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Assay Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

e184

Assay Development Scientist

Portland, OR

$37.50 - $47/hr

As our Assay Development Scientist , you will be the primary architect of our internal molecular biology toolkit, transforming cutting-edge academic and commercial protocols into robust, highly ...

e184

Assay Development Scientist

Portland, OR · On-site

$37.50 - $47/hr

As our Assay Development Scientist , you will be the primary architect of our internal molecular biology toolkit, transforming cutting-edge academic and commercial protocols into robust, highly ...

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How much do assay scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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 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 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 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 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.

More about Assay Scientist jobs
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? The top searched job categories for Assay Scientist jobs are:
Assay Scientist jobs near you
Automation and Assay Research Scientist

Automation and Assay Research Scientist

Cape Fox SS

Frederick, MD

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Automation and Assay Research Scientist Work Location: Fort Detrick, MD Eagle Health is seeking an Automation and Assay Research Scientist to join our team in Fort Detrick, MD. Core Duties: Provide Robotic Liquid Handling Automation support for research efforts of the Therapeutics Development Center (TDC). Support will be required mainly in BSL-2 environment with subsequent potential support in BSL-3, and BSL-4 environments.

Thus, it will require enrollment in the Biological Personnel Reliability Program (BPRP) program conduct basic and applied research on current and emerging threats in support of the BD and infectious disease program Aid in the execution of scientific studies-throughput screening assays, enzymatic assays, collection/data analysis, and maintain the laboratory and respective laboratory equipment Assist in the development, execution, and evaluation of high-throughput in vitro screening projects for the antibacterial, anti-viral, and anti-toxin therapeutic areas and assist in the development of novel assays/methods for various programs Assist in screening of molecular compound libraries for therapeutic efficacy to support Medical Countermeasures (MCM) development Perform compound treatment to evaluate therapeutic small molecules for enzymatic/ antibacterial/ antiviral/antitoxin activity. In vitro assays include enzymatic assays, cell-based phenotypic and reporter assays, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), and plaque assays Required to write new workflows associated with the automation instruments in support of any new high-throughput screening assay and may include combination studies and similar Assist in data analysis using Spotfire and Genedata Perform basic molecular biology techniques to support creation of novel cell or enzymatic based assays for evaluation of MCM Assist in the preparation of technical reports, standard operating procedures, and manuscripts relating to their research efforts and may be expected to present research findings at one scientific conference per year and will present results in written and oral format publicly and internally as requested Responsible for assessing and maintaining all the robotic instruments and associated laboratory supplies, assessing supplies and ensuring supply orders are coordinated with Division resources, and ensure that all assigned laboratory space is orderly and compliant with all applicable regulatory guidance Prepare and provide technical point of contact (TPOC) a Therapeutic Screening Scientific Research Technical progress report no later than (NLT) the last day of each month Contractor shall present research findings/presentations at monthly lab meetings and attend scientific discussion weekly meetings BPRP enrollment is required and will be held and maintained IAW the provisions in this contract and all applicable regulationsRequirements: Proficient in using automated liquid handling systems such as Beckman Biomek, Perkin Elmer Janus, Viaflo, Viafill, Multi-drop Combi, and HP dispensers Familiarity with handling of therapeutic small molecules and compound management Experience in setting up in vitro enzymatic assays such as kinases, proteases, and similar Must be a U.S. citizen with a valid U.S

passport Must have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986Requirements: Proficient in using automated liquid handling systems such as Beckman Biomek, Perkin Elmer Janus, Viaflo, Viafill, Multi-drop Combi, and HP dispensers Familiarity with handling of therapeutic small molecules and compound management Experience in setting up in vitro enzymatic assays such as kinases, proteases, and similar Must be a U.S. citizen with a valid U.S. passport Must have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986

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