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Full Time Assay Development Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Scientist, Assay Development

Boston, MA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • PTO

The Research Scientist in Assay Development will design and execute experiments to functionalize sensors with nucleic acid or antibody probes for biomarker detection, contributing to the development ...

Sr. Staff Development Scientist

West Sacramento, CA · On-site

$200K - $220K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This position reports to the Director, R&D Assay Development, Microbiology and is part of the Development Science team located in West Sacramento, California and will be an on-site role. In this role ...

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Full Time Assay Development Scientist information

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How much do full time assay development scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time assay development scientist in the United States is $38.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.89 and $42.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a full time assay development scientist?

A Full Time Assay Development Scientist is a laboratory professional who specializes in designing, developing, and optimizing analytical assays for various scientific applications, such as drug discovery, diagnostics, or quality control. They work in research and development teams, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and troubleshooting assay protocols to ensure accuracy and reliability. Their role also involves documenting results, validating new methods, and collaborating with other scientists to support project goals. Typically, they have advanced degrees in biology, chemistry, or related fields and possess strong problem-solving and technical skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time assay development scientist?

To thrive as a Full Time Assay Development Scientist, you need a strong background in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field, typically with an advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) and experience in assay design and optimization. Familiarity with laboratory techniques such as ELISA, PCR, and data analysis software, as well as experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and troubleshooting experiments. These skills are crucial for ensuring the development of robust, reliable assays that advance research and product development objectives.

What are some common challenges faced by full time assay development scientists during the transition from research to routine clinical or commercial assays?

Full Time Assay Development Scientists often encounter challenges when translating laboratory protocols into robust assays suitable for routine clinical or commercial use. These challenges can include optimizing assay reproducibility, ensuring consistent performance across different sample types, and meeting regulatory requirements. Scientists also need to collaborate closely with quality assurance, manufacturing, and regulatory teams to validate and document procedures. Overcoming these hurdles requires strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective cross-functional communication.

What is the difference between Full Time Assay Development Scientist vs Research Associate?

AspectFull Time Assay Development ScientistResearch Associate
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Life Sciences, relevant experienceBachelor's or Master's in Life Sciences, entry-level experience
Work EnvironmentLaboratories focused on assay development and validationResearch labs supporting various projects, often assisting assay teams
Industry UsageCommon in biotech, pharma, and diagnostics companiesUsed across research institutions and biotech firms

The Full Time Assay Development Scientist typically has more specialized experience in designing and validating assays, working independently on development projects. In contrast, the Research Associate often supports research activities, assisting assay development under supervision. Both roles are essential in biotech and pharma industries, but the Scientist role involves greater responsibility and expertise in assay creation and optimization.

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Infographic showing various Full Time Assay Development Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,095 per year, or $39 per hour.

Scientist, Assay Development & Digital Pathology (AcelaBio)

Alimentiv

San Diego, CA

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

About AcelaBio

AcelaBio is a CAP- and CLIA-accredited specialty histopathology laboratory based in San Diego, CA. We deliver anatomic histopathology, immunostaining, digital image analysis, spatial transcriptomics, and biomarker endpoints to pharmaceutical and biotechnology sponsors. Our team is scientifically driven, client-focused, and committed to advancing translational research through rigorous, reproducible methods.

About the opportunity

This is a high-impact, technically hands-on role at the intersection of immunostaining assay development, quantitative image analysis, and client science. You will build and optimize IHC, multiplex IF, and ISH assays from the ground up, develop and maintain AI-assisted image analysis pipelines, and serve as a scientific lead for sponsor studies across preclinical and clinical programs.

You will work directly with pathologists, laboratory technicians, project operations, and business development teams, and will be a visible scientific partner to our pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients. If you are someone who thrives on solving complex assay challenges, values scientific rigor, and enjoys translating data into clear, actionable insights for sponsors, this role is built for you.

Role Logistics: On-site, San Diego (required). Travel expectations ~ 10% 

Responsibilities
  • What you'll be doing:
Assay Development, Image Analysis (Core Focus):
  • Design, develop, optimize, and validate immunostaining assays including single-plex IHC, multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF), in situ hybridization (ISH), and spatial biology platforms.
  • Define analytical endpoints, scoring strategies, and QC metrics aligned with assay performance requirements.
  • Develop, validate, and maintain image analysis pipelines using platforms such as Visiopharm, HALO, or equivalent software.
  • Build and implement AI/machine learning algorithms for tissue segmentation, cell phenotyping, and biomarker quantification.
  • Ensure traceability, reproducibility, and thorough documentation of all analysis workflows.
  • Contribute to assay validation documentation, analytical reports, and regulatory-aligned deliverables.
  • Partner with histotechnicians to support hands-on assay troubleshooting and knowledge transfer
Scientific Leadership & Client Engagement;
  • Serve as a scientific interface for sponsors, participating in protocol reviews, study design discussions, and data review meetings.
  • Provide expert guidance on biomarker study design incorporating omics and non-omics endpoints.
  • Prepare and review project plans, analysis plans, study reports, abstracts, and technical manuscripts. 
  • Deliver clear, scientifically rigorous data visualizations, analyses, and summaries tailored to sponsor audiences 
 
Business Development and Innovation:
  • Support RFP responses, project pricing, protocol review, and bid defense activities.
  • Contribute to the development of sales, marketing, and promotional scientific content.
  • Drive continuous improvement of our computational pathology, spatial biology, and translational research service offerings.
  • Participate in capability development and functionality reviews to expand the AcelaBio service portfolio.
Qualifications
  • Education and Experience:

    • Graduate degree (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) in a relevant scientific discipline (pathology, cell biology, molecular biology, biomedical engineering, or related field).
    • 7 or more years of hands-on experience in IHC/IF assay development and image analysis in a CRO, biopharma, or regulated research environment.
    • Demonstrated experience building image analysis algorithms or pipelines in platforms such as Visiopharm, HALO, or similar.
    • Exposure to spatial biology platforms (e.g., 10x Visium, Xenium, Akoya PhenoCycler) is a strong asset.
  • Technical Skills & Competencies:
    • Deep practical knowledge of chromogenic IHC and multiplex immunofluorescence, including antibody selection, panel design, optimization, and troubleshooting.
    • Proficiency in digital pathology image analysis and quantitative biomarker readout strategies.
    • Familiarity with AI/ML approaches for histopathology applications.
    • Understanding of regulatory and GxP expectations for assay validation documentation.
    • Scientific rigor and meticulous attention to detail.
    • Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
    • Strong written and oral English communication skills; comfortable presenting at client meetings and scientific forums.
    • Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, client-driven environment.
    • Collaborative mindset with the ability to work across laboratory, scientific, and operational functions.
+ bonus
 
 
Stay Alert to Recruitment Scams
We have been made aware of individuals posing as our recruiters and contacting candidates with fraudulent opportunities. Our hiring process always includes direct engagement with a recruiter or hiring manager, and we will never ask for sensitive personal information early in the process. Official communication will only come from our company email domains. If something doesn’t feel right, we encourage you to verify before responding.
Compensation is dependent on the unique experience, skills, and education the successful candidate brings to the role. The range above represents an estimated base salary that we would expect to compensate at, but we encourage applicants to speak with the member of the TA team if contacted for an initial phone screen should your expectations differ from those listed above.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.