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Assay Development Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Biologist

Rockville, MD · On-site

$115K - $172K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Perform assay development, optimization, and miniaturization activities. * Conduct high throughput screening using known drugs and bioactive compounds to identify active compounds. * Confirm primary ...

Associate Research Scientist

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our expert scientists perform large molecule bioanalysis, assay development, validation, and sample analysis at our GLP, GCP, and CLIA compliant laboratories. Smithers is seeking a talented Associate ...

Scientist

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our expert scientists perform large molecule bioanalysis, assay development, validation, and sample analysis at our GLP, GCP , and CLIA compliant laboratories. Smithers PDS is seeking a Scientist to ...

Scientist

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our expert scientists perform large molecule bioanalysis, assay development, validation, and sample analysis at our GLP, GCP , and CLIA compliant laboratories. Smithers PDS is seeking a Scientist to ...

Work with staff on test assay development, validation and implementation of new equipment and reagents in the sequencing area in order to provide a more efficient high-throughput test; maintain ...

Associate Scientist, Bioanalytical Lab

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$78K - $116K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Minimum 4 years of hands-on work experience in biological sample testing or reagent/assay development in an industrial setting is preferred; academic setting considered * Demonstrated proficiency in ...

Bioassay Research Scientist II

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$65K - $108K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

This work supports regulatory science objectives related to potency assay development for biological products whose mechanisms of action depend on modulation of specific subunits. What You Will Do

Associate Scientist, Bioanalytical Lab

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$78K - $116K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Minimum 4 years of hands-on work experience in biological sample testing or reagent/assay development in an industrial setting is preferred; academic setting considered * Demonstrated proficiency in ...

Bioassay Research Scientist II

Silver Spring, MD

$65K - $108K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

This work supports regulatory science objectives related to potency assay development for biological products whose mechanisms of action depend on modulation of specific subunits. What You Will Do

Senior Bioanalytical Associate

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$67K - $101K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Minimum 2 years of work experience in biological sample testing or reagent/assay development in an industrial setting is preferred; academic setting considered * Demonstrated proficiency in executing ...

Senior Scientist - Immunopeptidome

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$98K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cell-based assay development: Establish, optimize, and perform cell-based assays using both cell lines and primary cells to evaluate vaccine function, expression, and immunological readouts.

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Showing results 1-20

Assay Development information

See Washington salary details

$23

$43

$69

How much do assay development jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for assay development in Washington is $43.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.12 and $52.26 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 following regulatory standards to ensure assay accuracy and reliability.

What cities in Washington are hiring for Assay Development jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Assay Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Assay Development job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,083 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

$115K - $172K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Guidehouse rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

Job Family:

Research Scientists (SCI)


Travel Required:

None


Clearance Required:

Ability to Obtain Public Trust

What You Will Do:

We are looking for a Biologist to support drug repurposing screening projects, disease model development, assay development, and scientific research activities for the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS). This is a full-time position located in Rockville, MD.

  • Work with assay providers for assay development and assay transfer to the TDB program.

  • Perform assay development, optimization, and miniaturization activities.

  • Conduct high throughput screening using known drugs and bioactive compounds to identify active compounds.

  • Confirm primary hits and perform secondary and tertiary assays to narrow candidates to top lead compounds.

  • Perform mechanistic studies to characterize lead compounds when necessary.

  • Evaluate and apply new technologies and instruments to establish physiologically relevant disease models.

  • Characterize human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and iPSC-derived cells, including developmental marker analysis and disease phenotype studies.

  • Establish human iPSC-derived cell-based assays for disease modeling.

  • Lead assay development and compound screening using high-content imaging and flow cytometry assays.

  • Operate and maintain high throughput flow cytometry instrumentation, including the iQue flow cytometer.

  • Maintain accurate scientific records and communicate effectively with collaborators and project teams.

  • Present research findings at internal and external scientific meetings.

  • Write, submit, and support the publication of scientific manuscripts.

  • Assist team members with manuscript preparation and revisions.

  • Collaborate with staff scientists, postdoctoral fellows, IRTA fellows, and external collaborators.

  • Mentor and train postbaccalaureate IRTA fellows and summer students.

  • Support the overall operational and scientific objectives of NCATS research programs.

  • Incumbent capture, no other candidates were considered due to incumbent candidate identified. They meet the labor category requirements provided by the customer

What You Will Need:

  • Ph.D. in Molecular, Cell Biology, or Biological Sciences.

  • Minimum of EIGHT (8) years of experience in flow cytometry assays.

  • Experience in assay development, high-content imaging assay analysis, compound screening, and lead identification.

  • Experience with in vitro and in vivo disease model systems.

  • Proficiency with FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, and Microsoft Office.

  • Strong oral and written communication skills.

  • Demonstrated ability to write scientific manuscripts and present scientific data and research findings.

  • Ability to maintain accurate laboratory documentation and records.

  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Federal or DoD "public trust"; candidates must receive approved adjudication prior to onboarding with Guidehouse. Candidates with an active public trust or suitability are preferred.

What Would Be Nice To Have:

  • Background supporting drug repurposing programs.

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

  • Hands-on use of high throughput screening platforms and technologies.

  • Ability to establish disease models using human primary cells or iPSC-derived cells.

  • Skilled in mentoring junior researchers, fellows, and students.

  • Collaborative approach with external scientific partners and multidisciplinary project teams.

  • Scientific publication record in peer-reviewed journals.

  • Track record presenting research at national or international scientific conferences.

The annual salary range for this position is $115,200.00-$172,800.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.


What We Offer:

Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.

Benefits include:

  • Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance

  • Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays

  • Parental Leave

  • 401(k) Retirement Plan

  • Group Term Life and Travel Assistance

  • Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance

  • Health Savings Account, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts

  • Transit and Parking Commuter Benefits

  • Short-Term & Long-Term Disability

  • Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development, Certifications & Learning Opportunities

  • Employee Referral Program

  • Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach

  • Care.com annual membership

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Supplemental Benefits via Corestream (Critical Care, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Assistance and ID theft protection, etc.)

  • Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus

About Guidehouse

Guidehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer-Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.

Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco.

If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at 1-571-633-1711 or via email at RecruitingAccommodation@guidehouse.com. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation.

All communication regarding recruitment for a Guidehouse position will be sent from Guidehouse email domains including @guidehouse.com or guidehouse@myworkday.com. Correspondence received by an applicant from any other domain should be considered unauthorized and will not be honored by Guidehouse. Note that Guidehouse will never charge a fee or require a money transfer at any stage of the recruitment process and does not collect fees from educational institutions for participation in a recruitment event. Never provide your banking information to a third party purporting to need that information to proceed in the hiring process.

If any person or organization demands money related to a job opportunity with Guidehouse, please report the matter to Guidehouse's Ethics Hotline. If you want to check the validity of correspondence you have received, please contact recruiting@guidehouse.com. Guidehouse is not responsible for losses incurred (monetary or otherwise) from an applicant's dealings with unauthorized third parties.

Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.


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