

Assay Development professionals often encounter challenges such as optimizing assay sensitivity and specificity, troubleshooting inconsistent results, and adapting protocols for high-throughput environments. These issues are typically addressed through systematic optimization of reagents and conditions, rigorous validation, and collaboration with cross-functional teams like R&D, quality assurance, and automation specialists. Clear documentation and regular team meetings also help in quickly identifying and resolving technical hurdles, ensuring the assay meets project goals and regulatory standards.

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

To thrive in Assay Development, you need a solid background in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree or advanced training. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, data analysis software, and validation protocols is typically required, along with experience in techniques like ELISA, PCR, or cell-based assays. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective collaboration are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the accuracy, reliability, and efficiency of assays, which are critical for research, diagnostics, and product development.

What is assay development?

Assay development refers to the process of designing, optimizing, and validating analytical tests (assays) used to detect or measure specific substances, such as proteins, nucleic acids, or small molecules, within a sample. This work is crucial in fields like biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and diagnostics, as it ensures that assays are accurate, reliable, and suitable for their intended applications. Professionals in assay development work on tailoring assay conditions, selecting appropriate detection methods, and establishing protocols to support research or clinical decision-making.

What does an assay development scientist do?

An assay development scientist designs, optimizes, and validates laboratory tests to measure specific biological or chemical substances. They work with techniques such as ELISA, PCR, or spectrophotometry, often using specialized equipment and following regulatory standards to ensure assay accuracy and reliability.

What is an assay worker?

An assay worker is a laboratory professional responsible for performing assays, which are tests used to analyze biological or chemical samples. They prepare samples, operate specialized equipment, and record data to support research, development, or quality control in fields like pharmaceuticals or diagnostics.

What is considered assay development?

Assay development is the process of designing and optimizing laboratory tests to measure specific biological or chemical substances accurately and reliably. It involves selecting appropriate detection methods, validating the assay's sensitivity and specificity, and ensuring reproducibility for research or diagnostic purposes. Assay development often requires knowledge of biochemistry, instrumentation, and regulatory standards.

What is the highest paid type of scientist?

In general, specialized scientists such as petroleum engineers, data scientists, and pharmaceutical scientists tend to have the highest salaries. Within assay development, senior roles with advanced skills in molecular techniques and regulatory knowledge can also command higher pay, especially in biotech and pharmaceutical industries.

What is the difference between Assay Development vs Laboratory Scientist?

AspectAssay DevelopmentLaboratory Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Life Sciences, relevant certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Life Sciences, relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, biotech companies, pharmaceutical firmsResearch labs, hospitals, biotech companies
Industry UsageDesigning and optimizing assays for research and diagnosticsPerforming experiments, data collection, and analysis

Assay Development focuses on creating and optimizing diagnostic or research assays, while Laboratory Scientists perform experiments and analyze data within the lab. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work in similar environments, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Assay Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Assay Development jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Assay Development jobs in California? For Assay Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assay Development jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Assay Development jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Assay Development jobs? Cities in California with the most Assay Development job openings:
Assay Development jobs near you
Senior/Staff Statistician, Assay Development

Senior/Staff Statistician, Assay Development

DELFI Diagnostics, Inc.

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$150K - $215K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

DELFI Diagnostics, Inc. (DELFI Diagnostics) is developing next-generation, blood-based tests that are reliable, accessible and deliver a new way to help detect cancer. Employing advanced machine-learning methods to whole-genome sequencing data, the DELFI ("DNA EvaLuation of Fragments for early Interception") platform is built to address the highest-burden health challenges. DELFI Diagnostics prioritizes solutions that have the potential to save lives on a global scale, including for historically underserved populations. DELFI Diagnostics' platform relies on fragmentomics - the discovery that cancer cells are more chaotic than normal cells and, when they die, leave behind tell-tale patterns and characteristics of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragments. FirstLook Lung, for individuals eligible for lung cancer screening, is DELFI Diagnostics' first laboratory-developed screening test and can be part of routine blood work. FirstLook Lung uses millions of data points to reliably identify individuals who may have cancer detected through low-dose CT, including early stage disease with a negative predictive value of 99.8 percent. This test has not been cleared or approved by the FDA.
In our passionate pursuit to radically improve health outcomes, we serve humanity when we:
  • Lead with Science, Anchor in Pragmatism: We pioneer life-changing science by ensuring quality, transparency, and rigor at all times. We explore thoughtfully, experiment smartly, and deliver impact with conviction.
  • Build With & For All: We embrace diverse backgrounds to innovate and achieve together. We are not just building a product - we aim to disrupt the path of cancer for all - no matter geography or socioeconomic class
  • Put We over I: We are a home for high-performing people. Through teamwork, we build collective intelligence. Each of us wins when those we serve and those who serve with us--win. We show up with empathy, humility, and integrity at every step of the journey.

About the role
We're hiring an experienced statistician to play a key role in the analytical validation of our cancer detection assays, partnering across assay development, lab operations, software, regulatory, and data science. The ideal candidate will provide statistical leadership on complex AV problems, set standards for how studies are designed and analyzed at DELFI, and mentor junior team members.
What you'll do
  • Design and execute analytical validation studies across our assay development pipeline, partnering with lab, software, regulatory, and data science teams.
  • Apply and develop statistical methods suited to NGS-based assays and liquid biopsy platforms.
  • Define and apply rigorous, pre-specified acceptance criteria and sample size calculations for assay performance.
  • Author statistical analysis plans, study reports, and regulatory submissions for both LDT and IVD pathways, and serve as an internal statistical consultant across functions.
  • Familiarity with IVD regulatory requirements and analytical validation standards (e.g., CLSI guidelines, FDA 21 CFR Part 820, ISO 13485, IVDR).
  • Provide statistical leadership on complex or novel analytical validation problems, set standards for how AV studies are designed and analyzed at DELFI, and mentor junior team members.

What you'll bring
Required
  • Doctoral degree in Statistics, Biostatistics, or a related field with 2+ years of industry experience; or Master's with 5+ years of industry experience
  • Experience designing and analyzing applied statistical studies in analytical validation
  • Proficiency in R, Python is a plus
  • Strong written and verbal communication, including translating statistical reasoning for non-statistical audiences.
  • Strong critical thinking, ability to manage multiple priorities independently, and a collaborative working style.
  • Assay validation experience in a regulated environment (LDT or IVD), and familiarity with relevant CLSI guidelines.

Preferred
  • Experience with NGS-based assays or liquid biopsy platforms.
  • Experience with FDA pre-submission meetings or direct agency interactions.
  • Ability to develop novel statistical methods from first principles.
  • Publications or presentations in diagnostic statistics, analytical validation or clinical validation.

$150,000 - $215,000 a year
Actual base pay will consider experience, skillset, education, and geography.
This role may be eligible for other forms of compensation, including an annual bonus and a new hire equity grant, subject to the terms of the applicable plans and Company discretion. All employees are also eligible for DELFI's comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including but not limited to: a flexible time-off policy; a 401(k) retirement plan; an extremely competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage; onsite lunch 3 days a week; and other wellness related offerings.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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