ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Assay Development Jobs in Durham, NC (NOW HIRING)

IQVIA

Automation Staff Scientist

Durham, NC · On-site +1

Lead the automation, development, optimization, and validation of molecular assays involving DNA sequencing, amplification, genotyping, gene expression, and nucleic acid extraction * Develop and ...

IQVIA

Automation Staff Scientist

Durham, NC · On-site +1

Lead the automation, development, optimization, and validation of molecular assays involving DNA sequencing, amplification, genotyping, gene expression, and nucleic acid extraction * Develop and ...

IQVIA, Inc.

Automation Staff Scientist

Durham, NC · On-site

Lead the automation, development, optimization, and validation of molecular assays involving DNA sequencing, amplification, genotyping, gene expression, and nucleic acid extraction * Develop and ...

Socket.dev

Fungal Greenhouse Assay Scientist

Durham, NC · On-site

$102 - $130/hr

Participate in regular scientific discussions with the broader Invaio R&D team to provide technical ... assays that generate actionable data to guide product development decisions * Excited to work in ...

New

BCforward

Research Associate

Durham, NC · On-site

We are seeking a Research Associate for a temporary position with skills in bio-conjugation and assay development. The associate will work closely with a multidisciplinary team conducting antibody ...

Contemporaries

Be Seen First

Biologist III

Durham, NC · On-site

$50 - $65/hr

Collaborate with research scientists on experimental design, assay development, method development, and interpretation of experimental results. * Independently conduct high-priority research projects ...

AskBio

Sr. Scientist, Molecular Biodistribution

Durham, NC · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

The successful candidate combines deep hands-on technical expertise with strong scientific judgment in assay development, data analysis and interpretation, and cross-functional communication. This is ...

AskBio

Sr. Scientist, Molecular Biodistribution

Durham, NC

$88K - $120K/yr

The successful candidate combines deep hands-on technical expertise with strong scientific judgment in assay development, data analysis and interpretation, and cross-functional communication. This is ...

Actalent

Scientist

Durham, NC

Perform analytical assay development and characterization work to support vaccine and therapeutic product programs. * Support process development efforts by designing, executing, and refining ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAssay Development JobsAssay Development Jobs in Durham, NC

Assay Development information

See Durham, NC salary details

$19

$37

$59

How much do assay development jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for assay development in Durham, NC is $37.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.40 and $44.62 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 Durham, NC?

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

What job categories do people searching Assay Development jobs in Durham, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Assay Development jobs in Durham, NC are:

What cities near Durham, NC are hiring for Assay Development jobs?

Cities near Durham, NC with the most Assay Development job openings:

Assay Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assay Development job openings in Durham, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,866 per year, or $35 per hour.

