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Assay Development information

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$23

$44

$70

How much do assay development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for assay development in Seattle, WA is $44.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.26 and $52.50 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 Seattle, WA? For Assay Development jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assay Development jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Assay Development jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Assay Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assay Development job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 80% Full Time, 7% 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 $91,520 per year, or $44 per hour.
Scientist - Electrochemical Enzyme Assay Development and Testing

Scientist - Electrochemical Enzyme Assay Development and Testing

Arzeda

Seattle, WA • On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Scientist – Electrochemical Enzyme Assay Development and Testing
You must have electrochemistry background.
You must have enzymology experience.
Arzeda is solving some of today’s hardest and most meaningful problems – from food and nutrition to sustainable materials and homecare – by designing proteins that have the limitless potential to change everyone’s daily life. Our team has developed a proven technology platform that merges computational protein design, machine learning, and synthetic biology tools to produce proteins, enzymes, and bio-based processes more efficiently than Mother Nature. A deep tech, mission-driven company, we are passionate about our mission to design novel proteins and products that enhance our lives and protect our planet. At Arzeda, we value a strong desire to learn, innovate and be continuously challenged. 
We are seeking a detail-oriented Scientist to join our highly collaborative Protein Testing Team. You will play a critical role in the continued development of our enzyme engineering platform at Arzeda to rapidly screen and optimize enzyme functions by developing high-throughput, automation-ready assay workflows that accelerate enzyme screening, characterization, and experimental iteration.
Using your deep knowledge of electrochemistry, enzymology, including enzyme kinetics, protein characterization, analytical biochemistry, , and HT-assay development and troubleshooting you will contribute to impactful projects across the company.
Arzeda is located in Seattle, Washington.  Nestled among the historic and artistic neighborhoods of Ballard, Fremont and Queen Anne, you'll find the right balance of activities and relaxation.  Whether you're indulging your inner foodie at one of many unique restaurants, drinking a craft beverage after a day at the beach, or enjoying a picturesque walk through the Sunday Market, you'll be proud to call Seattle your home.
Responsibilities:
  • Develop robust high throughput enzyme assays for bioelectro-conversions or bioconversions.
  • Evaluate enzyme performance using electrochemical assays, and traditional enzyme assays, using absorbance, fluorescence, and HPLC/MS to detect and quantify products, cofactors, and reaction mediators.
  • Contribute to and become an owner of experimental design to drive efficient identification of enzymes with desired properties
  • Perform cell-free expression, and high-throughput or mid-scale protein preparation, as needed.
  • Design, optimize, and scale automation-compatible assay workflows to increase experimental throughput, reproducibility, and data quality.
  • Partner with automation, software, and data infrastructure teams to implement robotic liquid handling, assay orchestration, and streamlined data analysis pipelines.
  • Identify experimental bottlenecks and develop strategies to reduce assay cycle time and increase design-build-test-learn iteration speed.
  • Develop, optimize, and perform laboratory SOPs.
  • Interface with upstream (e.g., Protein Design, Strain Design, and Genetic Design-Build teams) and downstream teams and (Fermentation and Downstream Processing teams) for efficient data exchange and transfer of materials.
  • Operate and maintain electrochemistry equipment.
Qualifications:
  • Ph.D. in Bioelectrocatalysis, Biocatalysis, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Chemistry or other related field, or 4+ years of experience in a Masters or industry role.
  • In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience with enzyme characterization.
  • Experience developing enzyme assays, especially for biocatalysis or bioconversions.
  • Experience designing or operating automated experimental workflows and high-throughput assay systems strongly preferred.
  • Understanding of redox chemistry and thermodynamics.
  • Experience developing and characterizing enzymes and enzyme-electrode interfaces including direct and/or mediated electron transfer using spectroscopic and electrochemical methods.
  • Understanding of Marcus and Butler-Volmer theory pertaining to electrocatalysis, ideally additionally familiar with hydride transfer theory and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
  • Experience working in a glovebox/bag.
  • Experience evaluating data sets, putting together reports, and presenting findings and/or results from data analysis.
  • Desire to communicate openly within a team and be receptive to feedback and learning opportunities.
  • Adaptable to changing plans as needed to meet goals.
Nice-to-haves (not required, but team members who do well here happily grow in these areas):
  • Python and/or R
  • Hands-on experience with automation equipment
  • Understanding of HPLC or LC/MS for small molecules and proteins.
Arzeda compensation and benefits include:
  • Base salary of $101,000 to $140,000 depending on experience
  • Comprehensive compensation package, to include equity
  • Paid time off; company-observed holidays to include a company paid holiday closure between Dec 25 and Jan 1; and paid medical/family leave
  • Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance to include options for Health Savings Accounts
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan
  • Commuter benefits
Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. Arzeda will not sponsor a new H1-B visa. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Arzeda is an equal opportunity employer promoting diversity and inclusion in the workspace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding), genetic information, taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, or any other basis protected by law.

Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

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About Arzeda

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Biotechnology research and development

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US

Year founded

2008

Social media

Twitter

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