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Assay Development Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Medical Technologist

Portland, OR · On-site

$29.41 - $41.27/hr

... on all assays and procedures as required. Troubleshoot and resolve issues. Report issues to ... development as an employee • Contributes to an environment where people feel valued • ...

Showing results 41-60

Assay Development information

See Oregon salary details

$21

$40

$65

How much do assay development jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for assay development in Oregon is $40.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.00 and $48.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are 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 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 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 adhering to regulatory standards to ensure assay accuracy and reliability.

What is assay development?

Assay development is the process of designing and optimizing laboratory tests to detect or measure specific biological molecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, or small compounds. It involves selecting appropriate techniques, reagents, and conditions to ensure accuracy, sensitivity, and reproducibility, often requiring knowledge of biochemistry and instrumentation. Assay development is essential in fields like diagnostics, drug discovery, and research to generate reliable data for decision-making.

What are the most commonly searched types of Assay Development jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of Assay Development jobs in Oregon are:

What job categories do people searching Assay Development jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Assay Development jobs in Oregon are:

Infographic showing various Assay Development job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,027 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

$20.50 - $28/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

171st of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview

This role is a key position as a research assistant in the laboratory of Dr. Brian O'Roak studying the genetic basis and developmental neuroscience of autism and related disorders. Key responsibilities will include supporting studies utilizing rodent and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) models, human cell culture, as well as human genomics projects.

Applicants must have basic laboratory skills and knowledge of standard molecular biology and cell culturing techniques, such as DNA extraction, molecular cloning, PCR, Sanger sequencing, working in tissue culture. A strong background with rodent models and/or stem cell tissue culture, including genotyping and animal husbandry, is also required. Experience in neuroscience, human genetics/genomics, or molecular biology (genome editing) is strongly preferred, as well as a bachelor's degree in the biological sciences. This position demands excellent organizational skills, time flexibility, and the ability to work both independently and in a team environment.

Function/Duties of Position
  • Provides assistance with mouse colony management and husbandry, tissue dissection, immunohistochemistry and genotyping. Assists with running behavioral assays and maintaining cell cultures.
  • Plans, conducts, and completes laboratory experiments under the supervision of the head of the laboratory.
  • Performs primary molecular genetic techniques including PCR, gel electrophoresis, enzymatic analyses, fluorescence assisted cell sorting (FACS), fluorescent and light microscopy, plasmid preparation, DNA isolation from mouse and human tissues, next-generation library preparation, and studies of gene expression.
  • Assignments require the performance of complex test procedures and analyses involving multiple procedures and a variety of technical approaches. Operates a variety of instruments and scientific equipment, including operation, quality control and maintenance.  Assists with experiments and assays, preparing solutions, collecting and entering data, maintaining databases, assuring compliance with established safety procedures and maintaining required documentation.
  • Collects, records, organizes and verifies the accuracy of data. Conducts literature searches and summarizes information in an appropriate format for a particular study; Documents and interprets results of experiments and reports to principal investigator. Presents experimental results at lab meetings and participates in journal and research group meetings.
  • Assists in the daily operation of the lab including hazardous waste disposal, sterilization of equipment, cleaning glassware, general servicing of equipment and ordering lab supplies, and preparation of media and buffers.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's in relevant field; OR

  • Associate's AND 3 years of relevant experience; OR

  • 4 years of relevant experience; OR

  • Equivalent combination of training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Experience with mouse handling and colony managment or stem cell tissue culture.
  • Basic laboratory skills and knowledge of standard molecular biology techniques.

  • Ability to manage a mouse colony, including setting up matings, collecting tissue,  and genotyping.
  • Ability to culture human cells using sterile tissue culture techniques and familiarity with stem cells.
  • High level of attention to detail and proven ability to manage time effectively, especially with competing priorities.

  • Knowledge of academic research settings and ability to work with qualitative and/or quantitative methods of data collection.

  • Ability to communicate well and work with faculty and staff within the department and University.

  • Ability to take initiative and work independently and in a team environment.

  • Ability to complete tasks in an accurate and timely manner.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in the biological sciences.
  • 2-4 years of experience serving on a research team.

  • Human genetics/genomics.

  • Advanced molecular biology.

  • Next-generation library preparation.
Why apply to OHSU?We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.eduEmployment Type: OTHER

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About Oregon Health & Science University

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Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887