Scientist - Assay Development

Overview

We’re looking for an Assay Development Scientist who thrives on solving platform-level challenges — designing, refining, and scaling molecular detection assays so they work flawlessly across diverse samples and at massive scale.

You will own the development of scalable, high-throughput assays and the quality control systems that ensure they perform reliably in production. From fluorescent signal optimization to complex matrix handling, your work will directly power our ability to profile millions of proteins with precision and speed.

This is a hands-on, cross-functional role working closely with Automation, Data Science, Software, and Operations to bring new workflows from concept to production.

Position : Senior Principal Consultant at Symbiotica Group

What You’ll Do

Design & Optimization

• Engineer and select capture / detection molecule pairs (antibodies, aptamers, binders) for multiplex protein detection.
• Develop and optimize linker / tether chemistries and displacement / detection strategies to maximize signal and minimize background.

Platform Scaling

• Adapt and validate assays for hundreds to thousands of targets in a single run, ensuring low cross-reactivity and high reproducibility.
• Optimize chemistry for compatibility with high-throughput automation and flow cytometry-based readouts.

Complex Sample Handling

• Develop strategies to maintain performance in challenging biological matrices (plasma, serum, cell lysates, etc.).

Quality Control & Validation

• Build QC checkpoints, calibration curves, and internal controls for robust large-scale deployment.
• Conduct troubleshooting and root cause analysis to resolve performance issues.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Automation engineers to implement workflows on liquid handlers.
• Work with Data Science to interpret assay performance metrics and guide further optimization.

What We’re Looking For

Education & Experience

• PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or related field — or MSc / BSc with 5+ years of platform-level assay development experience.

Technical Expertise

• Hands-on experience designing and optimizing capture / detection chemistries for multiplex assays.
• Proficiency in bioconjugation, surface chemistry, DNA / RNA tether design, or related molecular engineering techniques.
• Track record of reducing cross-reactivity and improving signal-to-noise in complex systems.
• Experience integrating assays with automated liquid handling and optical / multiplex detection systems.

Mindset & Skills

• Strong problem-solving skills with a “platform engineer” mindset — focused on building scalable, reproducible solutions.
• Comfort working in fast-paced, collaborative environments.
• Clear communication skills for cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a mission-driven team shaping the future of proteomics and molecular diagnostics.
• Work on cutting-edge technology with real-world impact in research, diagnostics, and therapeutics.
• Collaborate with brilliant, driven teammates across science, engineering, and data.
• Competitive compensation, equity, and benefits package.

If you have built or improved the “core recipe” for a molecular detection platform — not just run it — and you’re ready to apply your expertise to a new frontier, we’d love to talk.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Science and Research

Base pay range

CA$80,000.00 / yr - CA$120,000.00 / yr

Direct message the job poster from Symbiotica Group.

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