1

Assay Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Assay Scientist information

See salary details

$20

$38

$54

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.

More about Assay Scientist jobs

What states have the most Assay Scientist jobs?

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

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.

Scientist II, Assay Operations, Screening Platform Technologies

Revolution Medicines

Redwood City, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Revolution Medicines is a global, commercial-state oncology company dedicated to discovering, developing and delivering innovative medicines for patients with RAS-addicted cancers. Leveraging its differentiated RAS(ON) tri-complex inhibitor platform, the company is advancing a broad, integrated portfolio of oral RAS(ON) inhibitors designed to directly target the active, cancer-driving state of RAS. Founded on rigorous scientific inquiry and a willingness to challenge long-held assumptions, Revolution Medicines is committed to changing the trajectory of disease for patients with RAS-addicted cancers worldwide.
Our people are united by a shared way of working: follow the science, challenge assumptions, act with urgency and hold ourselves to a high standard of rigor-all in service of patients.
The Opportunity:
We are seeking a Scientist II, Assay Operations, Screening Platform Technologies (SPT) to support and scale next-generation cellular screening capabilities for oncology drug discovery. This role will focus on assay operations, screening execution, automation enablement, and assay scale-up to support high-throughput and high-content screening campaigns across early discovery and lead optimization programs.
The successful candidate will partner closely with cross-functional collaborators across Discovery Sciences, Cancer Biology, Automation, Data Science, and external partners to establish robust, scalable, and operationally efficient screening workflows. This position is ideal for a scientist with strong experience executing and operationalizing cellular assays who enjoys working at the intersection of biology, automation, and screening infrastructure.
In this role, you will support the transfer, optimization, execution, and scaling of cellular assays across multiple screening platforms, helping ensure assays are automation-ready, reproducible, and fit for high-throughput applications. You will contribute to the implementation of standardized workflows, assay quality control processes, instrumentation integration, and operational best practices that enable efficient data generation across internal and external screening activities.
The ideal candidate is a highly collaborative and detail-oriented experimentalist with hands-on experience in assay operations, liquid handling automation, and screening logistics. They will thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy troubleshooting technical challenges, and contribute to building scalable screening infrastructure that accelerates oncology discovery efforts.
Responsibilities
  • Optimize, productionalize, validate, and execute robust screening assays across various cellular screening formats (e.g., CellTiter-Glo, NanoBRET, imaging-based, and transcriptomic readouts).
  • Lead and support execution of high-throughput and medium-throughput screening campaigns using automated liquid handling and integrated instrumentation platforms.
  • Coordinate assay transfer activities internally and externally, including protocol standardization, reagent qualification, documentation, and execution support.
  • Develop and implement workflows for quantitative, scalable profiling in support of oncology programs.
  • Contribute to experimental design discussions and data review for projects involving molecular glue characterization and protein interaction modulation.
  • Apply advanced data analysis methods, integrating tools such as Genedata Screener, D360, Spotfire, and programming languages (Python, R) to derive actionable insights from complex assay outputs.
  • Coordinate and manage tech transfer to external CROs, ensuring quality execution of high-throughput screens and phenotypic assays.
  • Collaborate within SPT and across functions, Med Chem, Cancer Biology, Bioinformatics, Automation, to ensure cohesive project execution and data flow.
  • Manage timelines and deliverables for multiple projects simultaneously, maintaining high standards for scientific rigor and project communication.
  • Support training and mentorship of junior team members while contributing to the collaborative and mission-driven culture of SPT.

Required Skills, Experience and Education:
  • PhD in biological sciences, chemical biology, pharmacology, or bioengineering with 2-4 years of relevant experience; or MS with 5-8 years of experience in industry or biotech settings.
  • Demonstrated expertise in assay development and optimization for high-throughput and/or high-content screening platforms.
  • Working knowledge of assay performance metrics and screening QC parameters (Z', signal/background, CVs, normalization strategies).
  • Proficiency with data analysis and visualization tools such as Genedata Screener, Spotfire, D360, Excel, or related platforms for large complex data sets
  • Robust experience with cell based assay development and cell based or phenotypic screening.
  • Hands-on experience using automation platforms (e.g., Hamilton, Dragonfly, Echo, Mosquito) and familiarity with scheduling software for walk-up and integrated systems.
  • Proven ability to manage and coordinate external CRO partnerships for assay execution and data delivery.
  • Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritize and balance multiple efforts concurrently.
  • Experience supporting phenotypic, mechanistic, or oncology-focused screening assays.
  • Excellent communication skills with a collaborative, team-oriented mindset and a strong sense of scientific ownership.

Preferred Skills:
  • Familiarity with automated liquid handling (SPT Dragonfly and/or Mosquito, Agilent Bravo, Tecan)
  • Experience with high throughput screening and comfortabiity leveraging automation and AI/ML to support.
  • Facile with instrumentation, able to trouble shoot problems and work with engineers to generate successful solutions to technical limitations.
  • Rigorous, quantitative, detail-oriented experimentalist with an understanding of statistics.

Who You Are:
  • Deeply analytical and curious-excited by data-driven discovery and uncovering patterns in complex biological systems.
  • Energized by working at the interface of technology and biology to solve challenging problems in oncology drug discovery.
  • Proactive and adaptable-able to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment with high expectations for quality and impact.
  • Committed to mentorship, collaboration, and scientific excellence in pursuit of transformative therapies for patients.

The base pay salary range for this full-time position for candidates working onsite at our headquarters in Redwood City, CA is listed below. The range displayed on each job posting is intended to be the base pay salary range for an individual working onsite in Redwood City and will be adjusted for the local market a candidate is based in. Our base pay salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Individual base pay salary is determined by multiple factors, including job-related skills, experience, market dynamics, and relevant education or training.
Please note that base pay salary range is one part of the overall total rewards program at RevMed, which includes competitive cash compensation, robust equity awards, strong benefits, and significant learning and development opportunities.
Revolution Medicines is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin/ancestry, age, disability, marital status, medical condition, and veteran status.
Revolution Medicines takes protection and security of personal data very seriously and respects your right to privacy while using our website and when contacting us by email or phone. We will only collect, process and use any personal data that you provide to us in accordance with our CCPA Notice and Privacy Policy. For additional information, please contact privacy@revmed.com.
Base Pay Salary Range
$132,000-$166,000 USD
We are aware of recent recruitment scams in which individuals or organizations falsely represent themselves as being affiliated with Revolution Medicines. These scams may appear as false job advertisements or unsolicited contacts through communication or chat platforms, email, phone, or text message.
Please note that Revolution Medicines does not extend unsolicited employment offers and will never ask candidates to provide financial information, purchase equipment, or pay fees as part of the hiring process. All legitimate communication from Revolution Medicines will come from an official @revmed.com email address.
If you believe you've been contacted by someone impersonating a Revolution Medicines recruiter, please report it to careers@revmed.com so we can share these impersonations with our IT team for tracking and awareness.