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Research Associate Assay Development Jobs in Austin, TX

Natera

Associate Scientist, R&D

Austin, TX · On-site

Join Natera's Bio Development team as an Associate Scientist to design, optimize, and validate ... The ideal candidate possesses strong experience in assay development, automated workflows, and data ...

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Research Associate Assay Development information

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$16

$32

$46

How much do research associate assay development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for research associate assay development in Austin, TX is $32.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.96 and $36.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by a Research Associate in Assay Development, and how can they be addressed?

Research Associates in Assay Development often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting experimental variability, optimizing assay conditions, and managing tight project timelines. These issues can be addressed by maintaining meticulous documentation, collaborating closely with senior scientists and cross-functional teams, and staying current with the latest assay technologies and protocols. Seeking feedback from peers and participating in regular team meetings also helps in overcoming technical hurdles and ensuring that project goals are met efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research Associate in Assay Development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Associate in Assay Development, you need a solid background in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field, often with a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with laboratory techniques such as ELISA, PCR, and use of analytical instruments, along with experience using data analysis software, is typically required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong organizational and communication skills help you excel in experimental design and collaborative scientific environments. These skills ensure reliable assay results, efficient workflow, and meaningful contributions to research and product development.

What does a Research Associate in Assay Development do?

A Research Associate in Assay Development is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing laboratory assays to detect or measure biological substances. They typically work in biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies, supporting research and development projects by ensuring assays are robust, reliable, and reproducible. Their duties may include preparing samples, analyzing data, troubleshooting protocols, and collaborating with other scientists to improve experimental workflows. This role requires strong analytical skills and a background in biology, chemistry, or a related field.
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Research Associate Assay Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Associate Assay Development job openings in Austin, TX as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,090 per year, or $32.3 per hour.
Associate Scientist, R&D

Associate Scientist, R&D

Natera

Austin, TX • On-site

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Natera rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

60th of 120 rated laboratories

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Join Natera's Bio Development team as an Associate Scientist to design, optimize, and validate molecular assays for our market-leading non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) platform. This role bridges molecular biology with high-throughput liquid handling automation to directly impact patient care. The ideal candidate possesses strong experience in assay development, automated workflows, and data analysis, operating with an ownership mindset to convert scientific data into scalable clinical protocols.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Design, plan, and execute complex laboratory experiments autonomously to advance non-invasive prenatal test development
  • Analyze experimental data using advanced analytical tools, providing data-driven insights and troubleshooting laboratory processes
  • Own and document technical workflows, summarizing findings in research reports and laboratory presentations
  • Partner cross-functionally with Clinical Laboratory Operations (CLIA), Quality Assurance (QA), and Automation Engineering to ensure methods meet rigorous quality and regulatory standards
  • Write standard operating procedures (SOPs) and technical documentation to seamlessly transfer protocols to manufacturing and operations teams
  • Train junior team members and operator teams on newly developed protocols
  • Maintain deep professional expertise by staying current with scientific literature relevant to cell-free DNA and nucleic acid technologies

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • BA/BS with 6+ years of experience OR MS with 3+ years of experience in assay development and automation within the life sciences industry
  • Demonstrated track record of developing, optimizing, and validating manual and automated protocols

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  • Strong underlying scientific knowledge of nucleic acid extraction, PCR, NGS library preparation, and hybrid capture technologies
  • Hands-on experience in reagent preparation and quality control for NGS-associated assays
  • Direct experience implementing, optimizing, and troubleshooting high-throughput automated assays utilizing liquid handler robotics
  • Experience designing and executing formal design control studies, including stability, guard banding, reproducibility, repeatability, and validation
  • Prior experience operating within a regulated laboratory environment (CLIA, CAP, or FDA)
  • Data analysis and scripting proficiency in Python or R, along with liquid handler programming experience, is highly preferred
  • Excellent cross-functional collaboration, organizational, and time management skills

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