ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Principal Scientist Assay Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Evotec

Associate Principal Scientist

Princeton, NJ

$93K - $115K/yr

As an Associate Principal Scientist at Cyprotex, you'll have the freedom to ask the hard questions ... Experienced in High Content Assay development * Experienced in Imaging based and MEA based assays

New

Cyprotex

Associate Principal Scientist_Tox

Princeton, NJ · On-site

$93K - $126K/yr

As an Associate Principal Scientist at Cyprotex, you'll have the freedom to ask the hard questions ... Experienced in High Content Assay development * Experienced in Imaging based and MEA based assays

MOST

Senior/Principal Scientist IHC

San Jose, CA

... Principal Scientist to join the Histopathology Lab within the Target Validation team in San Jose ... Use literature and public datasets to guide assay development and target validation. * Process ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrincipal Scientist Assay Development Jobs

Principal Scientist Assay Development information

See salary details

$68.5K

$144K

$190.5K

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

As of Jul 15, 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 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.

What are some common challenges faced by Principal Scientists in 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 does a Principal Scientist in 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.
More about Principal Scientist Assay Development jobs
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? States with the most job openings for Principal Scientist Assay Development jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Principal Scientist Assay Development jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Scientist Assay Development jobs are:
Principal Scientist Assay Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Scientist Assay Development job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $144,009 per year, or $69.2 per hour.

Principal Scientist I, Molecular Lab Research and Early Development

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd

Pleasanton, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections, where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.
The Position
At Roche, we are passionate about transforming patients' lives and are bold in both decision and action. We believe that good business means a better world. This is why we come to work each day, committed to scientific rigor, unassailable ethics, and ensuring access to medical innovations for all. We do this today to build a better tomorrow.
We are seeking a Principal Scientist I to join our Molecular Lab, Research and Early Development Team, Oncology and Genetics. Within the Roche Diagnostics organization, our Research and Early Development teams are committed to making a tangible impact on the future of healthcare. The Principal Scientist I brings technical depth and breadth, curiosity, and the creativity to be an important contributor in developing novel molecular diagnostic assays. The goal will be to build sequencing assays on our revolutionary Axelios Sequencing platform and translating the immense potential of our Sequencing by Expansion (SBX) technology into real-world assays that can benefit patients. This is a hands-on, lab-based role where scientific excellence and a proactive, results-oriented mindset are paramount. You will spearhead innovative projects and key collaborations, driving the science from the initial idea to a fully realized solution.
This is an opportunity for a visionary scientist to not only pioneer new workflows but to help shape the next generation of medical innovation.
The Opportunity
  • You will join a diverse local team of dedicated and curious scientists where you will role-model leadership qualities, mentor junior scientists, and champion a culture of scientific rigor and innovation.
  • You will prototype and optimize different sequencing assay workflows by aligning pharma project needs, designing and implementing rigorous experiments, and applying established and innovative procedures to enable end-to-end solutions; You will proactively highlight issues, troubleshoot assays, and resolve technical challenges by applying broad knowledge of molecular biology techniques and accumulated experience
  • You will work closely with the commercial team, external pharma partners, and internal bioinformatics colleagues to implement and analyze novel workflows to further pharma collaborations. You'll translate complex data into meaningful interpretations for internal and external stakeholders.
  • You will support the adoption of Axelios sequencing technology and the growth of the pharma service business by executing pilot collaboration projects, creating technical documentations including standard operating protocols, and supporting assay transfer to the CLIA laboratory.
  • You will identify and champion new technological opportunities, contributing to the strategic direction of the R&D organization.

This position is based on-site (4+ days) in Pleasanton, CA.
There is no relocation support.
Who You Are:
(Required)
  • You have a PhD in Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, (or a related field) with 5+ years of relevant industry experience
  • You have a deep understanding of molecular biology in NGS workflows beyond routine preparation of sequencing libraries.
  • You have demonstrated experience designing and optimizing novel NGS workflows.
  • You have demonstrated the ability to critically examine assay workflows and troubleshoot unknown and unfamiliar issues.
  • You have experience with diagnostic assay development, including a high level understanding of the regulatory framework for RUO, LDT, or IVD assays
  • You have demonstrated proficiency in interpreting standard bioinformatics pipeline outputs and sequencing metrics for genomic analysis.
  • You have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to identify areas of misalignment and collaborate effectively within and across teams.
  • You have excellent organizational skills, including the ability to efficiently evaluate, prioritize and handle multiple changing projects and priorities; you complete work in a timely, accurate and thorough manner

Preferred:
  • You have experience beyond standard library preparation from DNA or RNA, such as single-cell sequencing, protein detection by sequencing, or spatial sequencing.
  • You have experience working with different NGS instruments (e.g. Element, Ultima, Pacbio, Oxford)
  • You have experience with automating sequencing workflow on systems like the Hamilton or Tecan
  • You have a strong record of innovation, demonstrated by publications and patents.
  • You are proficient in technical writing

The expected salary range for this position is based on the primary location of Pleasanton, CA is $111,000 - $206,500. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance.
This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.
Benefits
#NMK62026DIA
Who we are
A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100'000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life-changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact.
Let's build a healthier future, together.
Roche is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.
If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.

Apply