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Assay Development Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

RareCyte

Scientist, Assay Development

Seattle, WA

$120K - $135K/yr

RareCyte is looking for an Assay Development Scientist based in our Seattle, WA office. The successful candidate will work in the Precision Biology Services group and be responsible for developing ...

RareCyte

Scientist, Assay Development

Seattle, WA

$120K - $135K/yr

RareCyte is looking for an Assay Development Scientist based in our Seattle, WA office. The successful candidate will work in the Precision Biology Services group and be responsible for developing ...

Systimmune

Principal Scientist, CDx IHC Development

Redmond, WA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Define assay design, platform selection, and development strategy aligned with CDx regulatory expectations. * Oversee antibody selection, assay optimization, and standardization across platforms (e.g ...

SystImmune, Inc

Principal Scientist, CDx IHC Development

Redmond, WA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Define assay design, platform selection, and development strategy aligned with CDx regulatory expectations. * Oversee antibody selection, assay optimization, and standardization across platforms (e.g ...

Vrtx

Senior Director, Biomarkers (Immunology)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$216K - $325K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Oversees assay development, validation, and execution of biomarker assays across various platforms (e.g., flow assays, immunoassays, genomic assays, NGS, imaging biomarkers) at CROs and internally ...

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All JobsAssay Development JobsAssay Development Jobs in Seattle, WA

Assay Development information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$23

$44

$70

How much do assay development jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for assay development in Seattle, WA is $44.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.31 and $52.55 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,571 per year, or $44 per hour.

Scientist, Assay Development

RareCyte

Seattle, WA

$120K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

RareCyte is a Life Sciences Precision Biology company focused on the development of novel technology and products in spatial biology and liquid biopsy. Our platforms have been adopted by leading research institutions and pharmaceutical companies worldwide for translational research, drug discovery and clinical programs. The breakthrough Orion technology is revolutionary in the spatial biology market, enabling tissue analysis with 20 channel whole-slide multiplex imaging in a single run.

RareCyte is looking for an Assay Development Scientist based in our Seattle, WA office. The successful candidate will work in the Precision Biology Services group and be responsible for developing new assays and running clinical trials in our liquid biopsy and spatial biology programs. We are looking for someone who enjoys helping bring new technologies to market, embraces challenges, and thrives in a dynamic and multidisciplinary environment.

Responsibilities:
    • Develop robust assays for characterizing rare cells in human blood, including circulating tumor cells and circulating trophoblasts, and develop multiplex spatial biology assays for tissue using antibodies and automated staining instrumentation
    • Perform testing, analysis and reporting of clinical trial samples in liquid biopsy and spatial biology
    • Provide technical leadership for novel programs that expand the applications and utility of the RareCyte platforms
    • Plan, execute, analyze and present experimental results for assay development programs
    • Write milestone-based work plans for assay development services for pharma/biotech clients and for strategic academic collaborations
    • Work with the leadership team and the Project Manager to achieve program goals in the expected timeline and within budget
    • Deliver high quality client presentations and represent the company at scientific events
    • Adopt a customer-oriented mindset and take ownership of projects by anticipating end-user needs (internal and external)
    • Establish experimental and QC protocols to transfer methods and reagents to Research Associates and the production team
    • Support the applications team to increase platform adoption and solve customer challenges
Qualifications:
    • PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics or a related field; oncology experience and/or placental development a plus
    • 3+ years of Industry experience developing assays and using new technologies
    • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with attention to detail and quality to achieve aggressive turnaround times
    • Experience developing antibody-based assays
    • Experience with immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, microscopy and flow cytometry
    • Familiar with biostatistics, prism software
    • High attention to detail for lab work and presentations
    • Excellent writing and presentation skills
    • Creative thinker, self-driven and highly organized

Compensation:

Base Salary Range: $120,000 - $135,000 (annualized)

Determining a base wage will be based on several factors which include skill set, level of education, experience and qualifications, as well as RareCyte internal equity. Some roles may also qualify for additional compensation such as bonus, commission, stock options and travel allowance.

Benefits:

At RareCyte, we support our employees in and out of the office. Click here to view a list of benefits offered to eligible employees.


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We love talking to qualified candidates! Even if you don't fit the description perfectly, please still apply and we'll review your resume.
 
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
 
If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to RareCyte Human Resources at [email protected].
 
RareCyte is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace for all employees. If there are future COVID-19 or similar pandemic outbreaks, RareCyte will follow applicable recommendations or requirements from the Washington State Department of Health and other relevant public health authorities regarding vaccine implementation and workplace safety measures for all team members. Vaccination may become a condition of employment where required or deemed necessary to maintain a safe workplace. Employees or applicants who are unable to comply due to a qualifying medical condition, disability, or sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for a reasonable accommodation through Human Resources at [email protected].
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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