Assay Development Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Title: Senior Scientist I, Method Development

Location: Germantown, MD

Compensation: $95k - $115k

About Pharmaron

Pharmaron is a global contract research and manufacturing organization (CRO/CDMO) helping pharma and biotech companies bring new therapies to life. With over 25,000 employees worldwide across 28 locations in the US, UK, China, and Singapore, we support drug discovery through to manufacturing with fully integrated high-quality services.

We're proud of the impact we make and just last year, we supported 887 discovery projects, 1,100+ CMC programs, and 1,397 clinical trials across all phases. Our teams are involved in everything from small molecules, ADC's, biologics, and gene therapies and we work with more than 3,300 global customers. To learn more, visit www.pharmaron.com.

Role Summary

The Senior Scientist, Method Development is responsible for leading the design, execution, and interpretation of bioanalytical large molecule assay development studies in support of preclinical and clinical programs. This role works hands-on at the bench, collaborates closely with internal stakeholders and sponsors, and helps ensure methods are scientifically sound, fit for purpose, and aligned with project timelines and regulatory expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day method development activities for assigned preclinical and clinical programs.
• Design, execute, analyze, and document experiments in accordance with SOPs, regulatory expectations, and project needs.
• Serve as a technical contact for sponsors and internal teams, including routine study updates and scientific discussions.
• Support proposal development, scoping, and quote preparation with the Director and Business Development team, when necessary.
• Review, interpret, and present study data clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide scientific oversight, guidance, and mentoring to junior laboratory staff.
• Troubleshoot experimental issues and support refinement of methods through development and validation stages.
• Contribute scientific visibility through conference attendance, presentations, posters, or publications when appropriate.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• PhD in a scientific discipline with 5–6 years of experience in regulated large molecule bioanalytical environments, including 3–4 years of independent method development leadership.
• Master's degree with 6–7 years of relevant experience, including 4–5 years of independent method development leadership.
• Bachelor's degree with 7–8 years of relevant experience, including at least 5-6 years in a regulated environment supporting large molecule drug development.
• Demonstrated ability to develop robust, plate based and cell based, fit-for-purpose bioanalytical methods (PK, ADA and Biomarkers) for modalities such as monoclonal antibodies, bi-specifics, ADCs, ASOs, and peptides.
• Extensive experience using multiple established LBA platforms (e.g., Spectrophotometer, MSD, Revitty Alpha Lisa, Gyros, or similar established assay platforms).
• Hands-on experience with FLOW and PCR based platforms is an added plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience leading client discussions and managing multiple priorities effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and standard laboratory calculations.
• Experience with SoftMax and Watson LIMS preferred.

Success Criteria

Success in this role will be measured by the following:

• Methods are developed on time, meet scientific and project requirements, and are suitable for the intended stage of drug development pathway.
• Study execution is organized, compliant, and well documented.
• Sponsor and internal stakeholder communications are timely, clear, and professional.
• Experimental issues are identified quickly and resolved with sound scientific judgment.
• Data is interpreted accurately and presented in a way that supports program decisions.
• Junior staff receive effective scientific guidance and oversight.
• This role contributes to strong client experience and consistent delivery of high-quality assay development work.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a laboratory environment, including exposure to biohazardous materials and potentially hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, and perform repetitive pipetting and computer work for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and transport materials up to 20 lbs regularly, and up to 35 lbs occasionally.

Why Pharmaron?

Pharmaron is a premier service provider for the life sciences industry. Founded in 2004, Pharmaron has invested in its people and facilities and established a broad spectrum of research, development, and manufacturing service capabilities throughout the entire drug discovery, preclinical, and clinical development process across multiple therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, biologics, and CGT products. With over 21,000 employees and operations in the U.S., the U.K. and China. Pharmaron has an excellent track record in delivering R&D solutions to its partners in North America, Europe, Japan, and China.

Collaborative Culture: You will thrive in our inclusive and collaborative environment, where teamwork and innovation go hand in hand. Here, your voice matters, and your contributions make a real impact. "Employees Number One" and "Clients Centered" are the core cultural values at Pharmaron. Our culture, which sets Pharmaron apart from other organizations, has evolved from our deep commitment to our employees, partners, and collaborators.

Benefits: As part of our commitment to your well-being, we offer a comprehensive benefits package:

• Insurance including Medical, Dental & Vision with significant employer contributions
• Employer-funded Health Reimbursement Account
• Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• 100% Employer-paid Employee Life and AD&D Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401k plan with generous employer match
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program

How to Apply:

Ready to seize this incredible opportunity? Join us at Pharmaron and be part of a dynamic team driving innovation and excellence in biopharmaceutical research and development. Apply online today!

As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, Pharmaron values diversity and inclusion in the workplace, fostering an environment where all individuals are empowered to succeed. Join us in our mission to make a difference in the world of life sciences.

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