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Senior Assay Development Scientist Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Senior Scientist

Charles City, IA

$82K - $113K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Senior Scientist The Senior Scientist plays a key role in developing, validating, and implementing ... Proficiency in assay development, method validation, and routine laboratory operations. * PhD in ...

Kent Corporation

SR SCIENTIST

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$85K - $117K/yr

KENT Worldwide™ is seeking a dynamic Senior Scientist of Innovation, Research & Development to ... This leadership role will drive R&D initiatives, develop and test new ingredients, and mentor a ...

CYNET SYSTEMS

Laboratory Technician

Johnston, IA · On-site

$17.80 - $22.80/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Bachelor's degree in plant science, Agronomy, Biology, Biotechnology, Entomology, Genetics, Crop ... Contribute to assay development, optimization, and continuous improvement efforts in both ...

CYNET SYSTEMS

Laboratory Technician

Johnston, IA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Bachelor's degree in plant science, Agronomy, Biology, Biotechnology, Entomology, Genetics, Crop ... Contribute to assay development, optimization, and continuous improvement efforts in both ...

Actalent

Laboratory Technician

Johnston, IA

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collaborate with research scientists, expression laboratories, and field teams to facilitate timely ... Contribute to assay development, optimization, and continuous improvement efforts in both ...

Actalent

Laboratory Technician

Johnston, IA

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collaborate with research scientists, expression laboratories, and field teams to facilitate timely ... Contribute to assay development, optimization, and continuous improvement efforts in both ...

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Senior Assay Development Scientist information

What does a senior assay development scientist do?

A Senior Assay Development Scientist designs, optimizes, and validates biochemical or cell-based assays for research, diagnostics, or drug development. They lead assay development projects, troubleshoot technical challenges, and collaborate with cross-functional teams. Their role often includes analyzing experimental data, ensuring assay reproducibility, and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. Additionally, they mentor junior scientists and contribute to scientific publications or regulatory submissions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior assay development scientist?

A Senior Assay Development Scientist should possess advanced expertise in assay design, validation, and troubleshooting, supported by a degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory automation platforms, high-throughput screening technologies, and software for data analysis such as Prism or SoftMax Pro is typically required. Strong project management, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills enhance effectiveness in leading projects and collaborating across departments. These skills are crucial for delivering robust, innovative assays that meet regulatory standards and support critical research or product development goals.

What are the typical challenges faced by a senior assay development scientist and how do they overcome them?

Senior Assay Development Scientists often encounter challenges such as optimizing assay sensitivity and specificity, troubleshooting inconsistent results, and meeting tight project timelines. To overcome these, they rely on deep scientific knowledge, rigorous method validation, and effective collaboration with other scientists, engineers, and quality assurance teams. Staying up to date on the latest technologies and regulatory requirements also helps address technical and compliance-related hurdles. By fostering open communication and drawing on multidisciplinary expertise within their teams, these professionals develop innovative solutions and ensure high-quality outcomes.

What are the most commonly searched types of Assay Development Scientist jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Assay Development Scientist jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Assay Development Scientist jobs in Iowa?

For Senior Assay Development Scientist jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Assay Development Scientist jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Assay Development Scientist jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Senior Assay Development Scientist jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Senior Assay Development Scientist job openings:

Senior Assay Development Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Assay Development Scientist job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

Research Scientist - Analytical Development

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated

Fort Dodge, IA • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Elanco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 86 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) - it all starts with animals!
As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose - all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.
At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you'll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.
Making animals' lives better makes life better - join our team today!
Your Role:
Research Scientist
The Research Scientist (R1 level) in Vaccine Technical Development plays a critical role in effectively and efficiently leading and advancing research and development projects. This position leverages deep technical expertise to ensure projects progress on schedule and within budget, while maintaining high standards of quality, innovation, and collaboration.
This role operates within the Process Development/Assay Development (PD/AD) functional group and operates cross-functionally across the Elanco network. The Research Scientist leads multiple large-scale projects, contributes to strategic planning, and drives continuous improvement in technical methodologies. This role also supports the full innovation cycle, contributing to the successful development, validation, and licensure of vaccine products.
Your Responsibilities:
  • Lead projects by developing technical plans, coordinating cross-functional alignment, and ensuring milestone achievement. Drive innovation by generating new ideas, accelerating timelines, and improving technical approaches.

  • Design and implement experiments, methods, protocols, and SOPs to support process and assay development improvements. Perform hands-on laboratory work, including development, optimization, and troubleshooting of new methods and techniques.

  • Represent Technical Development on project teams, defining goals, making decisions, and securing necessary resources. Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to meet project and customer requirements.

  • Analyze and interpret complex data, providing clear, actionable insights to project teams and leadership. Independently troubleshoot and resolve complex technical challenges within area of expertise.

  • Maintain accountability for project deliverables and team commitments, demonstrating Elanco's values and expected behaviors. Identify and leverage internal resources to execute projects effectively with minimal reliance on management oversight.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):
  • Education & Experience: Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Virology, Immunology, Bacteriology, Molecular Biology) with at least 1 year of industry or post-doctoral experience; OR a Master of Science (M.S.) degree with 5+ years of experience in vaccine analytical development.

  • Technical & Leadership Skills: Proven hands-on expertise in analytical method development (e.g., potency assays, ELISA, viral titration) combined with demonstrated experience leading technical projects in a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment.

  • Communication & Influence: Strong verbal and written communication skills with a demonstrated ability to influence technical and business outcomes.

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):
  • Direct experience with the USDA regulatory framework for animal biologics.

  • A strong background in developing and validating potency assays for licensed vaccines.

  • Proven success in mentoring and training junior scientific staff.

  • Experience managing the technical transfer of methods to QC or manufacturing teams.

  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and adapt to shifting priorities.

Additional Information:
  • Travel: 0-15%

  • Location: Fort Dodge, Iowa - On-Site Work Environment

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrecognized groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!
Elanco Benefits and Perks:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:
  • Multiple relocation packages

  • Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)

  • 8-week parental leave

  • 9 Employee Resource Groups

  • Annual bonus offering

  • Flexible work arrangements

  • Up to 6% 401K matching

#LI-JC1
Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status
Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against job-related criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.

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