Scientist, Assay Development

RareCyte
RareCyte

Administration

Seattle, WA, USA

USD 120k-135k / year + Equity

Posted on Aug 14, 2026

RareCyte is a Life Sciences Precision Biology company focused on the development of novel technology and products in spatial biology and liquid biopsy. Our platforms have been adopted by leading research institutions and pharmaceutical companies worldwide for translational research, drug discovery and clinical programs. The breakthrough Orion technology is revolutionary in the spatial biology market, enabling tissue analysis with 20 channel whole-slide multiplex imaging in a single run.

RareCyte is looking for an Assay Development Scientist based in our Seattle, WA office. The successful candidate will work in the Precision Biology Services group and be responsible for developing new assays and running clinical trials in our liquid biopsy and spatial biology programs. We are looking for someone who enjoys helping bring new technologies to market, embraces challenges, and thrives in a dynamic and multidisciplinary environment.

Responsibilities:

    • Develop robust assays for characterizing rare cells in human blood, including circulating tumor cells and circulating trophoblasts, and develop multiplex spatial biology assays for tissue using antibodies and automated staining instrumentation
    • Perform testing, analysis and reporting of clinical trial samples in liquid biopsy and spatial biology
    • Provide technical leadership for novel programs that expand the applications and utility of the RareCyte platforms
    • Plan, execute, analyze and present experimental results for assay development programs
    • Write milestone-based work plans for assay development services for pharma/biotech clients and for strategic academic collaborations
    • Work with the leadership team and the Project Manager to achieve program goals in the expected timeline and within budget
    • Deliver high quality client presentations and represent the company at scientific events
    • Adopt a customer-oriented mindset and take ownership of projects by anticipating end-user needs (internal and external)
    • Establish experimental and QC protocols to transfer methods and reagents to Research Associates and the production team
    • Support the applications team to increase platform adoption and solve customer challenges

Qualifications:

    • PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics or a related field; oncology experience and/or placental development a plus
    • 3+ years of Industry experience developing assays and using new technologies
    • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with attention to detail and quality to achieve aggressive turnaround times
    • Experience developing antibody-based assays
    • Experience with immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, microscopy and flow cytometry
    • Familiar with biostatistics, prism software
    • High attention to detail for lab work and presentations
    • Excellent writing and presentation skills
    • Creative thinker, self-driven and highly organized

Compensation:

Base Salary Range: $120,000 - $135,000 (annualized)

Determining a base wage will be based on several factors which include skill set, level of education, experience and qualifications, as well as RareCyte internal equity. Some roles may also qualify for additional compensation such as bonus, commission, stock options and travel allowance.

Benefits:

At RareCyte, we support our employees in and out of the office. Click here to view a list of benefits offered to eligible employees.

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We love talking to qualified candidates! Even if you don't fit the description perfectly, please still apply and we'll review your resume.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to RareCyte Human Resources at hr@rarecyte.com.
RareCyte is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace for all employees. If there are future COVID-19 or similar pandemic outbreaks, RareCyte will follow applicable recommendations or requirements from the Washington State Department of Health and other relevant public health authorities regarding vaccine implementation and workplace safety measures for all team members. Vaccination may become a condition of employment where required or deemed necessary to maintain a safe workplace. Employees or applicants who are unable to comply due to a qualifying medical condition, disability, or sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for a reasonable accommodation through Human Resources at hr@rarecyte.com.