Automation Staff Scientist

IQVIA

Durham, NC • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Life

Posted 6 days ago

IQVIA rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

62nd of 226 rated it services

Job description

We are seeking an Automation Staff Scientist to join IQVIA Laboratories at Durham, NC.
We hire passionate innovators who drive healthcare forward through thoughtful and inclusive collaboration. If you want to discover a career with greater purpose, join us as we transform and accelerate research and development.
Job Summary:
Provide hands-on scientific and technical leadership for the development, deployment, validation support, and sustainment of digitally integrated laboratory automation workflows at the Durham/RTP site. Lead automation solutions for genomic technologies while partnering across scientific, operational, quality, technology, and vendor teams to advance new products and improve laboratory processes.
What You'll Be Doing:
  • Serve as the scientific lead for laboratory automation solutions supporting new product development and process improvement projects involving genomic technologies
  • Lead the automation, development, optimization, and validation of molecular assays involving DNA sequencing, amplification, genotyping, gene expression, and nucleic acid extraction
  • Develop and sustain integrated automation workflows incorporating liquid handlers, automated freezers, tri-coded tube infrastructure, APIs, LIMS, ELN, and scheduling or orchestration software
  • Act as a subject matter expert for automating workflows across molecular biology, oncology, immunology, microbiology, and human genetics
  • Create and review experimental designs, protocols, validation plans, procedures, technical documents, and reports while providing appropriate documentation review or approval
  • Lead technical and strategic discussions, communicate automation and assay development strategies, and introduce new technologies across functions
  • Research emerging technologies, assess functional initiatives, troubleshoot complex systems, and evaluate product, process, project, and schedule risks
  • Train users, coach and mentor technical professionals, coordinate with external vendors, and pursue opportunities for posters, patents, and journal publications
What We Are Looking For:
  • Master's Degree or educational equivalent in cell biology, molecular biology, cancer biology, pharmacology or related field
  • 8 years relevant experience
  • Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques, including high-throughput DNA sequencers, genotyping platforms, and real-time PCR equipment
  • Experience developing and validating automated molecular assays using genomic technologies such as DNA sequencing, amplification, genotyping, and gene expression
  • Experience developing and optimizing DNA and RNA extraction methodologies for liquid and tissue specimens
  • Experience with APIs and system integration, LIMS and ELN connectivity, scheduling or orchestration software, Python-based automation, and digitally integrated laboratory workflows
  • Other equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be accepted in lieu of degree
The Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Needed for This Role:
  • Strong scientific leadership skills with the ability to influence assay development strategies and facilitate technical decision-making across functions
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical information, train laboratory staff, and adapt complex information for different audiences
  • In-depth understanding of risk management concepts and the ability to evaluate product, process, project, and schedule risks
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze molecular biology data, apply sound scientific judgment, troubleshoot technical issues, and assess the broader impact of decisions
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with Laboratory Operations, Project Services, Bioinformatics, Software, IT, Quality, Facilities, Metrology, customers, and external partners
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and experience using biostatistical software and online biological databases, including NCBI, PubMed, Entrez, EMBL, and Sanger resources
  • Knowledge of Companion Diagnostics, Design Controls, clinical laboratory assay development, or CLIA environments is preferred but not required
  • PhD is preferred but not required
What We Offer You:
We put our employees at the center of everything we do and are committed to providing them, and their families, with benefits that meet their diverse and changing needs. We invest in integrated benefits programs and resources to take care of our employees' physical, mental and emotional, financial and social well-being so they can thrive at home and at work, at any stage of their well-being journey.
To learn more about our benefits, visit https://jobs.iqvia.com/benefits.
If you're looking to unleash your potential, join IQVIA Laboratories to help make the extraordinary possible!

IQVIA is a leading global provider of clinical research services, commercial insights and healthcare intelligence to the life sciences and healthcare industries. We create intelligent connections to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative medical treatments to help improve patient outcomes and population health worldwide. Learn more athttps://jobs.iqvia.com

IQVIA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable law. https://jobs.iqvia.com/eoe

IQVIA is committed to integrity in our hiring process and maintains a zero tolerance policy for candidate fraud. All information and credentials submitted in your application must be truthful and complete. Any false statements, misrepresentations, or material omissions during the recruitment process will result in immediate disqualification of your application, or termination of employment if discovered later, in accordance with applicable law. We appreciate your honesty and professionalism.

The potential base pay range for this role, when annualized, is $78,700.00 - $196,800.00. The actual base pay offered may vary based on a number of factors including job-related qualifications such as knowledge, skills, education, and experience; location; and/or schedule (full or part-time). Dependent on the position offered, incentive plans, bonuses, and/or other forms of compensation may be offered, in addition to a range of health and welfare and/or other benefits.

What IQVIA employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

IQVIA logo

About IQVIA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At IQVIA, we are passionate about helping customers and partners improve results and patient outcomes. Everything we do contributes to this vision for creating a healthier world. In today’s healthcare environment, it’s not only about how much data, information, and technology you have at your fingertips – it’s what you do with it. IQVIA is focused on making intelligent connections for customers across the entire healthcare ecosystem to help you drive healthcare forward. Whether that means partnering with novel technology companies to boost patient engagement, leveraging AI & machine learning to accelerate results, or using decentralized trials to reach the right patients wherever they are – we are always looking for smarter ways to move you forward.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US

View All IQVIA Jobs

Apply