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Assay Development Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

... assay development. 4. Experience or strong interest in AI-assisted protein engineering, including de novo protein design, computational protein modeling, and structure-guided design approaches. 5. ...

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

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

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

Showing results 41-60

Assay Development information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$23

$44

$70

How much do assay development jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 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 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.
Infographic showing various Assay Development job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,571 per year, or $44 per hour.

Quality Control Analyst III/IV

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

Seattle, WA โ€ข On-site

$27.25 - $36.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Overview

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is an independent, nonprofit organization providing adult cancer treatment and groundbreaking research focused on cancer and infectious diseases. Based in Seattle, Fred Hutch is the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Washington.

With a track record of global leadership in bone marrow transplantation, HIV/AIDS prevention, immunotherapy and COVID-19 vaccines, Fred Hutch has earned a reputation as one of the world's leading cancer, infectious disease and biomedical research centers. Fred Hutch operates eight clinical care sites that provide medical oncology, infusion, radiation, proton therapy and related services, and network affiliations with hospitals in five states. Together, our fully integrated research and clinical care teams seek to discover new cures to the world's deadliest diseases and make life beyond cancer a reality.

At Fred Hutch we value collaboration, compassion, determination, excellence, innovation, integrity and respect. Our mission is directly tied to the humanity, dignity and inherent value of each employee, patient, community member and supporter. Our commitment to learning across our differences and similarities make us stronger. We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems.

The Quality Control laboratory performs in-process and release testing in support of Human Cell and Gene Therapy Phase I/II clinical research studies. We are looking for a dynamic, skilled, and detail-oriented senior candidate to join our team. The position will be the primary subject matter expert (SME) for flow-cytometry based cell characterization, potency, and release assays, as well as qPCR, aseptic techniques, and related testing activities in our GMP laboratory environment. The position will lead assay development, validation, and transfer activities for flow-based methods and perform testing as needed. Cross training in other cell-based potency, biologics, and microbial assays will be required.

Responsibilities
  • Lead technical support, root-cause analysis, and troubleshooting for flow cytometry-based characterization, identity, purity, viability, and potency assays used for in-process and product release testing.
  • Own development, optimization, and transfer of analytical methods from internal/external partners in alignment with ICH / FDA requirements.
  • Lead the design, execution, documentation and validation of analytical assays.
  • Lead the design and optimization of multi-color flow cytometry panels.
  • Serve as the primary flow cytometry QC representative in cross-functional teams and SME for CMC, Manufacturing, Clinical, and Regulatory.
  • Acts as a senior functional mentor to more junior team members in flow-cytometry technique, data analysis, and GMP practices and may serve as a technical point of contact within the work group/project team.
  • Perform and oversee in-process, lot release, and stability cGMP testing of raw materials, intermediates, and human cell and gene therapy products.
  • Perform data review and trend analysis.
  • Write SOPs and test methods.
  • Perform deviation and out of specification (OOS) investigations including leading root cause investigations and CAPA implementations.
  • Maintain laboratory cell lines and reference materials used in flow and potency assays.
  • Perform qualification and calibration / PM of equipment.
  • Perform general activities in accordance to SOPs and laboratory quality systems, including change control, deviations, CAPA, training, audit readiness.
Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Quality Control Analyst III:

  • BS/MS in a biological science or equivalent level of expereince.
  • Minimum 5 years (2+ years MS) with a background in biologics and/or cellular therapeutics.
  • Extensive hands-on experience in the performance of flow cytometry methods to characterize cells (e.g. using a, Canto, LSR, Guava etc.).
  • Extensive hands-on experience in the development, optimization, validation, and routine performance of flow cytometry methods to characterize cells using analyzers such as Miltenyi MACSQuant, BD FACSCanto/LSR, Guava easyCyte or equivalent.
  • Advanced familiarity with data analysis software packages such as FlowJo, Miltenyi MACSQuantify, BD FACSDiva, etc.
  • Familiarity with data analysis/statistical software packages (e.g. FlowJo, JMP, etc.).
  • Strong communication and writing skills with demonstrated ability to work in a dynamic team environment.

Quality Control Analyst IV:

  • Bachelor's or master's degree in a life sciences field with 8-10 years (8+ years MS, 6+ years PhD), preferably with a background in biologics and/or cellular therapeutics or equalvalent level of expereince.
  • Extensive hands-on experience in the performance of flow cytometry methods to characterize cells (e.g. using a, Canto, LSR, Guava etc.).
  • Extensive hands-on experience in the development, optimization, validation, and routine performance of flow cytometry methods to characterize cells using analyzers such as Miltenyi MACSQuant, BD FACSCanto/LSR, Guava easyCyte or equivalent.
  • Advanced familiarity with data analysis software packages such as FlowJo, Miltenyi MACSQuantify, BD FACSDiva, etc.
  • Familiarity with data analysis/statistical software packages (e.g. FlowJo, JMP, etc.).
  • Strong communication and writing skills with demonstrated ability to work in a dynamic team environment
  • Leading and providing technical training to flow cytometry associates

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Hands-on knowledge of aseptic and cell culture techniques or equalvalent level of expereince.
  • Experience with typical GMP Quality Systems (ex. Document Control, Deviations, CAPA, Change Control, Risk Assessment, and external/internal audits etc.).
  • Experience in developing and validating flow cytometry or other assays for biologics products in a GMP environment.
  • Background in biologics quality control, including testing and/or characterization of monoclonal antibodies, recombinant protein, antibody-conjugates or other protein therapeutics.
  • Experience with immunoassays and protein analytics such as ELISA, Mass spectrometry, and HPLC methods.

Quality Control Analyst III: The annual base salary range for this position is from $93,163 to $139,714, and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.

Quality Control Analyst IV: The annual base salary range for this position is from $104,458 to $165,090, and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.Although Fred Hutch is not sponsoring most H-1B visas at this time, candidates who already hold an H-1B sponsored by another organization and are currently in the U.S. may be eligible for this position.Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers employees a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance health, well-being, and financial security. Benefits include medical/vision, dental, flexible spending accounts, life, disability, retirement, family life support, employee assistance program, onsite health clinic, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation (12-22 days per year), paid sick leave (12-25 days per year), paid holidays (13 days per year), and paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks).

Additional InformationWe are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We desire priority referrals of protected veterans. If due to a disability you need assistance/and or a reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to Human Resources at hrops@fredhutch.org or by calling 206-667-4700.Employment Type: FULL_TIME