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Assay Development Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Natera

Associate Scientist, R&D

Austin, TX · On-site

The ideal candidate possesses strong experience in assay development, automated workflows, and data analysis, operating with an ownership mindset to convert scientific data into scalable clinical ...

IQVIA

Scientific Advisor, Director

Austin, TX · Remote

Deep expertise in multiplex and ultra-sensitive immunoassays and their application in translational research, ideally with experience in protein assay development and a prior laboratory background

IQVIA, Inc.

Scientific Advisor, Director

Austin, TX · On-site

Deep expertise in multiplex and ultra-sensitive immunoassays and their application in translational research, ideally with experience in protein assay development and a prior laboratory background

IQVIA

Scientific Advisor, Director

Austin, TX · Remote

Deep expertise in multiplex and ultra-sensitive immunoassays and their application in translational research, ideally with experience in protein assay development and a prior laboratory background

Danaher

R&D Internships

San Marcos, TX · On-site

About R&D Roles at Danaher Are you driven by curiosity, discovery, and a desire to contribute to ... Conducting laboratory studies to evaluate assay performance under guidance from scientific staff

Danaher

R&D Internships

Austin, TX · On-site

About R&D Roles at Danaher Are you driven by curiosity, discovery, and a desire to contribute to ... Conducting laboratory studies to evaluate assay performance under guidance from scientific staff

Natera

Senior Lab Automation Engineer

Austin, TX

$103K - $135K/yr

They can work independently to conceptualize, design, develop and implment automated solutions for robust, reliable performance of NGS assays. This development includes standalone instruments and ...

MaverickX

Biology Lab Technician - Automation

Austin, TX · On-site

$18.75 - $25/hr

... based assay readouts * Perform basic preventive maintenance and calibration on automated ... Follow and contribute to the development of SOPs, protocols, and logs to ensure reproducibility and ...

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Assay Development information

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How much do assay development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for assay development in Austin, TX is $37.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.64 and $44.95 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 Austin, TX? For Assay Development jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assay Development jobs in Austin, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Assay Development jobs in Austin, TX are:
Assay Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assay Development job openings in Austin, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 81% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 5% Summer. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,713 per year, or $38.3 per hour.
Associate Scientist, R&D

Associate Scientist, R&D

Natera

Austin, TX • On-site

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Natera rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

60th of 120 rated laboratories

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Join Natera's Bio Development team as an Associate Scientist to design, optimize, and validate molecular assays for our market-leading non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) platform. This role bridges molecular biology with high-throughput liquid handling automation to directly impact patient care. The ideal candidate possesses strong experience in assay development, automated workflows, and data analysis, operating with an ownership mindset to convert scientific data into scalable clinical protocols.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Design, plan, and execute complex laboratory experiments autonomously to advance non-invasive prenatal test development
  • Analyze experimental data using advanced analytical tools, providing data-driven insights and troubleshooting laboratory processes
  • Own and document technical workflows, summarizing findings in research reports and laboratory presentations
  • Partner cross-functionally with Clinical Laboratory Operations (CLIA), Quality Assurance (QA), and Automation Engineering to ensure methods meet rigorous quality and regulatory standards
  • Write standard operating procedures (SOPs) and technical documentation to seamlessly transfer protocols to manufacturing and operations teams
  • Train junior team members and operator teams on newly developed protocols
  • Maintain deep professional expertise by staying current with scientific literature relevant to cell-free DNA and nucleic acid technologies

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • BA/BS with 6+ years of experience OR MS with 3+ years of experience in assay development and automation within the life sciences industry
  • Demonstrated track record of developing, optimizing, and validating manual and automated protocols

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  • Strong underlying scientific knowledge of nucleic acid extraction, PCR, NGS library preparation, and hybrid capture technologies
  • Hands-on experience in reagent preparation and quality control for NGS-associated assays
  • Direct experience implementing, optimizing, and troubleshooting high-throughput automated assays utilizing liquid handler robotics
  • Experience designing and executing formal design control studies, including stability, guard banding, reproducibility, repeatability, and validation
  • Prior experience operating within a regulated laboratory environment (CLIA, CAP, or FDA)
  • Data analysis and scripting proficiency in Python or R, along with liquid handler programming experience, is highly preferred
  • Excellent cross-functional collaboration, organizational, and time management skills

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