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$21K

$93.3K

$180K

How much do director assay development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for director assay development in the United States is $93,350.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 primary challenges faced by a Director of 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 does a Director of 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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of 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.
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Director Assay Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Assay Development job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,350 per year, or $44.9 per hour.
Senior Research Associate- Diagnostic Assay Development

Senior Research Associate- Diagnostic Assay Development

10x Genomics

Pleasanton, CA • On-site

$97K - $132K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

About the Role:
10x Genomics is establishing a diagnostics effort, translating our leading single cell and spatial assay technologies into impactful clinical applications. We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Research Associate to join the Diagnostic Assay Development team. The SRA will be a key contributor, executing the technical development, optimization, and rigorous testing of novel Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs) in a dynamic, high-growth environment. This role, reporting to the Sr. Manager, Diagnostic Assay Development, requires extensive hands-on experience in advanced molecular biology techniques and a dedication to high-quality data generation in support of ambitious product development goals.
What you will be doing:
Assay Execution and Optimization
  • Hands-on execution of complex single-cell and spatial genomics assays (e.g., sample processing, library preparation, sequencing).
  • Systematically troubleshoot, optimize, and refine specific steps within the assay workflow to improve performance, robustness, and efficiency.
  • Perform feasibility studies on new reagents, instrumentation, and process improvements for clinical readiness.
  • Prepare and process samples in support of large-scale clinical research studies

Documentation and Analytical Studies
  • Generate and maintain meticulous laboratory records, protocols (SOPs), and batch records following Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
  • Execute formal experiments for analytical validation studies, including assessment of accuracy, precision, limit of detection, and reproducibility.
  • Ensure all work is conducted under appropriate quality controls
  • Present experimental data clearly and concisely in team meetings and written reports.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Support the transfer of robust assay workflows to the CLIA operations team.
  • Collaborate closely with R&D Scientists, Automation Engineers, and Bioinformatics teams to meet project milestones.
  • Work closely with the internal lab operations team to support the maintenance of a high-quality, organized laboratory environment, including inventory management and forecasting, equipment calibration, and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Minimum Requirements:
  • B.S. or M.S. in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, or a related scientific field.
  • B.S. with 5+ years or M.S. with 3+ years of hands-on experience in molecular diagnostics or genomics assay development in an industry setting.
  • Direct, demonstrable experience with advanced molecular technologies, particularly Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows
  • Exceptional proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, and NGS library preparation
  • A proven track-record of using and optimizing and troubleshooting molecular biology protocols.
  • Experience working with challenging clinical sample types (e.g., FFPE tissue, primary tumor cells, low-input samples).
  • Experience working within a quality system or environment governed by CLIA, CAP, or ISO 13485 standards strongly preferred.
  • Prior hands-on experience with 10x Genomics single-cell or spatial technologies (e.g., Chromium or Xenium platforms) is a strong advantage.
  • Experience with automated liquid handling for high-throughput assay execution is a strong advantage; experience with microscopy techniques a plus

Preferred Skills & Experience:
  • Ability to organize, analyze, and interpret complex data sets (e.g., assay metrics, quality control data) and effectively troubleshoot issues based on results.
  • Commitment to rigorous execution, meticulous record-keeping, and high standards of scientific quality.
  • Possess excellent communication skills, and can effectively collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, integrating their feedback into your experimental design.
  • Thrive in fast-paced environments, and excel at managing multiple priorities, adapting to change, and consistently delivering results.

#LI-MH1 #LI-Onsite
Below is the base pay range for this full-time position. The actual base pay will depend on several factors unique to each candidate, including one's skills, qualifications, and experience. At 10x, base pay is also just one component of the Company's total compensation package. This role is also eligible for 10x's equity grants, its comprehensive health and retirement benefit programs, and its annual bonus program or sales incentive program. During the hiring process, your 10x recruiter can share more about the Company's total compensation package.
Pay Range
$97,700-$132,100 USD
About 10x Genomics
At 10x Genomics, accelerating our understanding of biology is more than a mission for us. It is a commitment. This is the century of biology, and the breakthroughs we make now have the potential to change the world.
We enable scientists to advance their research, allowing them to address scientific questions they did not even know they could ask. Our tools have enabled fundamental discoveries across biology including cancer, immunology, and neuroscience.
Our teams are empowered and encouraged to follow their passions, pursue new ideas, and perform at their best in an inclusive and dynamic environment. We know that behind every scientific breakthrough, there is a deep infrastructure of talented people driving the life sciences industry and making it possible for scientists and clinicians to make new strides. We are dedicated to finding the very best person for every aspect of our work because the innovations and discoveries that we enable together will lead to better technologies, better treatments, and a better future. Find out how you can make a 10x difference.
Individuals seeking employment at 10x Genomics are considered without regards to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, or sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
10x does not accept unsolicited applicants submitted by third-party recruiters or agencies. Any resume or application submitted to 10x without a vendor agreement in place will be considered unsolicited and property of 10x, and 10x will not pay a placement fee.
Please be aware of recruitment scams impersonating 10x Genomics. All recruiting communication will come from email addresses @10xgenomics.com. We also want to encourage you to apply to 10x Genomics positions directly on our careers site, Careers.10xgenomics.com or from reputable third party sites, such as LinkedIn or Indeed. We will never request payment or sensitive personal information during the recruiting process.

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