Assay Development Scientist / R&D Scientist – Cancer Diagnostics

OncoFirm™ Diagnostics Corporation
Department: Research & Development
Employment Type: Full-Time
Location: Open / Flexible
Focus: Fluorescent Lateral Flow Assays | Cancer Biomarkers | Point-of-Care Diagnostics

About OncoFirm™ Diagnostics

OncoFirm™ Diagnostics Corporation is developing next-generation diagnostic technologies designed to support earlier and more accessible detection of cancer-associated biomarkers.

Our platform combines fluorescent lateral flow assays, digital reader technology, quantitative signal analysis, and AI-assisted interpretation with the goal of advancing portable, point-of-care diagnostic solutions.

Our work is mission-driven and deeply personal. We are building technologies intended to help move cancer detection closer to the patient and provide clinicians with faster, more accessible diagnostic information.

Position Summary

OncoFirm is seeking a Senior Assay Development Scientist / R&D Scientist with a PhD and at least 6 years of industry experience to lead the development of fluorescent lateral flow and immunoassay-based diagnostic technologies for cancer biomarker detection.

The successful candidate will take ownership of assay design, optimization, characterization, analytical validation, troubleshooting, and technology transfer. This position offers the opportunity to work directly on an emerging diagnostic platform and collaborate across assay development, engineering, data analysis, quality, regulatory, and manufacturing functions.

This is a hands-on role for an experienced industry scientist who has carried diagnostic assays from development toward manufacture.

Key Responsibilities

Assay design and optimization

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of lateral flow immunoassays for detection of cancer-associated biomarkers.
• Drive development of fluorescent and other signal-based immunoassay formats.
• Evaluate and optimize antibody-antigen interactions, capture and detection reagents, conjugates, membranes, buffers, blocking systems, and assay architecture.
• Optimize reagent concentrations and test conditions to improve sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility, and signal-to-noise performance.

Analytical studies and data

• Plan and conduct analytical studies covering limit of detection, precision, reproducibility, specificity, interference, stability, and assay robustness.
• Design and execute structured experiments to evaluate assay performance.
• Analyze experimental data and translate results into assay-development decisions.
• Troubleshoot assay performance and identify root causes of technical problems.

Reader integration

• Collaborate with optical, engineering, software, and reader-development teams to optimize assay performance with electronic fluorescence detection.
• Develop calibration and quantitative analysis approaches for fluorescent lateral flow tests.

Documentation, transfer, and partners

• Develop and maintain laboratory protocols, SOPs, experimental records, and technical reports.
• Contribute to design-control documentation, verification and validation activities, and regulatory-development documentation as appropriate.
• Lead technology transfer from research and development into manufacturing.
• Collaborate with external research laboratories, manufacturers, clinical partners, and development organizations.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years of industry experience developing immunoassays, preferably lateral flow, rapid diagnostic, or point-of-care assays.
• PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Bioengineering, Cancer Biology, Biological Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Strong understanding of antibody-antigen binding, assay architecture, reagent optimization, and analytical performance.
• Demonstrated experience with assay troubleshooting and experimental design.
• Ability to analyze scientific data and communicate conclusions clearly.
• Strong laboratory documentation and organizational skills.

Preferred Experience

• Experience working with fluorescent detection technologies is highly desirable.
• Experience with FDA-regulated diagnostics, ISO 13485, design controls, GLP, or related quality systems is beneficial but not required.
• Experience supporting assay transfer from R&D into manufacturing is a plus.

Areas of Technical Interest

Candidates with industry experience in one or more of the following areas are especially encouraged to apply:

• Lateral flow immunoassays
• Fluorescent lateral flow technology
• Immunoassay development
• Antibody-antigen interactions
• Antibody conjugation
• Fluorescent labels and nanoparticles
• ELISA
• Biosensors
• Cancer biomarkers
• Protein chemistry
• Immunology
• Molecular diagnostics
• Point-of-care diagnostics
• In vitro diagnostic devices
• Analytical validation
• Diagnostic assay manufacturing

What You’ll Help Build

OncoFirm is developing an integrated diagnostic platform combining:

Cancer Biomarkers → Fluorescent Lateral Flow Assays → Electronic Reader → Quantitative Signal Analysis → AI-Assisted Interpretation → Connected Diagnostic Data

The Assay Development Scientist will work closely with other members of the scientific and engineering team to optimize the relationship among biomarker biology, antibodies, fluorescent chemistry, membrane selection, cassette design, reader performance, and digital interpretation.

Compensation

Base Salary Range: $80,000–$130,000 annually

Compensation will be based on education, relevant experience, technical expertise, and demonstrated experience in immunoassay, lateral flow, fluorescence, and diagnostic-product development.

Depending on position level and company program structure, additional compensation may include performance-based incentives and/or equity participation.

Why Join OncoFirm?

This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to an emerging cancer-diagnostics platform at an early stage of development.

Team members may have the opportunity to participate across:

Assay Development • Cancer Biomarkers • Fluorescent Chemistry • Lateral Flow Technology • Analytical Validation • Electronic Reader Integration • AI-Assisted Diagnostics • Product Development • Manufacturing • Regulatory Development

We value scientific curiosity, rigorous experimentation, collaboration, creative problem-solving, and individuals who want their work to have meaningful diagnostic and clinical impact.

About OncoFirm™ Diagnostics Corporation

OncoFirm™ Diagnostics Corporation is a biotechnology and diagnostic-development company advancing technologies for rapid, accessible biomarker detection.

Our research and development efforts focus on combining fluorescent lateral flow assays, digital reader technology, quantitative analysis, and AI-assisted interpretation into integrated diagnostic systems.

Website: www.oncofirm.com

OncoFirm™ Diagnostics Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, skills, and the requirements of the position.