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Cell Culture Process Development Jobs in Washington

US Tech Solutions

Associate Scientist

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

This position is focused on upstream cell culture and fermentation processes supporting scalability ... stage development to DSC as well as assisting in the production of various tox and development ...

Unicon Pharma Inc.

Production Technician

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$25 - $29/hr

... culture and/or vector products. • Technical proficiency in aseptic technique and working with ... Desired Skills: • Previous manufacturing or process development experience with cell therapy or ...

AstraZeneca

Process Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

This position will report to Director, MS&T, Cell Therapy Development and Operations. Key Responsibilities Site manufacturing support • Process Execution Support: Provide day-to-day technical ...

AstraZeneca

Process Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

This position will report to Director, MS&T, Cell Therapy Development and Operations. Key Responsibilities Site manufacturing support • Process Execution Support: Provide day-to-day technical ...

AstraZeneca

Process Engineer

Rockville, MD

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience with cell therapy unit operations throughpreviousexperience in process development and/or manufacturing, as well asexpertisein technology transfer.

Quality Agents, LLC

Process Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

Familiarity with upstream (cell culture/fermentation) or downstream (purification) processes. Experience with process monitoring, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives. Working ...

Quality Agents

Process Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

Familiarity with upstream (cell culture/fermentation) or downstream (purification) processes. Experience with process monitoring, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives. Working ...

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Cell Culture Process Development information

See Washington salary details

$21

$38

$56

How much do cell culture process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for cell culture process development in Washington is $38.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.30 and $46.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cell Culture Process Development vs Cell Culture Manufacturing Associate?

AspectCell Culture Process DevelopmentCell Culture Manufacturing Associate
Primary FocusDesigning and optimizing cell culture processes for product developmentExecuting established cell culture procedures for production
Skills & CredentialsScientific expertise, process development experience, often a degree in biotech or related fieldTechnical skills in manufacturing, GMP compliance, relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratory and R&D settingsManufacturing floors and production facilities
Industry UsageBiotech, pharmaceutical R&DBiotech, pharmaceutical manufacturing

Cell Culture Process Development professionals focus on creating and refining cell culture methods to ensure scalable, efficient processes. In contrast, Cell Culture Manufacturing Associates execute these processes in production settings to manufacture products at scale. Both roles require related skills and work within the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, but their responsibilities differ from development to manufacturing execution.

What is cell culture process development?

Cell culture process development is the optimization and scaling of laboratory techniques used to grow cells under controlled conditions, typically for the production of biological products like vaccines, antibodies, or therapeutic proteins. This field involves designing and refining protocols for cell line selection, media formulation, bioreactor operation, and quality control. The goal is to achieve high yields, consistency, and product quality while meeting regulatory standards. Professionals in this area work closely with research scientists, engineers, and quality assurance teams to transition processes from the lab bench to large-scale manufacturing.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in cell culture process development, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in cell culture process development often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent cell growth, scaling processes from laboratory to production scale, and ensuring contamination-free environments. Addressing these issues requires strong attention to detail, rigorous adherence to standard operating procedures, and proactive troubleshooting skills. Effective collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as quality assurance and analytical development, is also essential to optimize processes and resolve technical issues swiftly. Continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies can further help in overcoming these challenges and advancing in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Cell Culture Process Development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Cell Culture Process Development, you typically need a background in biology, biotechnology, or chemical engineering, with hands-on experience in aseptic techniques and cell culture methodologies. Familiarity with bioreactors, cell counting equipment, and statistical analysis software, as well as certifications such as cGMP training, are highly valuable. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork help professionals excel in optimizing and troubleshooting cell culture processes. These competencies are crucial to ensure high-yield, consistent, and safe production of biologics or therapeutic compounds.
What are popular job titles related to Cell Culture Process Development jobs in Washington? For Cell Culture Process Development jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cell Culture Process Development jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Cell Culture Process Development jobs in Washington are:
Cell Culture Process Development jobs near you
Scientist, Viral Vector Process Development, Upstream

Scientist, Viral Vector Process Development, Upstream

AstraZeneca

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$92K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

AstraZeneca rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 74 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

AstraZeneca is looking for a highly motivated Scientist, Viral Vector Process Development (Upstream). The candidate will play a critical role within a high performing team that accelerates AstraZeneca's emerging Cell Therapy modalities portfolio. You will design, execute, and optimize upstream Lentiviral Vector (LVV) processes with a primary focus on suspension bioreactor platforms at clinical and commercial scales. You will contribute hands-on to experimental design, process characterization, and scale-up/tech transfer activities from research through IND enabling, partnering closely with Research, Analytical
Development, CMC, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Quality, and external CDMOs. This position is based in Gaithersburg, MD.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Upstream Process Development: Plan and perform experiments to develop and optimize LVV upstream processes for suspension cell culture (transient or stable producer cell systems), targeting improvements in titer, quality, robustness, and cost.
  • Bioreactor Operations & Scale Translation: Execute unit operations across seed, production, and harvest interfaces; support scale-up strategies from bench to pilot and clinical scales; develop and use scale-down models for characterization and comparability.
  • Experimental Design & Data Analysis: Design DOE studies, identify CPPs/CMAs, analyze data and propose control strategies; document results in protocols and reports; maintain fit for purpose knowledge records.
  • Tech Transfer & GMP Interface: Prepare technical transfer packages and support transfers to internal GMP sites and CDMOs; align process documentation with cGMP principles for late-stage readiness.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Analytical Development on assay readiness and in process testing; partner with Manufacturing, Supply, and Quality to ensure operational feasibility and compliance.
  • Operational Excellence: Apply Lean practices and digital tools for scheduling, data integrity, and reproducibility; track KPIs (titer, infectivity, impurity profiles, cycle time, right first time) and recommend improvements.

Qualifications:
  • Education: MS/BS in Engineering, Biotechnology, or related field.
  • Years of experiences in industry: MS with 1-4 years; or BS with 3-6 years.
  • Experience: Handson experience developing suspension-based LVV upstream processes; familiarity with clinical scale considerations, and technology transfer.
  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in suspension cell culture, transfection/infection strategies, media/feed optimization, single use rocking-platform and stirred-tank bioreactors, and upstream-harvest interfaces;
  • Communication & Teamwork: Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to work effectively in cross functional, matrixed teams; demonstrated problem solving and troubleshooting capabilities.

  • Preferred Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated success scaling suspension LVV processes to pilot/clinical scales and sustaining performance via monitoring and continuous improvement.
  • Experience linking upstream parameters to analytical outcomes (titer, infectivity/potency, residuals/impurities) to guide process decisions.
  • Contributions to regulatory filings (data tables, process descriptions) and participation in tech transfer to CDMOs or internal GMP sites.
  • Tools & Automation: Experience with single use systems, process automation/PAT, and digital lab systems (ELN/LIMS) preferred.
  • Experience implementing Lean/continuous improvement and robust documentation/knowledge management in PD labs

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $92,252.00 - $138,378.00. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives-an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.
Date Posted
06-Jul-2026
Closing Date
23-Jul-2026
Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.

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