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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 ...

Guidehouse

Molecular Biologist

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$74K - $124K/yr

Background working with recombinant protein-antibody interaction studies and assay development. * Exposure to advanced protein engineering strategies and chimeric protein design. * Familiarity with ...

Guidehouse

Molecular Biologist

Bethesda, MD

$74K - $124K/yr

Background working with recombinant protein-antibody interaction studies and assay development. * Exposure to advanced protein engineering strategies and chimeric protein design. * Familiarity with ...

Guidehouse

Scientist

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$74K - $124K/yr

Conduct analytical assay development and perform analytical assays in support of the assessment of clinical trial materials for quality and safety. * Design and execute complex bio-separation and ...

MSD

Senior Research Associate

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$67K - $101K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY This position is responsible for executing experiments and analyzing the resulting data in support of reagent and assay development projects with limited supervision. This is a ...

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How much do assay development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 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 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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 4% Contract, 35% Nights, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,083 per year, or $43.8 per hour.
Senior Scientist II - Translational Pathologist

Senior Scientist II - Translational Pathologist

MacroGenics, Inc.

Rockville, MD • On-site

$126K - $192K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

MacroGenics is a leader in the discovery and development of innovative medicines that utilize our next generation antibody-based technologies. Our team of 350+ dedicated individuals is advancing a pipeline of product candidates to treat patients with cancer. Our products and platforms have attracted multiple partnerships with leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies around the globe.
The Company considers its employees to be its most valuable asset and we are committed to providing opportunities for individuals to learn and grow as a means to further their professional development. MacroGenics' corporate culture promotes an atmosphere of innovation, open communication and teamwork where employees can see firsthand how they contribute to the success of the organization.
Summary of Position:
This position is not impacted by the business announcement issued on May 11, 2026 and will remain with MacroGenics. Please refer to the company press release for additional information: https://ir.macrogenics.com/news-releases/news-release-details/macrogenics-sell-gmp-manufacturing-operations-bora
The Senior Scientist II - Translational Pathologist will support tissue-based pathology activities across MacroGenics' antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) and immunotherapy programs from discovery through IND-enabling studies and early clinical development. This role is responsible for execution of day-to-day histopathologic and biomarker pathology activities, including slide review, assay support, digital pathology analysis, and coordination with external CROs.
The position will work closely with the Senior Director of Pathology and cross-functional team members to deliver high-quality pathology data that informs target selection, translational strategy, safety assessment, and development decisions. Scientific and regulatory accountability remains with senior pathology leadership.
Responsibilities and Job Duties
Preclinical & Translational Pathology
  • Perform necropsy and primary histopathologic assessment of tissues from in vivo pharmacology studies, including H&E, IHC, and multiplex immunofluorescence.
  • Conduct first-pass assessment of target expression, on-target/off-tumor findings, ADC payload-related tissue injury, and tumor-immune microenvironment features relevant to immunotherapy programs.
  • Prepare draft pathology interpretations, figures, and written summaries for internal review and program discussions.

Biomarker & Assay Support
  • Execute pathology components of translational biomarker strategies as defined by senior Pathology and Translational Medicine leadership.
  • Support development, optimization, and validation of single plex IHC and multiplex IHC and IF assays.
  • Perform tissue annotation and support development and optimization of digital pathology and image analysis algorithms under the guidance of the Senior Director of Pathology.
  • Contribute pathology data and figures to internal reports, study summaries, and regulatory-supporting documentation.
  • Coordinate biomarker assay development and validation with CROs.

Documentation & Data Stewardship
  • Draft pathology sections for study reports, slide decks, and internal presentations.
  • Maintain pathology image libraries, annotations, and reference materials.
  • Support development and maintenance of pathology-related SOPs, templates, and best practices.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Present pathology findings in internal project team meetings.
  • Escalate and communicate complex findings, safety signals, or interpretation questions to the Translational Medicine leadership.

Minimum Qualifications
Education & Experience
  • MD, DVM, or PhD with formal training in pathology, histopathology, or a closely related discipline.
  • 3-5 years of experience in biomarker target validation, translational research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or CRO environments.

Skills & Abilities
  • Hands-on experience with histopathologic and immunohistochemical tissue evaluation.
  • Excellent pathology diagnostic skills.
  • Skilled in mIF development, validation and spatial analysis.
  • Experience with digital pathology and image analysis platforms (e.g., HALO, QuPath).
  • Strong scientific writing and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • MD/DVM strongly preferred.
  • Experience supporting ADC, immuno-oncology, or T-cell engager programs.
  • Experience working with AI/ML algorithms for digital pathology analysis.
  • Exposure to GLP toxicology studies and nonclinical safety assessments.
  • Experience working with external CROs.

Additional Information
The annual rate of pay for the Senior Scientist II position ranges from $126,200-192,500. This role is eligible for the Company's discretionary bonus and discretionary equity incentives. Eligible employees may participate in the Company's benefits programs, including medical / dental / vision / prescription coverage, employee wellness resources, 401(k) plan with employer match, access to an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, (ESPP), paid time off & paid parental leave benefits, and disability benefits.
The annual pay rate range is described in good faith, and the Company believes is the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting depending on the candidate's experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law. The Company may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and this range may be modified in the future. No amount is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable under the terms and conditions of the applicable policies and plans. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole discretion, consistent with the law.
Statement
MacroGenics is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email info@macrogenics.com or call (301) 354-3566 and/or 711 for TTD/TTY service.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
We do not accept non-solicited resumes or candidate submittals from search/recruiting agencies.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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