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Senior Assay Development Scientist Jobs in Virginia

Sr. R&D Scientist

Manassas, VA · On-site

$91K - $125K/yr

Position Summary We have an opportunity for a Senior R&D Scientist to join our team and provide technical direction and expertise throughout the entire product development process. This role focuses ...

Senior Scientist

Manassas, VA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

The Senior Scientist initiates, executes, and directs scientific research, troubleshoots complex ... Initiate, direct, and execute scientific research and development strategies. * Laboratory ...

Senior Scientist

Manassas, VA · On-site

$120 - $140/hr

The Senior Scientist initiates, executes, and directs scientific research, troubleshoots complex ... Initiate, direct, and execute scientific research and development strategies. * Laboratory ...

The Senior Scientist initiates, executes, and directs scientific research, troubleshoots complex ... Initiate, direct, and execute scientific research and development strategies. * Laboratory ...

Senior Scientist

Arlington, VA · On-site

$180K - $210K/yr

Everforth ECS is seeking a Senior Scientist to work in our Arlington, Virginia office. Please Note ... and development nature, concerned with unique or controversial problems which have an important ...

Senior Data Scientist

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Overview The Senior Data Scientist will support our customers initiatives by developing/maintaining ... The development of frameworks for creating and integrating machine learning models such as ...

Leidos is seeking a Senior AI/Data Scientist to drive advanced AI development for a strategic Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) contract, executed in direct partnership with the Defense ...

Leidos is seeking a Senior AI/Data Scientist to drive advanced AI development for a strategic Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) contract, executed in direct partnership with the Defense ...

Leidos is seeking a Senior AI/Data Scientist to drive advanced AI development for a strategic Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) contract, executed in direct partnership with the Defense ...

Leidos is seeking a Senior AI/Data Scientist to drive advanced AI development for a strategic Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) contract, executed in direct partnership with the Defense ...

Senior Scientist

Arlington, VA · On-site

$105K - $144K/yr

... Senior Scientist to provide onsite support to DARPA's Microsystems Technology Office. The role ... and development nature, concerned with unique or controversial problems which have an important ...

Data Scientist - Senior TULK is a leading boutique consulting firm providing technology and ... Lead the development, integration, maintenance, and sustainment of advanced analytic models ...

Senior Scientist

Manassas, VA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

... is seeking a Senior Scientist, Bacteriology to provide scientific leadership for applied ... This onsite role in Manassas, VA leads research initiatives, supports product development and ...

Senior Data Scientist

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$154K - $278K/yr

The Senior Data Scientist will lead complex analytics efforts across the full solution lifecycle-from problem definition and requirements development through design, implementation, deployment, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Assay Development Scientist information

See Virginia salary details

$65.9K

$109.6K

$163.1K

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

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior assay development scientist in Virginia is $109,596.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,700.00 and $123,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Virginia?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Senior Assay Development Scientist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 88% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $109,596 per year, or $52.7 per hour.

Sr. R&D Scientist

Manassas, VA • On-site


Catalent, Inc.
Pharmaceutical Product Wholesalers • 10K+ employees

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

62nd of 86 rated pharmaceutical

Good employer

Recommended by parents

Respectful managers


$91K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

About Site
The ~70,000-square-foot Manassas facility operates within Catalent's Consumer Health portfolio, supporting programs from early development through commercial manufacturing and packaging. It is designed for dietary supplement and food-safety cGMP operations, making it distinct from Catalent's traditional pharmaceutical and biologics manufacturing sites.
Position Summary
We have an opportunity for a Senior R&D Scientist to join our team and provide technical direction and expertise throughout the entire product development process. This role focuses on pre-formulation studies, process optimization, and stability studies. You will define development studies, author and approve protocols and reports, and interpret analytical results for formulation development. You will also provide technical expertise and support on multiple projects while maintaining a Patient/Consumer First culture.
Shift: Monday to Friday 9am-5:30pm
Location: Manassas, VA
100% Onsite
The Role
  • Plan, coordinate, and guide the development and evaluation of new products, including pre-formulation excipient selection, compatibility studies, formulation development, process optimization, and scale-up manufacturing
  • Provide technical leadership and mentoring to individuals, functional areas, and the organization as required
  • Ensure appropriate technical review and oversight for portfolio projects and programs
  • Communicate effectively and on time with management, other departments, and customers regarding development activities, results, and next steps
  • Operate under and maintain Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) conditions and practices
  • Maintain and improve compliance with training, best practices, safety, and cleaning requirements
  • Represent functional area and projects by leading discussions at local, technical, governance, executive, and customer meetings
  • Lead Catalent's strategies, initiatives, expectations, processes, and portfolio commitments
  • Work extended hours and weekends as needed, especially when problems occur or deadlines must be met
  • Perform other duties as required

