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Director Assay Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... assays (e.g., ELISA, MSD ECL) for large molecule PK Oversee life cycle management of bioanalytical assays from early-stage development through registration and across evolving program objectives ...

... assays * Work with Clinical Laboratory directors and Quality Assurance to ensure that developed methods meet Natera's rigorous quality standards * Coordinate with multiple internal groups (automation ...

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Director Assay Development information

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$21K

$93.3K

$180K

How much do director assay development jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 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 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.

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 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.

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What states have the most Director Assay Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Assay Development jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Director Assay Development jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Director Assay Development jobs are:
Director Of Bioanalytical Development

Director Of Bioanalytical Development

Actalent

Bedford, MA โ€ข Hybrid

$105 - $115/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Description

Lead bioanalytical development for PK and oligonucleotides Design, optimize, and validate robust, high-sensitivity analytical methods (e.g., LC-MS/MS, hybrid-ELISA, and qPCR) for ONTs and metabolites Design, optimize, and validate ligand-binding assays (e.g., ELISA, MSD ECL) for large molecule PK Oversee life cycle management of bioanalytical assays from early-stage development through registration and across evolving program objectives Analyze, interpret and report complex data (PK and immunogenicity) to support in vitro/in vivo ADME, DMPK, TK, and PK/PD data evaluations across nonclinical and clinical development Ensure all bioanalytical activities are compliant with global regulatory guidelines and ICH M10 requirements, and support IND and NDA filings


Skills

DMPK, Immunogenicity, PK assay, Translational biology, assay development, siRNA, conjugated ONTs, tissue, LCMS, ELIs, qPCR, ligand binding assays, Elisa, CRO, in vitro, in vivo, ADME, IND filing


Top Skills Details

DMPK,Immunogenicity,PK assay,Translational biology,assay development,siRNA,conjugated ONTs,tissue,LCMS,ELIs,qPCR


Additional Skills & Qualifications

Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field and7+ years of PK bioanalytical development with ADA experience in biotech and pharmaceutical industry including study and CRO management โ— Proven success and hands-on experience in the development of oligonucleotide bioanalytical methods and sample extraction techniques for tissue and fluid-based matrices Leads drug discovery and development (in vitro/in vivo pharmacology, ADME, PK/PD, translational and clinical research)


Experience Level

Expert Level


Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Bedford, MA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $105.00 - $115.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
โ€ข Medical, dental & vision
โ€ข Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
โ€ข 401(k) Retirement Plan โ€“ Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
โ€ข Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
โ€ข Short and long-term disability
โ€ข Health Spending Account (HSA)
โ€ข Transportation benefits
โ€ข Employee Assistance Program
โ€ข Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Bedford,MA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 29, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


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About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

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