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Assay Development Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Conduct in vivo neurophysiological recordings and behavioral assays in mice and tree shrews. Data ... Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and ...

... assays. The research associate will also spend significant time and effort on general lab ... Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and ...

... of microbiological assays and associated activities to determine antimicrobial efficacy of ... development * Perform laboratory housekeeping duties to include autoclaving and glassware ...

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Assay Development information

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$20

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$61

How much do assay development jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 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 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.
Infographic showing various Assay Development job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,730 per year, or $38.3 per hour.

Associate Manager, Quality Assurance

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Richmond, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Thermo Fisher Scientific rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 427 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

199th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

Work Schedule

First Shift (Days)

Environmental Conditions

Office

Job Description

Position: Associate Manager, Quality Assurance

Location: Richmond, VA

Department: Quality Assurance

This is a fully onsite role based at our BIOA Laboratory in Richmond, VA. We welcome applicants from all locations within the US. Please note that relocation assistance is not provided for this position, and any relocation costs will be the responsibility of the candidate. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, which includes a drug screening. 


At Thermo Fisher Scientific, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life - enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while taking science a step beyond through research, development and delivery of life-changing therapies. With clinical trials conducted in 100+ countries and ongoing development of novel frameworks for clinical research through our PPD clinical research portfolio, our work spans laboratory, digital and decentralized clinical trial services. Your determination to deliver quality and accuracy will improve health outcomes that people and communities depend on – now and in the future.
Our PPD® Laboratory Services team has a direct impact on improving patient health through the expertise of scientists, industry thought-leaders and therapeutic experts. As the world leader in serving science, our laboratory professionals bring their commitment to accuracy and quality to deliver groundbreaking innovation.

The Associate Manager Quality Assurance has responsibility for a QA team implementing elements of the quality management system. The role involves ensuring internal and/or client processes, systems and/or projects are compliant and inspection ready. The Clinical Quality Assurance Supervisor manages and develops staff and ensures delivery of quality solutions in a collaborative cross-functional environment.
What You'll Do:

  • Manage the day-to-day operations of a QA team and provide oversight, development and performance management to staff to meet performance objectives

  • Assess with supervisors priority of projects and monitor work assignments ensuring adequate resourcing to meet internal and client timelines and provide quality deliverables

  • Assist senior management in the evaluation of QA programs to help maintain regulatory compliance and efficiency of QA audits

  • Evaluate issues and trends reported by QA staff and determine appropriate departmental interpretation. Identify issues that may require follow-up or improvement. Communicate findings to staff and senior management

  • Participate in client and regulatory inspections in order to provide information regarding the QA program and facilitate responses


Education & Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent and relevant formal academic / vocational qualification

  • Previous experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job (comparable to 0 to 5 years).

  • 1+ year of leadership responsibility

In some cases an equivalency, consisting of a combination of appropriate education, training and/or directly related experience, will be considered sufficient for an individual to meet the requirements of the role.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Solid leadership and time management skills

  • Knowledge of appropriate regional regulations and applicable global pharmaceutical industry guidelines

  • For Lab QA Management, knowledge of analytical methodologies, instrumentation and method validation required

  • Good verbal and written communication skills

  • Demonstrated proficiency with regulations and guideline interpretation, proper documentation and QA departmental policies and procedures

  • Detail oriented with ability to deal with multiple and changing priorities

  • Understanding of Molecular Genomics and Flow Cytometry assays preferred


Working Conditions:

Thermo Fisher values the health and wellbeing of our employees. We support and encourage individuals to create a healthy and balanced environment where they can thrive.  Below is listed the working environment/requirements for this role: 

  • Able to communicate, receive, and understand information and ideas with diverse groups of people in a comprehensible and reasonable manner. 

  • Able to work upright and stationary and/or standing for typical working hours.  

  • Able to lift and move objects up to 25 pounds.

  • Able to work in non-traditional work environments.  

  • Able to use and learn standard office equipment and technology with proficiency.  

  • May have exposure to potentially hazardous elements, including infectious agents, typically found in healthcare or laboratory environments. 

  • Able to perform successfully under pressure while prioritizing and handling multiple projects or activities. 

Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Watch as our colleagues explain 5 reasons to work with us. As one team of 100,000+ colleagues, we share a common set of values - Integrity, Intensity, Innovation and Involvement - working together to accelerate research, solve complex scientific challenges, drive technological innovation and support patients in need. #StartYourStory with PPD, part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, where diverse experiences, backgrounds and perspectives are valued.

Apply today! http://jobs.thermofisher.com

Thermo Fisher Scientific is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

Accessibility/Disability Access

Job Seekers with a Disability: Thermo Fisher Scientific offers accessibility service for job seekers requiring accommodations in the job application process. For example, this may include individuals requiring assistance because of hearing, vision, mobility, or cognitive impairments. If you are a job seeker with a disability, or assisting a person with a disability, and require accessibility assistance or an accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, please submit a request by telephone at 1-855-471-2255*. Please include your contact information and specific details about your required accommodation to support you during the job application process.

*This telephone line is reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requiring accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Messages left for other purposes, such as not being able to get into the career website, following up on an application, or other non-disability related technical issues will not receive a response.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range estimated for this position based in Virginia is $75,000.00–$90,000.00.

This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:

  • A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs

  • Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement

  • At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy

  • Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan

  • Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount

For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards


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