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Phd Assay Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... assay development team to help build the future of Natera. In this position, you will be an ... PhD with a minimum of 6 years relevant experience, or a MS degree and minimum 8 years of relevant ...

Senior Scientist R&D

Chicago, IL · On-site

$94K - $135K/yr

Senior Scientist, Molecular Assay Development in R&D Passionate about precision medicine and ... PhD in Nucleic Acids Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field with 3+ years industry ...

Senior Scientist R&D

Chicago, IL · On-site

$94K - $135K/yr

Senior Scientist, Molecular Assay Development in R&D Passionate about precision medicine and ... PhD in Nucleic Acids Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field with 3+ years industry ...

Senior Scientist R&D

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

... assay development team to help build the future of Natera. In this position, you will be an ... a PhD and 4 years of related experience * Knowledge of high throughput NGS workflows or other ...

Senior Scientist R&D

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$94K - $135K/yr

Senior Scientist, Molecular Assay Development in R&D Passionate about precision medicine and ... PhD in Nucleic Acids Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field with 3+ years industry ...

BA/BS with 5+ years experience, MS with 3+ years or PhD with 1+ years experience in assay development and automation for the life science industry. * Demonstrated track record of development and ...

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Phd Assay Development information

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How much do phd assay development jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for phd assay development 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 PhD assay development scientist do?

A PhD Assay Development scientist designs, develops, and validates laboratory tests (assays) used to detect or measure substances such as proteins, nucleic acids, or small molecules. They work primarily in research, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical settings to ensure assays are accurate, reliable, and suitable for their intended use. Their responsibilities often include optimizing protocols, analyzing data, troubleshooting technical issues, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to support product development or research objectives.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in PhD-level assay development roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in PhD-level assay development often encounter challenges such as optimizing assay sensitivity and specificity, troubleshooting unexpected experimental results, and ensuring reproducibility across different platforms. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including chemists, biologists, and data analysts, is essential to address these issues effectively. Regularly reviewing recent literature, participating in team meetings, and engaging in continuous learning can also help in overcoming technical hurdles and staying updated with emerging technologies.

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

To thrive as a PhD Assay Development Scientist, you need a doctoral degree in a relevant scientific field, strong expertise in biochemistry or molecular biology, and experience designing and optimizing assays. Proficiency with laboratory automation, statistical analysis software, and familiarity with regulatory guidelines such as GLP or GMP are typically required. Keen problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication make candidates stand out in collaborative research environments. These skills ensure the reliable development and validation of assays critical for scientific discovery and product development.

What is the difference between Phd Assay Development vs Phd Research Scientist?

AspectPhd Assay DevelopmentPhd Research Scientist
CredentialsPhD in relevant field, specialized in assay designPhD in relevant field, broader research focus
Work EnvironmentLaboratories focused on assay creation and validationResearch labs, academic or industry settings
Industry UsageBiotech, pharma, diagnostics companiesAcademic, biotech, pharma research teams

Phd Assay Development professionals focus on designing, optimizing, and validating assays for diagnostic or research purposes, often working in product development. Phd Research Scientists conduct broader scientific investigations, exploring new hypotheses and publishing findings. While both roles require a PhD and laboratory skills, assay development is more product-oriented, whereas research scientists focus on fundamental research.

What can I do with a Phd Assay Development?

A PhD in Assay Development prepares individuals to design, optimize, and validate laboratory tests for detecting and measuring biological molecules. Graduates often work in research and development, pharmaceutical companies, or biotech firms, utilizing skills in assay design, data analysis, and laboratory techniques. They may also pursue roles in quality control, regulatory compliance, or scientific consulting.

What are popular job titles related to Phd Assay Development jobs?

For Phd Assay Development jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Phd Assay Development job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,420 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

Associate Director, Assay Validation

Houston, TX • On-site

Baylor Genetics
Biotechnology Research and Development • 51 - 200 employees

Other

Re-posted yesterday


Key responsibilities

  • Lead the planning, design, and execution of analytical validation studies for sequencing-based assays.

  • Develop and maintain validation strategies, protocols, and reports that comply with regulatory and quality standards.

  • Analyze validation data and provide data-driven recommendations for assay optimization, issue resolution, and launch readiness.


Baylor Genetics rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Location: Headquarters, Baylor Genetics, 2450 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77021, USA

Responsibilities
  • Lead the planning, design, and execution of analytical validation studies for sequencing‑based assays, including germline, somatic, and liquid biopsy applications.
  • Develop and maintain validation strategies, protocols, and reports that comply with CLIA, CAP, NYS, and internal quality standards.
  • Collaborate with Assay Development, Bioinformatics, Quality, and Product teams to align validation strategy with assay design, clinical claims, and product readiness.
  • Establish acceptance criteria, reference materials, and performance metrics to support analytical and clinical validation activities.
  • Serve as the subject matter expert for NGS validation methods, study design, assay performance characterization, and regulatory expectations.
  • Analyze validation data and provide data‑driven recommendations for assay optimization, issue resolution, and launch readiness.
  • Support regulatory or laboratory inspections and contribute to responses, documentation, or corrective action plans as needed.
  • Mentor scientists at different levels and contribute to building a scalable validation function within the R&D organization.
  • Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of emerging trends, technologies, and regulatory guidance in NGS assay validation and clinical genomics.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support team and organizational objectives.
  • Comply with all company policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Qualifications – Required
  • PhD in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Genomics, or a related discipline with 6+ years of relevant experience; or M.S. with 8+ years of experience in NGS assay development and validation.
  • Demonstrated track record leading validation of clinical NGS assays under CLIA, CAP, NYS, or equivalent regulatory frameworks.
  • Strong expertise in NGS library preparation, sequencing platforms, and assay performance characterization.
  • Deep understanding of analytical validation parameters, including accuracy, precision, limit of detection, specificity, reproducibility, and related statistical evaluation.
  • Experience collaborating with bioinformatics teams for pipeline verification and integrated assay validation.
  • Familiarity with quality management systems, design control, and documentation best practices.
  • Excellent problem‑solving, communication, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
  • Proven ability to lead complex projects and influence without direct authority in a matrixed environment.
  • Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Preferred
  • Prior experience with germline clinical genetic testing or prenatal liquid biopsy testing.
  • Knowledge of NYS clinical test submission requirements or FDA IVD development processes.
  • Experience managing a small team.
  • Familiarity with automation or process scaling for NGS workflows.
Competencies
  • Scientific rigor and strong attention to detail.
  • Strategic thinking with hands‑on execution capability.
  • Collaborative mindset with strong communication across scientific and business functions.
  • Commitment to quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
  • Location: Houston, TX / Remote.
  • Work may be performed in an office, remote, and/or laboratory environment depending on business needs and assigned responsibilities.
  • May require exposure to standard laboratory conditions and adherence to applicable safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
  • Must be able to use standard office equipment and computer systems for extended periods.
  • Travel requirements may vary based on business needs.
EEO Statement

Baylor Genetics is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

We are required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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