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Assay Development Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Fujifilm

Senior Scientist - Applications

Madison, WI · On-site

$92K - $126K/yr

This group drives the identification, development, and deployment of technical assay solutions leveraging iPSC-derived cell types for life science research. The role emphasizes complex in vitro ...

Fujifilm

Senior Scientist - Applications

Madison, WI · On-site

$92K - $126K/yr

This group drives the identification, development, and deployment of technical assay solutions leveraging iPSC-derived cell types for life science research. The role emphasizes complex in vitro ...

Fujifilm

Senior Scientist - Applications

Madison, WI · On-site

$92K - $126K/yr

This group drives the identification, development, and deployment of technical assay solutions leveraging iPSC-derived cell types for life science research. The role emphasizes complex in vitro ...

Labcorp

Postdoctoral Fellow - Immunology

Madison, WI · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Application and assay development * Instrument and model validation activities * General support for cell based assays * Work closely with both global and local management to align research ...

Wisconsin

Researcher I

Madison, WI

$50K/yr

Experience with patient-derived organoid culture and organoid-based assay development * Proficiency in immortalized cell culture techniques and drug dose-response assays * Experience with biobank ...

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Researcher I

Madison, WI · On-site

$50K/yr

Experience with patient-derived organoid culture and organoid-based assay development * Proficiency in immortalized cell culture techniques and drug dose-response assays * Experience with biobank ...

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Researcher I

Madison, WI · On-site

$50K/yr

Experience with patient-derived organoid culture and organoid-based assay development * Proficiency in immortalized cell culture techniques and drug dose-response assays * Experience with biobank ...

Danaher

R&D Internships

Whitewater, WI · 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

Madison, WI · 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

Wisconsin

Medical Lab Technician

Madison, WI

$24/hr

This role focuses on diagnosticmicrobiology and clinical laboratory operations rather than research, molecular biology, or assay development. Join our teamand play an important role in supporting ...

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Assay Development information

See Madison, WI salary details

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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 Madison, WI is $38.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.56 and $46.49 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 Madison, WI? For Assay Development jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assay Development jobs in Madison, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Assay Development jobs in Madison, WI are:
Assay Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assay Development job openings in Madison, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 81% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 5% Summer. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,158 per year, or $38.5 per hour.
Senior Scientist II, Translational Biomarkers

Senior Scientist II, Translational Biomarkers

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals

Madison, WI • On-site

$125K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq ARWR) is a commercial stage biopharmaceutical company that develops medicines that treat intractable diseases by silencing the genes that cause them. Using a broad portfolio of RNA chemistries and efficient modes of delivery, Arrowhead therapies trigger the RNA interference mechanism to induce rapid, deep, and durable knockdown of target genes. RNA interference, or RNAi, is a mechanism present in living cells that inhibits the expression of a specific gene, thereby affecting the production of a specific protein. Arrowhead's RNAi-based therapeutics leverage this natural pathway of gene silencing.
Arrowhead is focused on developing innovative drugs for diseases with a genetic basis, typically characterized by the overproduction of one or more proteins that are involved with disease. The depth and versatility of our RNAi technologies enables us to potentially address conditions in virtually any therapeutic area and pursue disease targets that are not otherwise addressable by small molecules and biologics. Arrowhead is leading the field in bringing the promise of RNAi to address diseases outside of the liver, and our clinical pipeline includes disease targets in the liver and lung with a promising pipeline of preclinical candidates.
Arrowhead's corporate headquarters is in Pasadena, CA with research and development teams in Madison, WI & San Diego, CA, and a state of the art manufacturing facility in Verona, WI. Our employees are nimble, science-driven innovators who are collaborating to bring new therapies to patients in need.
The Position
This Senior Scientist will be part of a team responsible for delivery of translational biomarker strategies for drug development candidates. The ideal candidate will possess in-depth experience in translational research/medicine and clinical biomarkers in drug development. The candidate will also have strong communication skills, ability to work in a matrixed-based, fast paced environment, solid problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to excellence.
Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and execute robust "fit-for-purpose" clinical biomarker assays to support the evaluation of pharmacodynamics, and prediction of clinical response.
  • Identify and evaluate new technologies to support our evolving translational biomarker strategies.
  • Partner with outsourcing functions to evaluate new CROs, drive transitioning and monitoring internally developed assays to external vendors.
  • Effectively collaborate in a highly matrixed organization to drive advancement of early-stage projects into translational and clinical development.
  • May lead Associate Scientists as a manager or mentor.
  • Author and oversee documentation through all stages in GCLP-regulated clinical sample testing.

Requirements
  • PhD in Biology or Chemistry related sciences and at least 5 or more years of industrial experience applying translational biomarker technologies for discovery and/or clinical research.
  • Extensive experience in assay development, GCLP validation, and implementation of soluble biomarker assays for clinical studies.
  • Extensive experience and thorough understanding of immunochemical techniques, protein biochemistry, LC-MS, molecular biology techniques.
  • Excellent organizational skills and familiarity with a fast-paced work environment.

Preferred
  • Experience with assay development for MSD, Quanterix, ELISA, NuLISA, LC-MS, qPCR platforms/techniques

Wisconsin pay range
$125,000-$140,000 USD
Arrowhead provides competitive salaries and an excellent benefit package.
Candidates must have current, valid authorization to work in the country where this role is located.
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