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Scientist / Ligand binding Assays (ELISA)

Andover, MA · On-site

$35.75 - $44.75/hr

Scientist / Ligand binding Assays (ELISA) Duration: 18 months contract, extendable up to 48 months Location: Andover, MA Note: The client has the right-to-hire you as a permanent employee at any time ...

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How much do assays jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for assays in the United States is $70,647.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $83,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do assays do?

Assays are laboratory procedures used to detect, measure, or quantify specific substances, such as chemicals, biological molecules, or cells. Assay technicians or scientists perform these tests using specialized equipment and techniques to support research, quality control, or diagnostic processes.

What are assays?

Assays are laboratory procedures used to measure the presence, amount, or activity of a specific substance—such as a chemical, cell, or biomolecule—in a sample. They are essential in fields like biochemistry, pharmacology, and medical diagnostics to evaluate the efficacy of drugs, detect diseases, or analyze biological processes. There are many types of assays, including bioassays, immunoassays, and chemical assays, each tailored to different analytical needs. Researchers select the appropriate assay based on the target substance and the required sensitivity and specificity.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in assay development and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in assay development often encounter challenges such as optimizing assay sensitivity and specificity, troubleshooting inconsistent results, and adapting protocols for high-throughput environments. These challenges can be addressed by staying current with best practices, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams such as R&D and quality assurance, and rigorously validating each step of the assay process. Open communication, thorough documentation, and continuous training also play key roles in ensuring successful assay development and execution.

What is the difference between Assays vs Laboratory Technicians?

AspectAssaysLaboratory Technicians
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in biology, chemistry, or related field; certifications may be preferredUsually requires an associate degree or certification in laboratory procedures
Work EnvironmentConducts specific tests and assays in labs, often in research or quality control settingsPerforms routine lab tasks, prepares samples, and maintains lab equipment
Industry UsageCommonly used in biotech, pharmaceuticals, and research labs for testing and analysisWidely used across healthcare, clinical, and industrial laboratories

Assays focus on performing specific tests to analyze samples, often requiring specialized knowledge of testing protocols. Laboratory Technicians handle a broader range of lab tasks, including sample preparation and equipment maintenance. While both roles work in lab environments, assays are more specialized in testing procedures, whereas technicians support overall lab operations.

What is an assay scientist?

An assay scientist is a professional who develops, performs, and analyzes laboratory tests called assays to measure the presence or concentration of specific substances, often in biological samples. They typically work in research, development, or quality control environments and use specialized equipment and techniques to ensure accurate and reliable results.

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

To thrive as an Assay Specialist, you need a solid background in biochemistry or molecular biology, laboratory techniques, and data analysis, usually supported by a relevant science degree. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), PCR machines, spectrophotometers, and quality control procedures is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring accurate test results, maintaining data integrity, and supporting scientific research or diagnostic outcomes.

What is an assay worker?

An assay worker is a laboratory technician or scientist responsible for performing assays, which are tests used to measure the presence, amount, or activity of a substance in a sample. They typically follow standardized procedures, use specialized equipment, and may work in environments such as medical, pharmaceutical, or research laboratories. Certification or training in laboratory techniques is often required for this role.

What is the highest-paying career in a laboratory?

In laboratory settings, senior roles such as Laboratory Directors or Principal Investigators typically have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and strong management skills, and they oversee research, operations, or regulatory compliance within the lab environment.
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What job categories do people searching Assays jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Assays jobs are:
Assays jobs near you
Scientist, Ligand Binding Assays

