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Assay Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

YO AI Labs

Biology Research Scientist - Remote

Houston, TX · Remote

$50 - $70/hr

Binding & Functional Assays * Scientific Data Interpretation * Evidence-Based Reasoning * Technical Documentation Qualifications * BA/BS + 5 years , MS + 2 years , or PhD with relevant industry/drug ...

YO AI Labs

Biology Research Scientist - Remote

Chicago, IL · Remote

$50 - $70/hr

Binding & Functional Assays * Scientific Data Interpretation * Evidence-Based Reasoning * Technical Documentation Qualifications * BA/BS + 5 years , MS + 2 years , or PhD with relevant industry/drug ...

YO AI Labs

Biology Research Scientist - Remote

Boston, MA · Remote

$50 - $70/hr

Binding & Functional Assays * Scientific Data Interpretation * Evidence-Based Reasoning * Technical Documentation Qualifications * BA/BS + 5 years , MS + 2 years , or PhD with relevant industry/drug ...

YO AI Labs

Biology Research Scientist - Remote

Atlanta, GA · Remote

$50 - $70/hr

Binding & Functional Assays * Scientific Data Interpretation * Evidence-Based Reasoning * Technical Documentation Qualifications * BA/BS + 5 years , MS + 2 years , or PhD with relevant industry/drug ...

YO AI Labs

Biology Research Scientist - Remote

Miami, FL · Remote

$50 - $70/hr

Binding & Functional Assays * Scientific Data Interpretation * Evidence-Based Reasoning * Technical Documentation Qualifications * BA/BS + 5 years , MS + 2 years , or PhD with relevant industry/drug ...

YO AI Labs

Biology Research Scientist - Remote

Seattle, WA · Remote

$50 - $70/hr

Binding & Functional Assays * Scientific Data Interpretation * Evidence-Based Reasoning * Technical Documentation Qualifications * BA/BS + 5 years , MS + 2 years , or PhD with relevant industry/drug ...

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Assay Scientist information

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How much do assay scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for assay scientist in the United States is $38.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.89 and $42.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assay scientist do?

An Assay Scientist is responsible for developing, optimizing, and validating laboratory tests (assays) to analyze biological samples. They design experiments to measure the presence or activity of specific substances, such as proteins, enzymes, or drugs, often using techniques like ELISA, PCR, or mass spectrometry. Assay Scientists play a vital role in pharmaceutical research, diagnostics, and quality control by ensuring the accuracy and reliability of test results. Their work supports drug discovery, clinical trials, and the development of new diagnostic tools.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assay scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assay Scientist, you need a solid background in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field, typically with at least a bachelor's or master's degree and laboratory experience. Familiarity with analytical instruments, assay platforms (such as ELISA, PCR, or HPLC), and relevant data analysis software is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are key soft skills for designing, optimizing, and interpreting experiments. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and reproducibility of scientific results in research and development settings.

What are some common challenges assay scientists face when developing new assays, and how can they overcome them?

Assay Scientists often encounter challenges such as optimizing assay sensitivity and specificity, troubleshooting inconsistent results, and ensuring reproducibility across multiple runs. These issues require strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and thorough documentation practices. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams such as research scientists, statisticians, and laboratory technicians is crucial for resolving technical hurdles and refining protocols. Staying updated on the latest assay technologies and validation standards also helps in overcoming obstacles effectively.

What is the difference between Assay Scientist vs Research Scientist?

AspectAssay ScientistResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Life Sciences, relevant lab certificationsBachelor's, Master's, or PhD in related field, often with specialized research experience
Work EnvironmentLaboratories focused on assay development, validation, and testingResearch labs, academic institutions, or industry R&D departments
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical, biotech, diagnostics companiesUniversities, research institutes, industry R&D divisions
Common Search & ComparisonAssay Scientist vs Research Scientist

Assay Scientists primarily focus on developing and validating laboratory tests and assays, often within industry settings like biotech or pharma. Research Scientists typically conduct broader scientific research, including experimental design and data analysis, often in academic or industry R&D. While both roles require strong laboratory skills and relevant credentials, Assay Scientists specialize in assay-specific tasks, whereas Research Scientists have a broader research scope.

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What states have the most Assay Scientist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Assay Scientist jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Assay Scientist jobs look for?

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Assay Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assay Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,095 per year, or $39 per hour.

Biology Research Scientist - Remote

YO AI Labs

Palo Alto, CA • Remote

$50 - $70/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Biology Research Scientist

Job Type: Contractor
Location: Remote
Hours: 10–20 hours/week
Duration: 1–2 months minimum, with likely extension
Start: Immediate

Job Overview

We are seeking experienced Biology Research Scientists to support a project focused on validating protein target assignments against primary scientific sources and UniProt records.

You will review research papers and patents, identify target assignment errors, propose corrected UniProt accessions, and provide concise, evidence-based scientific reasoning.

Key Responsibilities
  • Review primary research papers and patents to verify protein target assignments.
  • Compare target assignments against UniProt and identify discrepancies.
  • Classify target assignment errors using a structured taxonomy.
  • Propose accurate UniProt accessions where assignments are incorrect.
  • Document clear, concise, evidence-grounded reasoning for each determination.
  • Apply expertise in pharmacology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or chemical biology to evaluate target relationships.
Required Skills
  • Protein Target Identification
  • UniProt
  • Primary Literature Review
  • Protein Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology
  • Binding & Functional Assays
  • Scientific Data Interpretation
  • Evidence-Based Reasoning
  • Technical Documentation
Qualifications
  • BA/BS + 5 years, MS + 2 years, or PhD with relevant industry/drug discovery experience.
  • Background in pharmacology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or chemical biology within biotech, pharma, or CRO environments.
  • Hands-on experience with assays such as SPR, TR-FRET, radioligand binding, kinase assays, or GPCR functional assays.
  • Experience interpreting IC50, Ki, and Kd data.
  • Currently active in a bench-based research, scientist, or associate scientist role.
  • Working knowledge of UniProt or related workflows such as SAR, HTS, target validation, biochemical profiling, or IND-enabling studies.
Nice to Have
  • Experience with ChEMBL, BindingDB, or PubChem.
  • Selectivity profiling or counterscreening experience.
  • Understanding of agonist/antagonist vs. activator/inhibitor distinctions.
Screening Questions
  1. What is your highest relevant degree and how many years of industry research experience do you have?
  2. What is your experience with protein target identification and UniProt?
  3. Which binding or functional assays have you performed hands-on?
  4. Do you have experience interpreting IC50, Ki, or Kd data?
  5. Have you worked with ChEMBL, BindingDB, or PubChem?
  6. Are you currently bench-active in a research or scientist role?
  7. Are you available for 10–20 hours per week with an immediate start?