The Candidate
Minimum Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in science or related field
  • Minimum 5-7 years of experience in a formulation role in a lab setting
  • Minimum of 3-5 years of experience with soft confectionery formats, particularly chew and/or lozenge formats
  • Experience working in a dietary supplement, confection, and/or pharmaceutical manufacturing and/or GMP facility
  • Expertise in soft chew and lozenge technologies for dietary supplement development
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills
  • Experience in troubleshooting and problem solving
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office
  • Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with people at all levels and in various functional areas; ability to influence and motivate others to achieve results
  • While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to sit and use their hands and fingers to handle or feel and to manipulate keys on a keyboard. Use of manual dexterity is required. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, bend or twist, and to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Preferred Skills & Background
  • Master's degree preferred

Why You Should Join Catalent
  • Positive and fast-paced working environment focusing on continually improving processes to remain innovative and dynamic
  • Competitive Paid Time Off plus 8 paid holidays
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits effective day one of employment
  • Tuition Reimbursement - support to finish your degree or earn a new one
  • Site-based Employee Engagement activities such as potlucks, cookouts, and monthly birthday recognitions
  • Employee Resource Groups focusing on Diversity and Inclusion
  • Environmentally friendly, community engagement green initiatives
  • Defined career path and annual performance review process with potential for career growth
  • WellHub program to promote overall physical and mental wellness
  • Perkspot - exclusive discounts from over 900 merchants in various categories

Catalent offers rewarding opportunities to further your career! Join the global drug development and delivery leader and help us bring over 7,000 life-saving and life-enhancing products to patients around the world. Catalent is an exciting and growing international company where employees work directly with pharma, biopharma and consumer health companies of all sizes to advance new medicines from early development to clinical trials and to the market. Catalent produces more than 70 billion doses per year, and each one will be used by someone who is counting on us. Join us in making a difference.
personal initiative. dynamic pace. meaningful work.
Visit Catalent Careers to explore career opportunities.
Catalent is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veterans.
If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email, and confirming your request for an accommodation and include the job number, title and location to DisabilityAccommodations@catalent.com. This option is reserved for individuals who require accommodation due to a disability. Information received will be processed by a U.S. Catalent employee and then routed to a local recruiter who will provide assistance to ensure appropriate consideration in the application or hiring process.
Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Catalent Pharma Solutions (Catalent) is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Catalent employee by a third party agency and/or search firm without a valid written & signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Catalent. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.
Important Security Notice to U.S. Job Seekers:
Catalent NEVER asks candidates to provide any type of payment, bank details, photocopies of identification, social security number or other highly sensitive personal information during the offer process, and we NEVER do so via email or social media. If you receive any such request, DO NOT respond- it is a fraudulent request. Please forward such requests to spam@catalent.com for us to investigate with local authorities.
California Job Seekers can find our California Job Applicant Notice HERE.

Catalent logo

About Catalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Catalent is an exciting and growing international company where employees work directly with pharma, biopharma and consumer health companies of all sizes to advance new medicines from early development to clinical trials and to the market. Catalent produces more than 70 billion doses per year, and each one will be used by someone who is counting on us. Join us in making a difference.Catalent is committed to the health and safety of its employees, visitors and the customers and patients we serve.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Somerset, NJ, US

Year founded

2007

Social media


What Catalent employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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