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Principal Scientist Assay Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RareCyte

Scientist, Assay Development

Seattle, WA · On-site

$120K - $135K/yr

RareCyte is looking for an Assay Development Scientist based in our Seattle, WA office. The successful candidate will work in the Precision Biology Services group and be responsible for developing ...

RareCyte

Scientist, Assay Development

Seattle, WA · On-site

$120 - $135/hr

RareCyte is looking for an Assay Development Scientist based in our Seattle, WA office. The successful candidate will work in the Precision Biology Services group and be responsible for developing ...

RareCyte

Scientist, Assay Development

Seattle, WA

$120K - $135K/yr

RareCyte is looking for an Assay Development Scientist based in our Seattle, WA office. The successful candidate will work in the Precision Biology Services group and be responsible for developing ...

Novartis

Principal Scientist, Biophysicist

San Diego, CA

$119K - $222K/yr

You will work on-site full-time and bring deep expertise in biophysical assay development and high ... Principal Scientist I/Principal Scientist II Position Location: onsite, La Jolla, CA #LI-onsite We ...

GrapheneDx

Research Scientist, Assay Development

Boston, MA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

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 ...

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Principal Scientist Assay Development information

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$68.5K

$144K

$190.5K

How much do principal scientist assay development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal scientist assay development in the United States is $144,009.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,500.00 and $169,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a principal scientist assay development do?

A Principal Scientist in Assay Development leads the design, optimization, and validation of assays used for research, diagnostics, or drug development. They oversee laboratory teams, develop protocols, and ensure that assays meet regulatory and quality standards. Their role also involves troubleshooting complex scientific problems, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and staying current with technological advances in assay technologies. Principal Scientists play a key role in translating scientific concepts into reliable, reproducible assays that support broader organizational goals.

What are some common challenges faced by principal scientists assay development, and how can they be addressed?

Principal Scientists in Assay Development often encounter challenges such as optimizing assay sensitivity and specificity, troubleshooting inconsistent results, and scaling up assays for high-throughput screening. Addressing these issues requires strong analytical thinking, effective cross-functional collaboration with research, engineering, and quality assurance teams, and staying updated with the latest technological advances. Regularly reviewing validation protocols and actively participating in peer discussions can also help in overcoming technical hurdles and ensuring robust assay performance.

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

To thrive as a Principal Scientist Assay Development, you need advanced expertise in biochemistry or molecular biology, a PhD or equivalent experience, and a strong background in assay design and validation. Familiarity with laboratory automation, data analysis software, and regulatory compliance systems such as GLP/GMP is typically required. Leadership, project management, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for guiding teams and collaborating across departments. These skills ensure robust assay performance, regulatory adherence, and efficient innovation in complex scientific environments.

What is the difference between Principal Scientist Assay Development vs Senior Scientist Assay Development?

AspectPrincipal Scientist Assay DevelopmentSenior Scientist Assay Development
CredentialsAdvanced degree (PhD or equivalent), extensive experienceMaster's or PhD, significant industry experience
Work EnvironmentLeads assay development projects, strategic planningExecutes assay development tasks, supports project teams
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical, biotech, CROs, biotech companiesPharmaceutical, biotech, research labs

The main difference between Principal Scientist Assay Development and Senior Scientist Assay Development lies in their level of responsibility and leadership. Principal Scientists typically lead projects, set strategies, and have more extensive experience, while Senior Scientists focus on executing assays and supporting project goals. Both roles require strong technical expertise, but the Principal Scientist position involves higher-level decision-making and oversight.

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What cities are hiring for Principal Scientist Assay Development jobs?

Cities with the most Principal Scientist Assay Development job openings:

What states have the most Principal Scientist Assay Development jobs?

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Principal Scientist Assay Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Scientist Assay Development 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 $144,009 per year, or $69.2 per hour.

Scientist, Assay Development

Seattle, WA • On-site

RareCyte
Biotechnology Research and Development • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about RareCyteexternal

$120K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

RareCyte is a Life Sciences Precision Biology company focused on the development of novel technology and products in spatial biology and liquid biopsy. Our platforms have been adopted by leading research institutions and pharmaceutical companies worldwide for translational research, drug discovery and clinical programs. The breakthrough Orion technology is revolutionary in the spatial biology market, enabling tissue analysis with 20 channel whole-slide multiplex imaging in a single run.

RareCyte is looking for an Assay Development Scientist based in our Seattle, WA office. The successful candidate will work in the Precision Biology Services group and be responsible for developing new assays and running clinical trials in our liquid biopsy and spatial biology programs. We are looking for someone who enjoys helping bring new technologies to market, embraces challenges, and thrives in a dynamic and multidisciplinary environment.

Responsibilities:
    • Develop robust assays for characterizing rare cells in human blood, including circulating tumor cells and circulating trophoblasts, and develop multiplex spatial biology assays for tissue using antibodies and automated staining instrumentation
    • Perform testing, analysis and reporting of clinical trial samples in liquid biopsy and spatial biology
    • Provide technical leadership for novel programs that expand the applications and utility of the RareCyte platforms
    • Plan, execute, analyze and present experimental results for assay development programs
    • Write milestone-based work plans for assay development services for pharma/biotech clients and for strategic academic collaborations
    • Work with the leadership team and the Project Manager to achieve program goals in the expected timeline and within budget
    • Deliver high quality client presentations and represent the company at scientific events
    • Adopt a customer-oriented mindset and take ownership of projects by anticipating end-user needs (internal and external)
    • Establish experimental and QC protocols to transfer methods and reagents to Research Associates and the production team
    • Support the applications team to increase platform adoption and solve customer challenges
Qualifications:
    • PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics or a related field; oncology experience and/or placental development a plus
    • 3+ years of Industry experience developing assays and using new technologies
    • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with attention to detail and quality to achieve aggressive turnaround times
    • Experience developing antibody-based assays
    • Experience with immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, microscopy and flow cytometry
    • Familiar with biostatistics, prism software
    • High attention to detail for lab work and presentations
    • Excellent writing and presentation skills
    • Creative thinker, self-driven and highly organized

Compensation:

Base Salary Range: $120,000 - $135,000 (annualized)

Determining a base wage will be based on several factors which include skill set, level of education, experience and qualifications, as well as RareCyte internal equity. Some roles may also qualify for additional compensation such as bonus, commission, stock options and travel allowance.

Benefits:

At RareCyte, we support our employees in and out of the office. Click here to view a list of benefits offered to eligible employees.


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We love talking to qualified candidates! Even if you don't fit the description perfectly, please still apply and we'll review your resume.
 
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
 
If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to RareCyte Human Resources at [email protected].
 
RareCyte is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace for all employees. If there are future COVID-19 or similar pandemic outbreaks, RareCyte will follow applicable recommendations or requirements from the Washington State Department of Health and other relevant public health authorities regarding vaccine implementation and workplace safety measures for all team members. Vaccination may become a condition of employment where required or deemed necessary to maintain a safe workplace. Employees or applicants who are unable to comply due to a qualifying medical condition, disability, or sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for a reasonable accommodation through Human Resources at [email protected].
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.
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