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Assay Development Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

MSD

Senior Bioanalytical Associate

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$67K - $101K/yr

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 ...

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How much do assay development jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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 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 popular job titles related to Assay Development jobs in Washington?

For Assay Development jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in Washington are hiring for Assay Development jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Assay Development job openings:

Assay Development jobs near you
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, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,083 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Biologist (Functional Genomics) (52546)

GAP SOLUTIONS INC

Rockville, MD • On-site

$80 - $90/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Details
  • Level: Experienced
  • Job Location: National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Rockville Campus - Rockville, MD 20852
  • Position Type: Full Time
  • Education Level: Ph.D.
  • Salary Range: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 Salary/year
  • Travel Percentage: None
  • Job Shift: Day
  • Job Category: Public Health
Position Objective

Provide services as a Biologist (Functional Genomics) in support of the overall functions of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The contractor position will support research activities related to the functional genomics pipeline. The purpose of this position is to support an FGL scientist in conducting and analyzing high throughput RNAi and CRISPR screens as well as evaluate tools for the development of CRISPR screen assays.

Duties and Responsibilities
  • Collaborate with federal task leader to learn and employ multiple techniques involved in RNAi and CRISPR assay development and validation for various projects, including but not limited to sterile cell culture technique, qRT-PCR, reporter cell-based assays, enzyme assays, and culturing complex 3D models such as organoids. 1
  • Regularly update and maintain laboratory notebooks, databases and inventory files
  • Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings Conduct RNAi screens based on optimized assays
  • Demonstrate lab citizenship; including but not limited to restocking general laboratory consumables, maintaining cell culture lab, emptying laboratory waste, validating machinery and maintaining personal as well as lab inventories of chemicals, freezers, cell lines, and biologics. 5
  • Operate, calibrate, or maintain equipment used in quantitative or qualitative analysis, such as spectrophotometers, calorimeters, flame photometers, or computer-controlled analyzers.
  • Maintain laboratory equipment.
  • Operate laboratory equipment to analyze samples.
  • Analyze laboratory findings.
  • Amplify and purify transfection and packaging ready plasmids.
  • Prepare, aliquot and store various supplements needed for complex cell culture models, keep track of inventories of supplements prepared. 4
  • Prepare, bulk up and QC reagents for CRISPR screens. 3
  • Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data.
  • Interpret research or operational data.
  • Record research or operational data.
  • Learn the workflow of pooled and arrayed CRISPR screens and implement it.
  • Learn the maintenance, expansion and cryopreservation of organoids, their lentiviral infection and their high content imaging. 2
  • Work products and documents related to optimizing and performing RNAi screens – Weekly.
  • Clean Equipment - Ad-Hoc.
  • Inspect Equipment – Monthly.
  • Meet with lab members to present updates – Quarterly.
  • Work products and documents related to generation and QC of reagents for CRISPR screens. – Weekly.
  • Documents listing availability/location and QC results of CRISPR reagents (DNA Libraries, Lentiviral stocks, and cell lines). - Bi-Weekly.
  • Work products and documents related to preparing technical reports, SOPs, manuscripts, and oral presentations - Bi-Weekly.
  • Work products and documents related to assays for screening targets; develop and optimize cell-based assays; analyze and interpret results; confirm results; - Daily.
  • Attend required and suggested trainings for new equipment and software - Ad-Hoc.
  • Run Validation – Weekly.
Basic Qualifications
  • PhD in cell or molecular biology or genetics or a related discipline.
  • Minimum of 2 years of relevant Laboratory experience in biological sciences required.
  • Skilled in Graphpad Prism, PowerPoint, Excel, and MS Office.
  • Experience in molecular biology, DNA sequencing analysis, and mammalian cell culture required.
  • Experienced in maintaining accurate and detailed records of laboratory experiments.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Ability to multi-task and pay close attention to detail.
  • Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills.
  • Strong communication skills, both oral and written.

*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by this position.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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