ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Research Associate Assay Development Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Hudson Institute

Research Associate

Washington, DC

$52K - $56K/yr

Description Hudson Institute seeks a research associate to support a senior fellow with their ... With an eye toward relevant developments in foreign affairs, among policymakers, and in the news ...

Hudson Institute, Inc.

Research Associate

Washington, DC · On-site

$52K - $56K/yr

Hudson Institute seeks a research associate to support a senior fellow with their policy program ... With an eye toward relevant developments in foreign affairs, among policymakers, and in the news ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsResearch Associate Assay Development JobsResearch Associate Assay Development Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Research Associate Assay Development information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$16

$33

$48

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

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for research associate assay development in Silver Spring, MD is $33.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.07 and $38.27 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.
What job categories do people searching Research Associate Assay Development jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Research Associate Assay Development jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Research Associate Assay Development jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Research Associate Assay Development job openings:
Research Associate Assay Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Associate Assay Development job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,972 per year, or $33.6 per hour.
Senior Scientist - Ex Vivo Patient-Derived Platforms & FACS

Senior Scientist - Ex Vivo Patient-Derived Platforms & FACS

AstraZeneca

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$98K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

AstraZeneca rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 73 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and BioPharmaceuticals. Our mission is to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines.
Position Overview
We are seeking an exceptional Senior Scientist to join our Oncology Translational Science team. This role will focus on advancing our understanding of tumor immunology and therapeutic response through sophisticated ex vivo patient-derived platforms and multi-parameter flow cytometry. The ideal candidate will drive innovation in assay development, lead translational research initiatives for Tier 1 assets, and contribute to predictive biomarker strategies that bridge preclinical findings with clinical outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Ex Vivo Platform Development & Execution
  • Lead end-to-end workflows for patient-derived tumor platforms including PDTF (patient-derived tumor fragments) and tissue slice cultures

  • Design and execute ex vivo pharmacodynamic profiling studies to evaluate AstraZeneca and competitor therapeutic candidates

  • Establish robust tumor/immune cell co-culture systems to assess therapeutic efficacy, including cytotoxicity, immune cell activation, and target engagement

  • Process and analyze primary patient specimens with meticulous attention to sample integrity and experimental reproducibility

Advanced Flow Cytometry & Immunophenotyping
  • Design, optimize, and implement high-dimensional spectral flow cytometry panels (20-30+ colors) for comprehensive immune profiling of patient tumors

  • Conduct antigen density quantification, intracellular signaling assessments, and functional immune cell characterization

  • Perform single-cell sorting, fluorescent antibody labeling, and specialized applications including trogocytosis and proliferation assays

  • Utilize platforms including Cytek Aurora, BD FACSymphony, and other state-of-the-art cytometry instruments

Assay Development & Optimization
  • Develop and validate novel flow cytometry-based assays to evaluate immune cell function, T-cell modulation, and therapeutic mechanisms of action

  • Optimize cellular assays including cytotoxicity, phosphorylation, proliferation, and cytokine secretion readouts

  • Generate stable cell lines using lentiviral transduction and electroporation-based methods for target validation and assay development

  • Establish CAR-T cell generation protocols and functional evaluation pipelines

Translational Research & Data Integration
  • Integrate multi-modal readouts (flow cytometry, cytokine profiling, target engagement) to provide comprehensive pharmacodynamic assessments

  • Develop predictive models linking ex vivo responses to clinical outcomes, supporting patient stratification strategies

  • Collaborate with computational biology teams to build machine learning pipelines for therapy response prediction

  • Contribute scientific findings to regulatory submissions (IND), publications, and patent applications

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership
  • Partner with Discovery, Clinical Development, and Biomarker teams to align translational strategies with program objectives

  • Serve as the ex vivo platform subject matter expert for oncology programs, particularly novel immune engagers and targeted therapies

  • Mentor junior scientists and provide technical guidance on complex immunological assays

  • Present data at internal reviews, cross-functional meetings, and external scientific conferences

Required Qualifications
Education:
  • MS in Immunology, Cell Biology, Cancer Biology or related discipline with 5+ years of experience, or BS with 10+ years of relevant pharmaceutical/biotechnology research experience

Technical Expertise:
  • Expert-level proficiency in multi-parameter flow cytometry including panel design, spectral cytometry, intracellular staining, and cell sorting

  • Demonstrated experience with ex vivo patient-derived tumor platforms (PDTF, tissue slices, or organoids)

  • Strong background in tumor immunology, immune cell biology, and cancer drug discovery

  • Hands-on expertise in T-cell functional assays, tumor/immune co-cultures, and primary cell isolation/enrichment

  • Proficiency in stable cell line generation using lentiviral or electroporation methods

  • Experience with cytokine detection platforms (ELISA, MSD) and cellular viability/cytotoxicity assays

Data Analysis & Documentation:
  • Advanced skills in flow cytometry analysis software (FlowJo, SpectroFlo, BD FACSDiva)

  • Proficiency in statistical analysis and data visualization (GraphPad Prism or equivalent)

  • Excellent technical writing skills for protocols, SOPs, study reports, and regulatory documentation

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting IND submissions and regulatory filings

  • Track record of scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals

  • Familiarity with bispecific antibodies, immune engagers (T-cell, NK-cell, neutrophil), or CAR-T therapies

  • Experience with machine learning approaches for biomarker discovery

  • Knowledge of GLP/GCP principles and quality systems

Key Competencies
  • Scientific Innovation: Ability to develop novel methodologies and adapt emerging technologies to address complex biological questions

  • Problem-Solving: Creative approach to troubleshooting experimental challenges and optimizing assay performance

  • Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills with ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams

  • Communication: Clear and concise presentation of complex data to diverse audiences

  • Project Management: Excellent organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous experimental execution and comprehensive documentation practices

What We Offer
  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge Tier 1 oncology assets with potential to transform patient outcomes

  • Access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and technology platforms

  • Collaborative, science-driven culture that values innovation and scientific rigor

  • Competitive compensation package including salary, bonus, equity, and comprehensive benefits

  • Professional development opportunities and clear career progression pathways

AstraZeneca's Commitment
AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.
To Apply: Please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience with ex vivo platforms and advanced flow cytometry applications.
AstraZeneca is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $ 118,870.40 to $ 178,305.60. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives-an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.
Date Posted
30-jun-2026
Closing Date
06-jul-2026
Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.

What AstraZeneca employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply