Senior Assay Scientist

Portabledx; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Portable Diagnostic Systems (PDS) in Newark, NJ seeks a Senior Scientist to lead scientific programs and advance the Integrity-1 platform. You will mentor scientists, shape toxicology solutions, and drive validation in a fast-paced startup setting.

Ideal candidates have a PhD in Chemistry or Biomedical Engineering (MS with 10+ years accepted) and a track record in diagnostic methods (LC-MS, immunoassays). You will collaborate across teams to expand scientific and commercial impact.

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, biomedical engineering, or related field with strong toxicology background.
• MS with extensive experience may be considered.
• Proven track record in diagnostic method development and validation.

Responsibilities

• Lead scientific programs and drive validation and product development.
• Serve as subject matter expert in toxicology and diagnostic methods.
• Ensure regulatory compliance (GLP, ISO 13485, CLIA, ANSI).
• Mentor and develop junior scientists and technical staff.
• Collaborate with engineering, regulatory, and product teams to translate findings.
• Support grants, publications, patents, and strategic scientific initiatives.

Skills

Toxicology

Analytical Method Development

Leadership

Communication

Regulatory Compliance

Education

PhD in Chemistry / Biomedical Engineering or related field

MS with 10+ years of experience considered

Tools

LC-MS

Immunoassays

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and innovative Senior Scientist to lead scientific programs and play a pivotal role in advancing the Integrity-1 platform. This position offers the opportunity to shape cutting-edge toxicology solutions, mentor talented scientists, and directly influence the success of a new diagnostic standard.

What You'll Do

Lead scientific innovation - design, plan, and execute complex experiments driving validation and product development.

Be a subject matter expert - apply advanced toxicology and diagnostic knowledge to solve challenging problems.

Advance validation - ensure analytical rigor and regulatory compliance (ISO, GLP, CLIA).

Guide and mentor - train and develop junior scientists and technical staff.

Collaborate across teams - work closely with engineering, regulatory, and product teams to translate findings into impactful solutions.

Contribute to growth - support grants, publications, patents, and strategy that expand PDS's scientific and commercial impact.

PhD in Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or related field with at least 5 years of relevant experience (MS with at least 10 years of experience may be considered).

Track record of scientific innovation - publications, patents, or successful validation projects.

Strong expertise in diagnostic methods (e.g., LC-MS, immunoassays, point-of-care assays).

Experience in regulated environments (GLP, ISO 13485, CLIA, ANSI standards).

Proven leadership and mentoring ability.

Excellent communication skills, able to bridge scientific and non-technical audiences.

Desire to work in a fast-paced startup environment, contributing across scientific and strategic domains.

Preferred Qualifications

Background in immunoassay development.

Familiarity with toxicology assay methods.

Experience in diagnostic product development from concept through validation.

About the Company

Portable Diagnostic Systems (PDS) is a Newark, NJ-based biotech startup founded to transform public health by making advanced diagnostics accessible beyond the traditional laboratory. Our mission is to deliver lab-quality testing to the places where it's needed most-secondary care facilities, pharmacies, retail clinics, ambulances, and even the home-bringing critical insights closer to patients and providers. Built on more than two decades of pioneering research, our platform integrates microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip innovation, biosensing, and artificial intelligence to create powerful yet practical diagnostic solutions. By harnessing these technologies, PDS is shaping a new era of early disease detection, continuous wellness monitoring, and precision medicine. Our vision is simple but profound: to save lives, improve patient outcomes, and empower communities by making reliable, real-time diagnostics available anytime, anywhere. Currently, PDS is advancing its flagship Integrity-1 Analysis System through a NIDA SBIR Phase II development program, focused on developing an application in postmortem toxicology.