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Assay Development Jobs in Poway, CA (NOW HIRING)

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How much do assay development jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for assay development in Poway, CA is $39.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.04 and $47.21 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 following regulatory standards to ensure assay accuracy and reliability.

What job categories do people searching Assay Development jobs in Poway, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Assay Development jobs in Poway, CA are:

What cities near Poway, CA are hiring for Assay Development jobs?

Cities near Poway, CA with the most Assay Development job openings:

Assay Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assay Development job openings in Poway, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Internship, 50% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $82,267 per year, or $39.6 per hour.

Senior Process Engineer, Assay Development

San Diego Stealth Startup

San Diego, CA

$131K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Location: San Diego, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Compensation: $131,000 - $140,000

Position Overview

We are seeking a Senior Process Engineer to drive the development, automation, and productionalization of clinical next-generation sequencing (NGS) assays. This is a hands-on individual contributor role focused on translating bench-developed chemistry into robust, automated, audit-ready workflows that are ready for clinical lab deployment.

The Senior Process Engineer will work in close partnership with assay development scientists, automation engineers, quality/regulatory specialists, and laboratory operations to design and qualify automated methods for library preparation, nucleic acid extraction, and sample quantitation and normalization. The role requires a builder's mindset, comfort with ambiguity, and the discipline to apply rigorous engineering practices in an early-stage environment where the process roadmap is still being defined.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop, optimize, and qualify automated workflows for NGS library preparation.
  • Partner with assay development scientists to transfer bench-developed chemistry onto automation platforms, identifying and resolving robustness, scaling, and operability issues.
  • Apply DOE, SPC, and other statistical tools to characterize process performance, define operating windows, and establish in-process and release specifications.
  • Contribute to reagent and consumable manufacturing and qualification activities, including QC method development and lot release strategy.
  • Execute equipment qualification activities (IQ/OQ/PQ) for automation and ancillary instrumentation in partnership with engineering and lab operations.
  • Support development and maintenance of process documentation, including process maps, equipment lists, and bills of materials, in alignment with design control expectations.
  • Participate in tech transfer of NGS assays to the clinical laboratory, supporting validation activities and resolving process issues that surface during scale-up and deployment.
  • Partner cross-functionally with chemistry, automation, software, quality, and lab operations to drive sustainable process improvements.

Qualifications

  • BS/MS in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field.
  • 6+ years of experience in process engineering or process development within clinical diagnostics, NGS, biotech, or other regulated laboratory environments.
  • Hands-on experience developing and optimizing automated laboratory workflows, including direct protocol development on liquid handling platforms.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting clinical or near-clinical NGS assays, including library preparation, nucleic acid extraction, methylation conversion, or sample QC workflows.
  • Prior experience supporting LDT and/or FDA-regulated IVD assay development. Working knowledge of design controls and regulated development frameworks (ISO 13485, IVD or LDT context), with experience operating in a quality-driven environment.
  • Practical fluency in data-driven process development methods — DOE, statistical process control, Gage R&R, root cause analysis.
  • Ability to operate independently across multiple workstreams in an early-stage environment where requirements evolve.
  • Comfort operating in a stealth-stage, resource-constrained environment where processes are being built from the ground up.

Why Join Us

  • Influence the foundational technologies and strategies of a company poised to shape the future of clinical genomics and healthcare.
  • Work in a dynamic, collaborative environment where innovation and scientific rigor are deeply valued.
  • Join a seasoned and multidisciplinary team tackling high-impact problems at the intersection of science and engineering.
  • Competitive compensation and equity package, comprehensive benefits, and flexibility to support work-life integration.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We thrive on diversity and collaboration.