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Drug Discovery Assay Development Scientist Jobs

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Assay Development Scientist (349)

Alameda, CA · On-site

$36 - $46/hr

Associate Research Scientist Job ID: 349 Location: Alameda, CA 94502 (In-person) Pay Rate: $36.00 ... Small Molecule Drug Discovery: Hands-on experience developing biophysical and biochemical assays ...

RareCyte

Scientist, Assay Development

Seattle, WA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

... drug discovery and clinical programs. The breakthrough Orion technology is revolutionary in the ... RareCyte is looking for an Assay Development Scientist based in our Seattle, WA office. The ...

RareCyte

Scientist, Assay Development

Seattle, WA · On-site

$120K - $135K/yr

... drug discovery and clinical programs. The breakthrough Orion technology is revolutionary in the ... RareCyte is looking for an Assay Development Scientist based in our Seattle, WA office. The ...

RareCyte

Scientist, Assay Development

Seattle, WA

$120K - $135K/yr

... drug discovery and clinical programs. The breakthrough Orion technology is revolutionary in the ... RareCyte is looking for an Assay Development Scientist based in our Seattle, WA office. The ...

Transcripta Bio

Scientist, Drug Discovery

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

... the downstream assays that validate hits, interrogate mechanisms of action, and guide program ... development as the organization scales. • Serve as a technical resource for junior team members ...

Transcripta Bio

Scientist, Drug Discovery

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Develop and optimize cell-based assays for disease-relevant biological readouts, collaborating with ... development as the organization scales. * Serve as a technical resource for junior team members ...

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How much do drug discovery assay development scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for drug discovery assay development scientist in the United States is $38.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.37 and $46.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a drug discovery assay development scientist do?

A Drug Discovery Assay Development Scientist is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing biological assays used to screen and evaluate potential drug candidates. They work closely with multidisciplinary teams to create tests that measure the activity, potency, or toxicity of compounds in biological systems. Their work is crucial for identifying promising drug candidates and ensuring the reliability and reproducibility of assay results throughout the drug discovery process.

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

To thrive as a Drug Discovery Assay Development Scientist, you need a strong background in biochemistry, molecular biology, or related fields, typically supported by an advanced degree (MSc or PhD) and experience in assay design and validation. Proficiency with laboratory automation, high-throughput screening (HTS) platforms, and data analysis software like GraphPad Prism or Genedata is essential. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and clear communication help you collaborate effectively and troubleshoot complex experiments. These skills and qualifications ensure robust assay development, reliable data generation, and successful advancement of drug discovery projects.

What are some common challenges faced by drug discovery assay development scientists, and how are they typically addressed?

Drug Discovery Assay Development Scientists often encounter challenges such as optimizing assay sensitivity and specificity, ensuring reproducibility, and adapting assays for high-throughput screening. Addressing these issues usually involves iterative assay validation, close collaboration with medicinal chemists and biologists, and rigorous troubleshooting to refine protocols. Additionally, keeping up-to-date with new assay technologies and automation tools is essential for overcoming technical obstacles and improving workflow efficiency.

What is the difference between Drug Discovery Assay Development Scientist vs Pharmacologist?

AspectDrug Discovery Assay Development ScientistPharmacologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Life Sciences, PhD preferred, laboratory experienceBachelor's or Master's in Pharmacology, Medical or Biological Sciences, research experience
Work EnvironmentLaboratories focused on assay development, drug screening, and validationResearch settings, clinical trials, or academic institutions studying drug effects
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical and biotech companies involved in early drug discoveryPharmaceutical companies, research institutions, academia

The main difference is that a Drug Discovery Assay Development Scientist specializes in creating and optimizing laboratory assays for drug screening, while a Pharmacologist studies how drugs interact with biological systems. Both roles require scientific expertise, but the Assay Development Scientist focuses on laboratory assay design, whereas the Pharmacologist emphasizes understanding drug effects and mechanisms.

What are popular job titles related to Drug Discovery Assay Development Scientist jobs?

For Drug Discovery Assay Development Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Drug Discovery Assay Development Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,420 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

Associate Director, Assay Development - Institute for Drug Discovery

Galveston, TX

UTMB Health
See more jobs at UTMB Healthexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 6 hours ago

UTMB Health rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 172 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

344th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Job Summary: 

Reporting to the VP, Drug Discovery, and Director of the Sealy Institute for Drug Discovery ("SIDD"), the Associate Director, Assay Development will play a pivotal role in advancing our drug discovery programs by leading a state-of-the-art high-throughput screening (HTS) and automation facility in the design, optimization, and implementation of high-quality biochemical and cellular assays and troubleshooting of HTS campaigns. This individual will work closely with cross-functional teams to drive assay development efforts, contribute to target validation, and facilitate the identification of lead compounds for further development. The successful candidate will have a strong background in assay development, a track record of innovation, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative research environment. The Sealy Institute for Drug Discovery (SIDD) is a renowned research institute dedicated to advancing drug discovery and development to address unmet medical needs.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead the design, optimization, and validation of biochemical and cellular assays to support drug discovery programs.
  • Manage automation workflows, ensuring biosafety compliance within BSL-2 environments.
  • Maintain data quality control standards.
  • Oversee instrument maintenance and operations.
  • Collaborate with project teams to define assay requirements, establish performance criteria, and prioritize development activities.
  • Implement state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies to enhance assay sensitivity, specificity, and robustness.
  • Manage assay development projects, including timelines, resources, and budget allocation.
  • Evaluate and integrate new assay platforms, instrumentation, and automation technologies to improve efficiency and throughput.
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines and industry standards for assay development and validation.
  • Provide technical expertise and guidance to research staff on assay development strategies and troubleshooting.
  • Stay abreast of emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in assay development and drug discovery.

  • Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and scientific excellence within the assay development team.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

  • Expertise in the design, optimization, and validation of biochemical and cellular assays for drug discovery applications.
  • Proficiency in a wide range of assay formats and detection technologies, including fluorescence, luminescence, and label-free assays.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot complex assay issues.
  • Experience managing cross-functional projects in a collaborative research environment.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
  • Knowledge of drug discovery principles and processes, including target identification, validation, and lead optimization.
  • Familiarity with relevant software tools for data analysis and assay automation.
  • Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet project deadlines in a fast-paced research environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or related field plus six (6) years of industry or academic experience in assay development, preferably in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology sector including experience in biochemical and cell based high throughput screening, including assay development and optimization as well as experience with automated screening workflows.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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