ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance Assay Development Scientist Jobs in Rochester, MN

Danaher

R&D Internships

Rochester, MN · On-site

About R&D Roles at Danaher Are you driven by curiosity, discovery, and a desire to contribute to ... Conducting laboratory studies to evaluate assay performance under guidance from scientific staff

Mayo Clinic

Research Fellow - Hematology

Rochester, MN · On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

We are seeking exceptional post-doctoral research fellows/scientists to work in the field of ... The Shah lab at Mayo Clinic focuses on the development of and treatment for an aggressive blood ...

Mayo Clinic

Research Fellow - Hematology

Rochester, MN · On-site

$44K - $61K/yr

We are seeking exceptional post-doctoral research fellows/scientists to work in the field of ... The Shah lab at Mayo Clinic focuses on the development of and treatment for an aggressive blood ...

Mayo Clinic

Research Fellow - Hematology

Rochester, MN · On-site

$44K - $61K/yr

We are seeking exceptional post-doctoral research fellows/scientists to work in the field of ... The Shah lab at Mayo Clinic focuses on the development of and treatment for an aggressive blood ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAssay Development Scientist JobsFreelance Assay Development Scientist JobsFreelance Assay Development Scientist Jobs in Rochester, MN

Freelance Assay Development Scientist information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$21

$39

$62

How much do freelance assay development scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance assay development scientist in Rochester, MN is $39.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.85 and $46.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Freelance Assay Development Scientist?

A Freelance Assay Development Scientist is an independent scientific professional who specializes in designing, optimizing, and validating assays for research, diagnostics, or drug development projects. Unlike in-house scientists, freelancers typically work on a contract basis for multiple clients, providing expertise in assay development across various platforms such as ELISA, PCR, or cell-based assays. Their responsibilities may include troubleshooting existing assays, developing new methodologies, and ensuring that assays meet required sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility standards. This role requires strong analytical skills, knowledge of relevant technologies, and the ability to work autonomously. Freelance assay development scientists often collaborate remotely with research organizations, biotech companies, and academic institutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Assay Development Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Assay Development Scientist, you need a strong background in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field, often with an advanced degree and practical laboratory experience. Familiarity with analytical instruments (such as HPLC, ELISA, or PCR), data analysis software, and quality control standards is typically required. Excellent problem-solving skills, self-motivation, and effective communication are crucial for managing projects independently and collaborating with clients. These capabilities ensure the development of reliable assays, client satisfaction, and the ability to adapt to varied project requirements in a competitive freelance environment.

What are some common challenges freelance assay development scientists face when managing multiple client projects?

Freelance assay development scientists often juggle several projects with varying requirements and timelines. A common challenge is balancing the need for clear communication with clients while maintaining rigorous documentation and data integrity across different assays. Additionally, freelancers must be adept at troubleshooting unexpected technical issues independently and quickly adapting methods to meet each client's unique specifications. Effective time management and transparent updates are key to building trust and ensuring project success.
What are the most commonly searched types of Assay Development Scientist jobs in Rochester, MN? The most popular types of Assay Development Scientist jobs in Rochester, MN are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Assay Development Scientist jobs in Rochester, MN? For Freelance Assay Development Scientist jobs in Rochester, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Assay Development Scientist jobs in Rochester, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Assay Development Scientist jobs in Rochester, MN are:
What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Freelance Assay Development Scientist jobs? Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Freelance Assay Development Scientist job openings:
Freelance Assay Development Scientist jobs near you

Research Fellow - Neurology - Cousin lab

Mayo Clinic

Rochester, MN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago

Mayo Clinic rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 693 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

130th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description


The Cousin Lab at Mayo Clinic is seeking a postdoctoral fellow will contribute to a growing rare disease therapeutics program with an initial emphasis on POLR2A-related disorders. This work will also support broader efforts in the lab, including genetic forms of ALS and other monogenic neurologic conditions. Projects may include iPSC-derived neural models, variant-mechanism studies, RNA-targeted therapies, genome editing, sequencing-based biomarkers, and collaboration with Mayo Clinic precision medicine and N-of-1 therapeutic programs, core facilities, and external academic partners.
The Cousin Lab at Mayo Clinic develops mechanism-guided, gene-targeted therapeutic strategies for rare neurogenetic diseases. Our work integrates clinical genetics, patient-derived biospecimens, functional genomics, iPSC-based disease modeling, preclinical therapeutic testing, and clinical translation.
Position Overview
The fellow will lead experimental and analytical components of translational rare disease projects. The role includes developing and characterizing patient-derived and engineered cell models; defining variant effects and disease mechanisms; designing and evaluating RNA-targeted and gene-editing therapeutic strategies; and integrating functional, genomic, and clinical data to prioritize treatment approaches. The position involves substantial wet-lab research, quantitative data analysis, manuscript and grant preparation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
The fellow will join a collaborative Mayo Clinic environment with access to clinical expertise, core facilities, genomic and sequencing resources, translational infrastructure, and multi-institutional rare disease networks. This position offers the opportunity to develop an independent research niche at the interface of rare disease biology, human neural modeling, and targeted therapeutic development; publish first-author manuscripts; present at national and international meetings; and pursue external fellowship or career-development funding.
Key Responsibilities
  • Disease Modeling & Assay Development: Develop and characterize patient-derived and engineered disease models, including fibroblasts, iPSCs, isogenic controls, iPSC-derived neural cell types, and organoid or multicellular systems.
  • Mechanistic & Functional Studies: Design and execute molecular, cellular, imaging, electrophysiologic, and functional genomics assays to define variant effects, disease mechanisms, cellular phenotypes, biomarkers, and therapeutic response.
  • Therapeutic Development: Develop and evaluate RNA-targeted and gene-editing strategies, including ASO/siRNA, allele-selective or splice-modifying approaches, CRISPR/base-editing platforms, delivery systems, and target-engagement or rescue assays.
  • Genomic Data Integration: Integrate variant interpretation, sequencing data, and functional readouts to prioritize therapeutic strategies and evaluate loss-of-function, dominant-negative, allele-specific, and related mechanisms.
  • Collaboration & Translation: Coordinate with the PI, clinicians, partners, core facilities, biobanks, and external collaborators to align patient samples, disease models, assays, and preclinical workflows.
  • Scientific Communication & Mentorship: Manage projects with rigor and reproducibility; prepare figures, reports, manuscripts, presentations, and grant/fellowship applications; and contribute to mentoring junior team members.

