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Director Assay Development Jobs in Orem, UT (NOW HIRING)

Director Assay Development information

See Orem, UT salary details

$18.3K

$81.2K

$156.5K

How much do director assay development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for director assay development in Orem, UT is $81,156.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,000.00 and $89,500.00 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 popular job titles related to Director Assay Development jobs in Orem, UT?

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

What job categories do people searching Director Assay Development jobs in Orem, UT look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Assay Development jobs in Orem, UT are:

LC-MS/MS Toxicology Laboratory Supervisor

Rocky Mountain Laboratories LLC

Draper, UT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

LC-MS/MS Toxicology Laboratory Supervisor
Rocky Mountain Laboratories – Draper, Utah

About Us
Rocky Mountain Laboratories is a clinical laboratory providing comprehensive laboratory services. We are dedicated to delivering accurate and timely diagnostic information and are committed to improving healthcare outcomes through cutting-edge technology and a customer-focused approach.

Position

Rocky Mountain Laboratories is seeking an experienced Clinical Toxicology Laboratory Supervisor with hands-on Agilent LC-MS/MS expertise and method development experience to lead our toxicology department in Draper, Utah, part of the Salt Lake City metro area.

This is a working supervisor role in a CLIA-certified, high-complexity toxicology laboratory. You'll combine bench-level technical work — LC-MS/MS method development and validation, instrument operation, and data review — with day-to-day departmental leadership: staff oversight, SOP development, QC program management, and regulatory compliance. You'll serve as the primary technical and operational lead for the toxicology department and act as department representative in the absence of the Lab Manager.

This is a lean, growing laboratory, not a large reference-lab environment. Our team owns the full testing process end-to-end rather than specializing in a single segment. The right person has personally carried clinical toxicology testing across the entire workflow — sample prep, instrument operation and maintenance, method development and validation, data review, QC, and result release — and is comfortable both doing the work and leading others who do.

Job Type: Full-time, W2
Schedule: Monday–Friday | 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | Day shift
Salary: $130,000–$150,000 annually
Location: Draper, UT (Salt Lake City metro) — reliable commute or relocation required before start date
Start Date: As soon as the right candidate is found

Responsibilities:

  • Supervise daily toxicology laboratory operations to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant high-complexity testing
  • Operate, calibrate, maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize Agilent 6460 triple quadrupole LC-MS/MS instrumentation and related platforms
  • Develop, validate, and implement new analytical methods for clinical toxicology panels including drugs of abuse (DOA), pain management, and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM)
  • Lead method verification, troubleshooting, and continuous optimization of existing assays
  • Oversee sample preparation workflows for urine and oral fluid specimens
  • Develop, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for validations, clinical testing, and regulatory compliance
  • Review, interpret, and authorize release of patient test results using Agilent MassHunter and other laboratory software in accordance with laboratory policies and CLIA standards
  • Manage quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) programs; investigate out-of-range results and deviations; implement and document corrective actions
  • Monitor workflow, prioritize testing queues, and allocate staff resources to meet turnaround time expectations
  • Train, mentor, and evaluate laboratory staff; develop and administer competency assessments and provide ongoing technical guidance
  • Serve as CLIA General Supervisor for the toxicology department, ensuring full compliance with high-complexity testing standards, OSHA safety requirements, and other applicable regulations
  • Support internal inspections, CAP accreditation activities, audits, and regulatory readiness
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Chemistry, Molecular, Client Services, and other departments to resolve operational and testing issues
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to workflow efficiency, quality outcomes, and cost reduction
  • Ensure proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous and biological materials
  • Serve as acting department leader in the absence of the Lab Manager
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Science or higher in chemistry, biology, clinical laboratory science, medical laboratory science, or a closely related field
  • Minimum 3 years of documented hands-on clinical toxicology experience in a CLIA-certified high-complexity laboratory, including drugs of abuse (DOA), pain management panels, or therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), and including direct involvement in method development or validation
  • Demonstrated experience independently performing the complete LC-MS/MS testing workflow — from sample preparation through instrument maintenance, method validation, data review, and result release — rather than a single specialized segment
  • Recent hands-on experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting Agilent 6460 triple quadrupole LC-MS/MS or equivalent Agilent 6400-series instrumentation, including proficiency with Agilent MassHunter for data acquisition, analysis, and reporting
  • Documented experience in LC-MS/MS method development and validation in a clinical or regulated laboratory setting
  • Proficiency with sample preparation techniques, including dilute-and-shoot, solid-phase extraction (SPE), and liquid-liquid extraction (LLE)
  • Strong knowledge of quality assurance, quality control principles, and corrective action processes
  • Demonstrated knowledge of CLIA high-complexity testing regulations, OSHA safety requirements, and regulatory compliance
  • Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and compliance
  • Other duties as assigned
Preferred Qualifications:
  • 3–5+ years of clinical toxicology laboratory experience, including at least 1 year in a supervisory, lead, or certifying scientist capacity
  • Experience developing or delivering competency assessments for laboratory staff
  • Experience with Beckman Coulter AU 480/680 or equivalent Beckman Coulter AU-series chemistry analyzers (e.g., AU400, AU5800)
  • Experience with additional LC-MS/MS platforms (e.g., SCIEX, Shimadzu, Thermo Fisher)
  • Experience supporting CAP accreditation, laboratory audits, and regulatory inspections
  • Familiarity with Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) and electronic reporting workflows
  • Ability to design and deliver technical training programs for laboratory staff
  • Experience with high-throughput batch processing workflows in a clinical toxicology environment
  • ASCP MLS(ASCP), AMT MT, NRCC, or other relevant certification
  • Master's degree in chemistry, toxicology, clinical laboratory science, or a related field
Benefits for full-time W2 Team Members:
Benefits begin 60 days after the first full month of full-time employment.
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off (21 days annually for full-time team members)
  • 7 Paid Holidays
  • 401(k) with 50% Company Match up to 6%
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Short-Term & Long-Term Disability (RML covers 60% of STD premium)
  • Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
  • 100% Company-Funded Employee Assistance Program (EAP)


Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position may be filled before any stated deadline

If you meet the above qualifications and are interested in joining our team, please submit your resume for consideration. We look forward to hearing from you!

At Rocky Mountain Laboratories, we prioritize the care and well-being of our team members.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Rocky Mountain Laboratories is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity in its workforce. We comply with all applicable federal and state laws and prohibit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, disability, or genetic information. We also comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Pre-Employment Notice & E-Verify
Rocky Mountain Laboratories participates in E-Verify.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and other pre-employment screenings, as required.

Employment with Rocky Mountain Laboratories is at-will. This means either the Team Member or the company may end the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable laws. Nothing in this posting or in future communications alters that relationship.

While we appreciate interest from staffing agencies, Rocky Mountain Laboratories does not currently partner with external agencies. Resumes submitted unsolicited will not be considered, and no fees will be paid.

Please only reference our LinkedIn and Indeed pages for current openings:

  • www.linkedin.com/company/rocky-mountain-laboratories
  • www.indeed.com/cmp/Rocky-Mountain-Laboratories
  • www.rockylabs.com/

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