Scientist, Ligand Binding Assays

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$110K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Overview
The Bioanalytical Sciences group at Alnylam is seeking a highly motivated Scientist, specializing in ligand binding assays to quantify oligos, proteins, peptides, and antibodies.
This individual will be responsible for supporting fit-for-purpose methods across various technologies, such as hybridization ELISA, ELISA, MSD, FACS, ELLA, and Quanterix, to support early through late-stage drug development programs to inform on target engagement, pharmacodynamics (PD), pharmacokinetics (PK), mechanism of action, and safety, to advance RNAi therapeutic development.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in molecular biology or biochemistry, broad understanding of biology, and exceptional problem-solving and communication skills to successfully collaborate with multiple project teams in a matrixed and fast-paced environment. This is an exciting opportunity to join a vibrant team and interact with highly motivated scientists across a broad array of disciplinary expertise areas.
This position is onsite and will be primarily located in Cambridge, MA.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and implement ligand binding assays (ELISA, MSD, Quanterix), in a variety of biological matrices to support the analysis of drug PK, PD & biomarker, with minimal direction. Independently and reliably conduct non-GLP sample analysis to support all Alnylam's RNAi therapeutic development from early to late stages
  • Ability to complete projects in a timely and clearly documented manner.
  • Aid in critically reviewing and troubleshooting internal and external ligand-binding assays
  • Assist associate scientists in method optimization and troubleshooting assays
  • Help implement and maintain appropriate procedures and controls to ensure consistent assay performance and reproducible data.
  • Maintain laboratory notebooks, perform data analysis and QC, and communicate results to a broad and/or specialized team
  • Understand project goals and ability to make decisions independently
  • Apply an in-depth understanding of the technologies and intended use of the results to aid in interpretation of data
  • Independently prepares presentations and effectively communicates with broader matrixed teams to demonstrate subject matter leadership
  • Independently author SOPs and reports for LBA methods and support method transfers to CROs, as needed.
  • Research and implement new technologies to improve assay performance or address specific questions.
  • Investigate areas for automation to increase quality or efficiency.

Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular/cell biology, or related field with 0+ years of relevant industry experience or exceptional non-PhD (Masters degree with 8+ years, or Bachelors degree with 10+ years of industry experience)
  • Possesses in-depth knowledge, hands on experience, and technical expertise on ligand binding assays. Knowledge of Liquid Handlers/Automated ELISA (e.g., Biomek), FACS and LCMS methods is a plus.
  • Knowledge of regulatory expectations for bioanalytical method validation or previous experience working in a bioanalytical GLP or non-GLP environment is preferred.
  • Demonstrates a solid understanding of disease biology and the drug development process to enable design and implementation of assays that are fit for intended use.
  • Track record in preparing conference presentations, publications in peer reviewed journals, or industry and regulatory white papers.
  • Demonstrates strong problem solving ability and adaptability, in and out of their comfort zone
  • Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to handle multiple projects, and thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
  • Has strong interpersonal skills to enable collaboration with cross-functional teams.
  • Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills.
    #LI-JR1

U.S. Pay Range
$110,400.00 - $165,600.00
The pay range reflects the full-time base salary range we expect to pay for this role at the time of posting. Base pay will be determined based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, and education. This role is eligible for an annual short-term incentive award (e.g., bonus or sales incentive) and an annual long-term incentive award (e.g., equity).
Alnylam's robust Total Rewards package is designed to support your overall health and well-being. We offer comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, a lifestyle reimbursement program, flexible spending and health savings accounts and a 401(k)with a generous company match. Eligible employees enjoy paid time off, wellness days, holidays, and two company-wide recharge breaks. We also offer generous family resources and leave. Our commitment to your well-being reflects our belief that caring for our people fuels the impact we create together.
Learn more about these and additional benefits offered by Alnylam by visiting the Benefits section of the Careers website: https://www.alnylam.com/careers
About Alnylam
We are the leader in RNAi therapeutics - a revolutionary approach with the potential to transform the lives of people with rare and common diseases. Built on Nobel Prize-winning science, Alnylam has delivered the breakthroughs that made RNAi therapeutics possible and are just at the beginning of what's possible. Our deep pipeline, late-stage programs, and bold vision reflect our core values: fierce innovation, passion for excellence, purposeful urgency, open culture and commitment to people. We're proud to be a globally recognized top employer, where an authentic, inclusive culture and breakthrough thinking fuel one another.
At Alnylam, we commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equal employment opportunity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their sex, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, pregnancy status or related conditions, genetic information, veteran or military status, marital or familial status, political affiliation, age, or any other factor protected by federal, state, or local law. Alnylam is an E-Verify Employer.

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