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Enzyme Assay Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

bp

Biochemist I

San Diego, CA · On-site

$102K - $170K/yr

... enzyme steady-state kinetic testing. * Development of biochemical assays: including coupled assays, endpoint and continuous. * Develop data analysis and visualization from high-throughput and ...

Bureau Veritas

Analyst III

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$31 - $34/hr

This role combines hands-on laboratory work with assay development, automation, and high-throughput ... Execute enzyme activity assays, protein-protein interaction assays, and binding assays with ...

Bureau Veritas

$31 - $34/hr

This role combines hands-on laboratory work with assay development, automation, and high-throughput ... Execute enzyme activity assays, protein-protein interaction assays, and binding assays with ...

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All JobsEnzyme Assay Development Jobs

Enzyme Assay Development information

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$29K

$53.4K

$81K

How much do enzyme assay development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for enzyme assay development in the United States is $53,418.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,500.00 and $60,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced when developing enzyme assays, and how can new team members effectively address them?

A common challenge in enzyme assay development is ensuring assay sensitivity and specificity while maintaining reproducibility across experiments. New team members can address these challenges by rigorously optimizing assay conditions, carefully selecting substrates and controls, and consistently documenting protocols. Collaborating closely with colleagues in analytical chemistry and biostatistics can also help troubleshoot technical issues and interpret complex data, leading to more robust and reliable assays.

What jobs use PCR?

Enzyme assay development jobs often utilize PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) to amplify DNA for analysis, cloning, or quantification. Skills in molecular biology techniques, including PCR, are essential for roles involving genetic research, diagnostics, or assay optimization in laboratory settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Enzyme Assay Development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Enzyme Assay Development, you need a solid background in biochemistry or molecular biology, with experience in enzymology and assay design often supported by an advanced degree. Familiarity with laboratory techniques such as spectrophotometry, fluorescence assays, and data analysis software, as well as knowledge of high-throughput screening systems, is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication help in troubleshooting experiments and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure reliable, reproducible assay results that are essential for drug discovery, diagnostics, and research success.

How to develop an enzyme assay?

Enzyme assay development involves selecting an appropriate substrate, optimizing reaction conditions such as pH and temperature, and establishing a reliable detection method like spectrophotometry or fluorometry. It requires understanding enzyme kinetics and often involves validating the assay's specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility to ensure accurate measurement of enzyme activity.

What does an enzyme assay do?

An enzyme assay is a laboratory test used by enzyme assay development professionals to measure the activity of enzymes in a sample. It helps determine enzyme function, efficiency, and stability, often using spectrophotometry or other analytical tools to analyze reaction rates and substrate conversion. This information is essential for developing, optimizing, and validating enzyme-based products or research applications.

What is the difference between Enzyme Assay Development vs Biochemist?

AspectEnzyme Assay DevelopmentBiochemist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related fieldsBachelor's or higher in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLaboratories focused on assay design, validation, and optimizationResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, or academic institutions
Industry UsagePrimarily in biotech, pharma, and research organizationsBroadly in research, development, and academia
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Enzyme Assay Development specialists focus on creating and validating assays to measure enzyme activity, often working on specific test methods. Biochemists have a broader scope, studying biological molecules and processes, which may include enzyme research but also extends to other areas. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work in similar environments, but their focus and responsibilities differ.

What is enzyme assay development?

Enzyme assay development is the process of designing and optimizing laboratory tests to measure the activity of specific enzymes. These assays are essential for studying enzyme kinetics, screening for inhibitors or activators, and monitoring biochemical reactions in research and drug discovery. Developing an enzyme assay involves selecting appropriate substrates, reaction conditions, and detection methods to ensure accurate and reproducible results. This process often requires troubleshooting and validation to ensure the assay is sensitive, specific, and suitable for its intended application.

What does an assay development scientist do?