Qualifications
  • Education: Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in neuroscience, genetics/genomics, molecular or cell biology, stem cell biology, biomedical engineering, pharmacology, RNA biology, bioengineering, or a related field.
  • Research Expertise: Demonstrated productivity in cell-based disease modeling, molecular biology, functional genomics, therapeutic development, neurogenetics, or rare disease biology.
  • Technical Skills: Strong wet-lab skills in aseptic cell culture, molecular biology, assay development, sequencing workflows, microscopy/imaging, and experimental documentation.
  • Quantitative & Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate complex data; familiarity with Prism, R, Python, or related statistical and visualization tools is helpful.
  • Professional Skills: Excellent organization, independence, attention to detail, and communication skills, with the ability to thrive in a collaborative translational research environment.

Experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred:
  • iPSC & Neural Models: Experience with human iPSC culture, genome-edited/isogenic lines, neural differentiation, neurons, glia, organoids, or related iPSC-derived neural models.
  • Therapeutic Platforms: Experience with RNA-targeted therapeutic development, genome engineering, or delivery platforms, including ASOs, siRNA, CRISPR/Cas, base or prime editing, AAV, or LNPs.
  • Rare Disease Translation: Experience with rare genetic, neurodevelopmental, or neuromuscular disease models; patient-derived biospecimens; variant interpretation; genotype-phenotype analysis; or individualized/N-of-1 therapeutic approaches.
  • Genomics & Biomarkers: Experience with RNA-seq, long-read sequencing, phasing/haplotype analysis, single-cell or multi-omic workflows, biomarker discovery, bioinformatics, or high-content/high-throughput screening.
  • Scientific Leadership: Experience in translational or preclinical research, collaborative project management, manuscript preparation, grant writing, and mentoring.

Candidates should submit a CV, a brief cover letter describing research interests and relevant experience and contact information for 2-3 references.
About Us
Why Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is top-ranked in more specialties than any other care provider according to U.S. News & World Report. As we work together to put the needs of the patient first, we are also dedicated to our employees, investing in competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit plans - to take care of you and your family, now and in the future. And with continuing education and advancement opportunities at every turn, you can build a long, successful career with Mayo Clinic.
Benefits Highlights
  • Medical: Multiple plan options.
  • Dental: Delta Dental or reimbursement account for flexible coverage.
  • Vision: Affordable plan with national network.
  • Pre-Tax Savings: HSA and FSAs for eligible expenses.
  • Retirement: Competitive retirement package to secure your future.

About the Team
Just as our reputation has spread beyond our Minnesota roots, so have our locations. Today, our employees are located at our three major campuses in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, Jacksonville, Florida, Rochester, Minnesota, and at Mayo Clinic Health System campuses throughout Midwestern communities, and at our international locations. Each Mayo Clinic location is a special place where our employees thrive in both their work and personal lives. Learn more about what each unique Mayo Clinic campus has to offer, and where your best fit is.
Equal Opportunity
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status or disability status. Learn more about the "EOE is the Law". Mayo Clinic participates in E-Verify and may provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

What Mayo Clinic employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Mayo Clinic logo

About Mayo Clinic

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Mayo Clinic is the largest integrated, not-for-profit medical group practice in the world. We're building the future, one where the best possible care is available to everyone — and more people can heal at home. Our relentless research turns into earlier diagnoses and new cures. That's how we inspire hope in those who need it most. At Mayo Clinic, experts work together to solve the most challenging unmet needs of patients. Our history of innovation dates back almost 150 years, when brothers Will and Charlie Mayo pioneered an integrated, team-based approach to medicine. Today, that trailblazing spirit drives innovations like Mayo Clinic Platform — which powers new technologies to change how care is delivered to all.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Rochester, MN, US

Year founded

1919

View All Mayo Clinic Jobs

Apply