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Director Assay Development Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

Senior Scientist

Rockville, MD · On-site

$93K - $127K/yr

Lead assay development, transfer, validation, and continuous-improvement activities. * Support the introduction and implementation of new services. When appointed as Study Director for an assigned ...

Posted today

Our expert scientists perform large molecule bioanalysis, assay development, validation, and sample ... Independently perform service tasks as directed. * Perform analysis including method transfer ...

Scientist

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Our expert scientists perform large molecule bioanalysis, assay development, validation, and sample ... Independently perform service tasks as directed. * Perform analysis including method transfer ...

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Showing results 1-20

Director Assay Development information

See Maryland salary details

$20.4K

$90.6K

$174.7K

How much do director assay development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for director assay development in Maryland is $90,600.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,400.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director assay development do?

A Director of Assay Development leads teams responsible for designing, developing, and validating laboratory assays, which are tests used to detect or measure specific biological molecules. They oversee project timelines, ensure regulatory compliance, manage budgets, and collaborate with research, clinical, and commercial teams. This role often involves strategic planning, troubleshooting technical challenges, and ensuring that assay products meet quality and performance standards necessary for clinical or research applications.

What are the primary challenges faced by a director assay development when leading cross-functional teams?

A Director of Assay Development often manages multidisciplinary teams including scientists, engineers, and regulatory specialists. One of the main challenges is ensuring clear communication and alignment among team members with diverse expertise and priorities, especially when balancing scientific innovation with regulatory compliance and project timelines. Additionally, adapting to evolving technologies and customer requirements while maintaining assay robustness and reproducibility can be demanding. Effective leadership in this role requires fostering collaboration, efficiently resolving conflicts, and strategically prioritizing resources to meet both short-term milestones and long-term organizational goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director assay development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Assay Development, you need a strong background in molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field, often supported by an advanced degree (PhD or MS) and extensive experience in assay design and validation. Familiarity with laboratory automation, data analysis software, and regulatory standards such as CLIA or GLP is typically required. Leadership, project management, and effective communication are essential soft skills for guiding teams and collaborating across departments. These competencies are crucial for ensuring robust assay performance, meeting regulatory requirements, and driving innovation within the organization.

What is the difference between Director Assay Development vs Senior Assay Scientist?

AspectDirector Assay DevelopmentSenior Assay Scientist
CredentialsAdvanced degree (PhD or MS), leadership experienceMaster's or PhD, specialized technical expertise
Work EnvironmentLeadership, project management, cross-functional teamsLaboratory research, assay development, experimental work
Employer & IndustryBiotech, pharma, diagnostics companiesResearch labs, biotech firms, pharmaceutical companies
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in assay developmentTechnical assay development and research roles

The main difference between a Director Assay Development and a Senior Assay Scientist lies in their responsibilities and experience. The Director oversees project strategy, manages teams, and interacts with upper management, while the Senior Assay Scientist focuses on hands-on assay development and technical research. Both roles require strong scientific credentials, but the director position emphasizes leadership and strategic planning.

What are the most commonly searched types of Assay Development jobs in Maryland?

The most popular types of Assay Development jobs in Maryland are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Assay Development jobs in Maryland?

For Director Assay Development jobs in Maryland, the most frequently searched job titles are:

$93K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Work Your Magic with us!Start your next chapter and join MilliporeSigma.

Ready to explore, break barriers, and discover more? We know you've got big plans - so do we! Our colleagues across the globe love innovating with science and technology to enrich people's lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. Together, we dream big and are passionate about caring for our rich mix of people, customers, patients, and planet. That's why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us.

This role does not offer sponsorship for work authorization. External applicants must be eligible to work in the US.


Senior Scientist

Your role

As a Senior Scientist, you will provide scientific and technical leadership for assay execution and the implementation of new and innovative service offerings in the biosafety testing space.

You will be responsible for the scientific integrity of assigned laboratory work, including making scientific observations, maintaining complete and contemporaneous workbooks and documentation, and ensuring records meet applicable professional, industry, quality, and regulatory requirements.

You will maintain a thorough understanding of company testing services, scientific principles, and technical applications relevant to your area of responsibility.

Scope of responsibility

You will provide scientific oversight for a defined discipline or laboratory within Contract Testing Services. Depending on business needs and formal assignment, you may:

  • Serve as a Team Lead or provide supervisory support.
  • Manage studies and associated scientific deliverables.
  • Serve as Study Director for assigned GLP studies.
  • Perform assays or testing in accordance with applicable GMP/cGMP requirements.
  • Lead assay development, transfer, validation, and continuous-improvement activities.
  • Support the introduction and implementation of new services.

When appointed as Study Director for an assigned GLP study, you will fulfill the responsibilities required by applicable GLP regulations, SOPs, and quality systems.

Key responsibilities

  • Act as a technical expert in defined areas of the BioReliance business.
  • Lead new-customer assay projects and provide scientific direction throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Collaborate with client representatives to understand technical requirements and support successful delivery.
  • Contribute to the technical design of custom assays and provide ongoing scientific support.
  • Serve as Study Director for assigned studies and support timely study initiation, execution, completion, and reporting.
  • Ensure testing is performed in accordance with applicable SOPs, GMP/cGMP requirements, GLP requirements, and quality-system procedures.
  • Participate in or lead assay development, assay transfer, assay validation, and process-improvement activities.
  • Support the implementation of new services.
  • Participate in critical-event and laboratory investigations and communicate technical significance to Program Management and clients, as appropriate.
  • Work with Operations and Quality teams to maintain assays in accordance with the applicable Validation Master Plan and client and regulatory expectations.
  • Provide scientific coaching, mentoring, training, and technical support to colleagues.
  • Monitor relevant industry developments and recommend appropriate technical improvements.
  • Communicate technical developments, new assays, and innovations to Operations, Support, and Technical Support teams.
  • Promote continuous improvement in quality, scientific performance, compliance, and client service.
  • Prepare and present scientific data, abstracts, papers, posters, and other technical materials for internal and external audiences.
  • Ensure assigned assays, methods, and processes remain in a validated state.
  • Track and trend key assay and production parameters and recommend actions to address adverse trends or emerging issues.
  • Provide technical support during client and regulatory audits, meetings, teleconferences, and inspections.
  • Support Sales and Account Management during client visits, as appropriate.
  • Comply with company health and safety requirements and procedures.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Who you are

Minimum qualifications

  • Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline and 3+ years of scientific or laboratory experience; or
  • Master's degree in a relevant scientific discipline and 6+ years of scientific or laboratory experience; or
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline and 8+ years of scientific or laboratory experience.
  • At least 5 years of experience with biosafety and product-characterization testing.

Preferred qualifications

  • Working knowledge of relevant scientific fields and laboratory practices, techniques, equipment, and materials.
  • Experience with laboratory quality systems and applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Experience supporting assay development, transfer, validation, or implementation of new services.
  • Experience leading studies, projects, investigations, or technical initiatives.

Knowledge and skills

  • Expertise in relevant laboratory techniques, including cell culture, ELISA, flow cytometry, qPCR, and ddPCR.
  • Ability to interpret scientific data and communicate technical conclusions clearly.
  • Proficiency with applicable computer programs and laboratory systems.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Effective organization and time-management skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
  • Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and training skills.
  • Ability to manage complex technical work while maintaining accurate and compliant documentation.

Pay Range for this position: $112,500-182,400

The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information click here.


What we offer: We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe that this variety drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!

Apply now and become a part of a team that is dedicated to Sparking Discovery and Elevating Humanity!

Employment Type: Full time