An assay development scientist designs, optimizes, and validates laboratory tests to measure enzyme activity or other biological molecules. They work with techniques such as spectrophotometry, chromatography, and molecular biology tools, often following Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards, to ensure assays are accurate, reliable, and suitable for research or diagnostic purposes.
Infographic showing various Enzyme Assay Development job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 60% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 39% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,418 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Development Associate II

Ortho Clinical Diagnostics

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

The Opportunity
QuidelOrtho unites the strengths of Quidel Corporation and Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, creating a world-leading in vitro diagnostics company with award-winning expertise in immunoassay and molecular testing, clinical chemistry and transfusion medicine. We are more than 6,000 strong and do business in over 130 countries, providing answers with fast, accurate and consistent testing where and when they are needed most - home to hospital, lab to clinic.
Our culture puts our team members first and prioritizes actions that support happiness, inspiration and engagement. We strive to build meaningful connections with each other as we believe that employee happiness and business success are linked. Join us in our mission to transform the power of diagnostics into a healthier future for all.
The Role
At QuidelOrtho, we're advancing the power of diagnostics for a healthier future for all. Join our mission as our next Development Associate II supporting new product development. The Development Associate II will be responsible for performing experiments as directed by Scientist or Manager.
This position will be onsite full-time at our San Diego, CA office (Sorrento Valley).
The Responsibilities
  • Hands-on experience with enzyme immunoassays (EIA/ELISA) for protein or biomarker detection
  • Practical experience running and analyzing protein gels (e.g., SDS-PAGE, IEF)
  • Familiarity with ligand binding assays and characterization of antigen-antibody interactions
  • Experience working with binding kinetics and affinity measurements
  • Exposure to label-free interaction technologies such as Biacore (SPR) or Octet (BLI) preferred
  • General understanding of protein characterization techniques (e.g., HPLC or similar analytical methods)
  • Ability to generate, analyze, and interpret experimental data with minimal supervision
  • Experience working in an R&D laboratory environment supporting assay development or optimization
  • Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

The Individual
Required:
  • BS/BA or equivalent in life sciences, chemistry or related field and 2-5 years of experience
  • MA/MS in life sciences, chemistry or related field with 0-2 years of experience
  • Background in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, virology, immunology, or related field
  • Hands-on experience with enzyme immunoassays (EIA/ELISA) for protein or biomarker detection
  • Knowledge of assay development, process development, problem solving, and statistical experimental design
  • Ability to train others and participate in new technology transfers
  • Ability to complete tasks within established timelines and deadlines.
  • Good organizational skills and an ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Professionalism and maturity and display of a desire to succeed, be motivated and proactive
  • Working knowledge of analytical tools used in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Immunoassay Development
  • Appropriate computer skills (e-mail, graphing software, word processing)
  • This position is not currently eligible for visa sponsorship.

Preferred:
  • Understanding of GMP and ISO 13485 quality system regulations
  • Demonstrate willingness and ability to work cross-functionally in other areas

How We Work
At QuidelOrtho, our culture is shaped by four core behaviors that guide how we collaborate, make decisions, and support each other and those we serve. The ideal candidate will exhibit these behaviors, as we believe they're essential to how we thrive as a team and achieve meaningful impact:
  • Thrive Together - Collaborate intentionally, grow as a team
  • Make It Happen - Focus on priorities, embrace continuous improvement
  • Commit to Service - Cultivate a service mindset
  • Embrace Inclusion - Be open and authentic, welcome diverse perspectives

The Key Working Relationships
Internal Partners:
  • Manufacturing, Inventory Control, Quality Control, Purchasing, Engineering, Document Control and other departments as needed.

External Partners:
  • Vendors and suppliers as needed.

The Work Environment
The work environment characteristics are representative of a manufacturing, laboratory, or warehouse environment and include handling of viral and bacterial hazards, potentially hazardous chemicals, as well as infectious or potentially infectious bodily fluids, tissues, and samples. Up to 75% of the time at desk, standing or sitting extended periods of time. Flexible work hours to meet project deadlines
Physical Demands
This position has a light physical demand, and may include occasional sitting, standing, walking, repetitive movements of hands (i.e. typing and pipetting), light grasping, and lifting items weighing up to 20 pounds.
Salary Transparency
The salary range for this position takes into account a wide range of factors including education, experience, knowledge, skills, geography, and abilities of the candidate, in addition to internal equity and alignment with market data. At QuidelOrtho, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The salary range for this position is $29/hour to $31/hour and is bonus eligible. QuidelOrtho offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with a 401(k) plan, employee assistance program, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, paid time off (including sick time), and paid Holidays. All benefits are non-contractual, and QuidelOrtho may amend, terminate, or enhance the benefits provided, as it deems appropriate.
Equal Opportunity
QuidelOrtho believes in Equal Opportunity for all and is committed to ensuring all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, have an opportunity to apply for those positions that they are interested in and qualify for without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. QuidelOrtho is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals so that an individual can perform the duties. If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and require special assistance or an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please contact us at recruiting@quidelortho.com.
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