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Cell Culture Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Expert, Science & Technology - Upstream/Cell Culture, is responsible for cell & gene therapy (AAV and LVV) upstream process development, optimization and scaling up/down, process characterization ...

NC · On-site

Biologist - Strong Exp in Sterile cell culture techniques, Flow Cytometry Location : Research Triangle Park, NC Duration : 12 Months Total Hours/week : 40.00 1st Shift Client: Medical Device Company ...

NC · On-site

Biologist - Must Sterile cell culture techniques, Flow Cytometry, NGS & BSL-2 Location : Research Triangle Park, NC Duration : 12 Months Total Hours/week : 40.00 1st Shift Client: Medical Device ...

Cell Culture Engineering Co-Op

Malvern, PA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Learn more at We are searching for the best talent for Cell Culture Engineering Co-Op to be in Malvern, PA. * The Co-op term is from October, 2026 to April, 2027. * Full time requirement (40 hours ...

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Cell Culture information

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How much do cell culture jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for cell culture in the United States is $21.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $27.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

Professionals in cell culture often encounter challenges such as contamination, variability in cell growth, and maintaining consistent experimental conditions. Dealing with contamination requires strict adherence to aseptic techniques and regular equipment maintenance. Variability in cell growth can be minimized by carefully monitoring cell passage numbers, using validated reagents, and maintaining proper documentation. Open communication with team members and regular troubleshooting meetings can also help address unexpected issues efficiently.

What is the difference between Cell Culture vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectCell CultureLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in biology, microbiology, or related field; specialized training in cell culture techniquesUsually requires a high school diploma or associate degree; on-the-job training in lab procedures
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, biotech companies, pharmaceutical labs focusing on cell growth and manipulationGeneral laboratory settings across various industries including healthcare, environmental, and manufacturing
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in biotech, pharmaceutical, and research institutionsWidely used across healthcare, research, and industrial labs

Cell Culture specialists focus on growing and maintaining cells for research or production, requiring specialized skills and training. Laboratory Technicians perform a broader range of lab tasks across various settings, often with less specialized training. Both roles are essential in laboratory environments but differ in scope and expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cell Culture Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cell Culture Specialist, you need a background in biology or biotechnology, hands-on experience with aseptic techniques, and familiarity with cell biology principles, often supported by a relevant degree. Proficiency with laboratory equipment like biosafety cabinets, incubators, and knowledge of LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) or related data tracking software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this field. These skills and qualities ensure reliable cell line maintenance, minimize contamination risks, and support successful research or production outcomes.

What is cell culture?

Cell culture is the process of growing cells under controlled conditions, typically outside of their natural environment, such as in a laboratory. This technique is widely used in research, biotechnology, and medicine to study cell biology, produce vaccines, or manufacture proteins. The cells can originate from plants, animals, or humans and are maintained in nutrient-rich solutions that support their growth and development. Researchers use cell culture to understand disease mechanisms, test new drugs, and develop therapies. Proper aseptic techniques and specialized equipment are essential to prevent contamination and ensure reliable results.
More about Cell Culture jobs
What cities are hiring for Cell Culture jobs? Cities with the most Cell Culture job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cell Culture jobs? The most popular types of Cell Culture jobs are:
What states have the most Cell Culture jobs? States with the most job openings for Cell Culture jobs include:
Infographic showing various Cell Culture job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% As Needed, 49% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 20% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,021 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Scientist - Upstream Cell Culture

Novartis

Durham, NC • On-site

$93K - $174K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Novartis rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 71 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Job Description Summary

Location: Durham, NC #onsite
Novartis will not sponsor visas for this position.
Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.
This role is required to be in our Durham, NC office 5x/week.
Role Purpose:
The Expert, Science & Technology - Upstream/Cell Culture, is responsible for cell & gene therapy (AAV and LVV) upstream process development, optimization and scaling up/down, process characterization, technology transfer and GMP manufacturing support.


Job Description

Major accountabilities:

  • Leads and support activity with cross-functional organizations to plan, execute, and document experiments and early manufacturing that define the process, and method of delivery to the clinical and commercial sites.

  • Design and execution of time-sensitive experiments, studies, and capturing related data and knowledge, to advance the development products from Research to Development to GMP manufacturing.

  • Maintains constant awareness of novel biochemical and biophysical technologies for gene therapy production and characterization. Keeps up to date with the scientific literature and developments in the field. Applies understanding of regulatory expectations to process development strategies. Contributes to process risk assessments. Justifies development strategies and experiment designs.

  • Designs and applies DOE and QbD studies to develop, refine, optimize and characterize cell culture and vector production processes. Executes experiments and troubleshoot process and equipment. Conducts laboratory studies to enhance gene therapy manufacturing technologies, capabilities and processes (such as media development, bioreactor fed-batch and perfusion process development, optimization and scale-up).

  • Supports initiatives for new technology development and continuous improvement projects.

  • Provides support for process, analytical, and characterization knowledge related to the production of gene therapy products, and the raw materials needed to make them.

  • Tracks records of collaborative relations with groups such as research and development, analytical development, and pilot scale operations.

  • Ensures all documentation and reports are accurate, complete, and suitable for using in support of production, characterization, and regulatory filings.

  • Writes detailed experimental protocols, develop Bill of Materials (BOM), executes and documents experimental studies according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or established practices, review and report data.

  • Creates and revise SOPs for equipment and process operations.

  • Lead the authoring of technical reports and CMC sections for regulatory filings.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelor's biochemistry, chemical engineering, bioengineering, or related technical field with 4-6 years relevant experience or Master's with 2-4 or PhD with 0-2.
  • Extensive experience with production of virus or biologics from mammalian expression systems.

  • Hands on experience with different cell lines, bioreactors, and scale-down model is required.

  • Organized and systematic approach to viral or biologic production.

  • Ability to multi-task and meet tight timelines is essential.

  • Knowledge with a variety of biopharmaceutical purification processes.

  • Proficient in statistical analysis principles and approaches. Working knowledge and experience with Design of Experiment (DoE).

  • Ability to analyze data to make date-driven decisions and further progress development strategies. Innovative with a continuous improvement mindset. Excellent team player with good communication skills. Knowledge of viral cell/gene therapy and previous experience with AAV & LVV processes development is preferred.

  • Excellent team player with good communication skills.

Languages :

  • English.

The salary for this position is expected to range between $93,800 and $174,200 per year.

The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.

US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days,

holidays and other leaves.


EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.


Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.


Salary Range

$93,800.00 - $174,200.00


Skills Desired