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Assay Development Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Tempus

Program Manager, Product Development

Triangle, VA · On-site

$85K - $130K/yr

We are looking for a Program Manager to lead the development and launch of new assays and initiatives within the Product Development Organization. What You'll Do: Program Leadership & Execution

Luna Labs USA

Cell Biologist

Charlottesville, VA

$70K - $90K/yr

Cell Biologist - In Vitro Models and Assay Development Charlottesville, VA About Luna Labs Luna Labs is a product development company working with leading organizations and key government agencies to ...

Danaher

R&D Internships

Hampton, VA · On-site

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

Danaher

R&D Internships

Harrisonburg, VA

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

Danaher

R&D Internships

Hampton, VA

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

Danaher

R&D Internships

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

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

Danaher

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

Danaher

R&D Internships

Norfolk, VA

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

Danaher

R&D Internships

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

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

Danaher

R&D Internships

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

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

Danaher

R&D Internships

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

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

Danaher

R&D Internships

Richmond, VA · On-site

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

Danaher

R&D Internships

Virginia Beach, VA

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

Danaher

R&D Internships

Norfolk, VA · On-site

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

Danaher

R&D Internships

Chesapeake, VA

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

Danaher

R&D Internships

Lynchburg, VA

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

Danaher

R&D Internships

Williamsburg, VA

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

Danaher

R&D Internships

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

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 information

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How much do assay development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for assay development in Virginia is $38.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.12 and $45.77 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 is the process of designing and optimizing laboratory tests to detect or measure specific substances, such as proteins, nucleic acids, or small molecules. It involves selecting appropriate techniques, reagents, and controls to ensure accuracy, sensitivity, and reproducibility for research or diagnostic purposes. Assay development often requires knowledge of biochemistry, instrumentation, and validation procedures.

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. Their goal is to create reliable assays for research, diagnostics, or pharmaceutical applications.

What biology jobs pay over $100k?

Assay development roles in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies often pay over $100,000 annually, especially for senior scientists with advanced skills in molecular biology, assay design, and data analysis. Positions such as senior research scientists, lead assay developers, and regulatory specialists typically require relevant experience, advanced degrees, and proficiency with laboratory tools and protocols.

What is an assay technician?

An assay technician is a laboratory professional responsible for performing and analyzing assays, which are tests used to measure the presence or concentration of substances in samples. They typically follow standardized protocols, operate specialized equipment, and ensure data accuracy in research or quality control settings.

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 popular job titles related to Assay Development jobs in Virginia? For Assay Development jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assay Development jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Assay Development jobs in Virginia are:
Assay Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assay Development job openings in Virginia 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 $79,730 per year, or $38.3 per hour.
Program Manager, Product Development

Program Manager, Product Development

Tempus

Triangle, VA • On-site

$85K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Passionate about precision medicine and advancing the healthcare industry?

Recent advancements in underlying technology have finally made it possible for AI to impact clinical care in a meaningful way. Tempus' proprietary platform connects an entire ecosystem of real-world evidence to deliver real-time, actionable insights to physicians, providing critical information about the right treatments for the right patients, at the right time.

We are looking for a Program Manager to lead the development and launch of new assays and initiatives within the Product Development Organization.
What You'll Do:
Program Leadership & Execution
  • Lead the entire lifecycle (Concept to Commercialization) of complex, high-impact clinical assay development projects.
  • Ensure projects align with strategic objectives, adhere to budgetary constraints, and meet all deadlines.
  • Guide and motivate cross-functional teams throughout the product development process.
  • Define comprehensive project scope, goals, deliverables, and resource requirements.
  • Develop detailed project plans, consistent with the Tempus Product Development Process, utilizing approved project management software and tools.
  • Establish project milestones and maintain strict adherence to timelines and quality standards.
  • Review, confirm, and ensure the completeness of all project outputs, deliverables, and documentation.
Financial & Risk Management
  • Create accurate project cost estimates, control expenditures, and manage financial reporting.
  • Proactively identify, analyze, and mitigate potential project risks and resolve critical issues.
  • Identify and present necessary tradeoffs between budget, resources, and schedule to drive timely decision-making.
  • Conduct detailed impact analyses for any change requests affecting scope, resources, or timelines.
Communication & Process Improvement
  • Serve as the primary point of contact, delivering regular, clear status reports to senior leadership and project stakeholders.
  • Plan and facilitate structured, collaborative, and productive project meetings, including agenda development.
  • Drive continuous improvement by incorporating lessons learned and project feedback into future planning and execution.
  • Develop, recommend, adopt, and implement new strategies and processes to meet the evolving needs of the Product Development Organization.
Qualifications:
  • Education: Bachelor's degree (4 years) in a scientific, clinical, technical, or business field is preferred; an advanced degree is a plus.
  • Experience: Minimum 3 years of experience in project management.
  • Certification: Project management certification (PMP) highly preferred.
  • Regulatory Familiarity: Understanding of CLIA, CAP, GMP, NYSDOH, and FDA regulations and requirements.
  • Project Tools: Proficiency with project management software (e.g., Smartsheet, MS Project) and budget management tools.
  • Leadership and Communication:
    • Strong leadership, negotiation, communication, and conflict-resolution abilities.
    • Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
    • Expertise in navigating complex organizational structures and influencing stakeholders without direct authority.
  • Execution & Detail Orientation:
    • High attention to detail, ensuring projects are completed on time with a high degree of accuracy and quality
  • Teamwork & Independence:
    • Ability to build and maintain effective, trust-based relationships within a diverse, highly results-driven organization
    • Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision, prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment, with an unwavering dedication to team and project success

CHI: $85,000-$130,000

The expected salary range above is applicable if the role is performed from Illinois and may vary for other locations (California, Colorado, New York). Actual salary may vary based on qualifications and experience. Tempus offers a full range of benefits, which may include incentive compensation, restricted stock units, medical and other benefits depending on the position.

We are an equal opportunity employer. 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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