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Cell Line Development Scientist Jobs in Washington

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Cell Line Development Scientist information

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How much do cell line development scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for cell line development scientist in Washington is $43.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.12 and $52.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cell line development scientist do?

A Cell Line Development Scientist is responsible for creating and optimizing cell lines used in the production of biopharmaceuticals, such as therapeutic proteins and monoclonal antibodies. Their work involves selecting, engineering, and characterizing cell lines to ensure high productivity, stability, and quality of the desired product. They use advanced techniques in molecular biology, cell culture, and genetic engineering to achieve these goals. Additionally, they document and analyze data, comply with regulatory standards, and collaborate with other departments to support drug development processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cell line development scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cell Line Development Scientist, you need expertise in molecular and cell biology, mammalian cell culture, and a relevant life sciences degree (often a PhD or MSc). Experience with cloning, gene editing tools (like CRISPR), bioreactors, and data analysis software such as FlowJo or JMP is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for developing high-quality cell lines efficiently, ensuring robust research outcomes and supporting biopharmaceutical production.

What are some common challenges faced by cell line development scientists during the cell line selection process?

Cell Line Development Scientists often encounter challenges such as ensuring high productivity and stability of the selected cell line, dealing with genetic drift over multiple passages, and minimizing variability in protein expression. Achieving regulatory compliance and thorough documentation is also critical, as processes must be traceable and reproducible. Collaboration with upstream and downstream process teams is essential to address issues early and optimize cell lines for large-scale manufacturing requirements.

What is the difference between Cell Line Development Scientist vs Research Associate in Biotech?

AspectCell Line Development ScientistResearch Associate in Biotech
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Life Sciences, PhD often preferredBachelor's or Master's in related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories focused on cell line creation and optimizationGeneral biotech or research labs, supporting various projects
Employer & Industry UsageBiotech and pharmaceutical companies, research institutionsBiotech firms, research organizations, academic labs
Common Search & ComparisonCell Line Development Scientist vs Research Associate in Biotech

The main difference is that a Cell Line Development Scientist specializes in creating and optimizing cell lines for production, requiring more advanced skills and experience. In contrast, a Research Associate in Biotech typically supports broader research activities with less focus on cell line development. Both roles are essential in biotech research but differ in scope and expertise.

What job categories do people searching Cell Line Development Scientist jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Cell Line Development Scientist jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Cell Line Development Scientist jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Cell Line Development Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Cell Line Development Scientist job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,083 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Senior Scientist, Cell Line Development

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

AstraZeneca
Pharmaceutical Product Wholesalers • 10K+ employees

$112K - $168K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


AstraZeneca rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Your work will center on independently accomplishing single-cell isolation, small-scale viral packaging, high-throughput screening, and evaluating clone productivity and product quality to deliver stable and top-performing clones supporting AstraZeneca's emerging Cell Therapy portfolio. This position is based in Gaithersburg, MD. Key Responsibilities: Cell Line Development & Viral Packaging: Perform mammalian CLD activities, including single-cell and mini-pool generation, small-scale viral vector packaging and high throughput titration, and clone selection to achieve robust viral productivity for upstream processes.

High-Throughput Screening & Analytics Interface: Establish efficient, scalable workflows for rapid cell characterization and clone evaluation, and high-throughput titer screening; partner with analytical and process development teams to link clone selection choices to critical quality attributes using molecular/cell analytics (e.g., flow cytometry, qPCR/ddPCR, ELISA, titering assays). Cell line engineering: lead and implement cell line engineering to improve cell line performance, including LVV packaging efficiency, vector quality, genetic stability and overall robustness Data Analysis & Collaboration: Analyze and interpret complex datasets, maintain accurate experimental documentation, and collaborate with upstream Process Development and Analytical teams to support smooth process handoffs. Qualifications: Education: PhD degree (or equivalent to 2-5 yoe) or Master's degree (or equivalent to 5-8 yoe) in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Virology, or a related scientific field

BS+8-10 yoe / MS+3-4 yoe / PhD+0-2 yoe Core Technical Expertise: Extensive, hands-on experience in mammalian CLD, viral vector packaging, and clone screening, with a strong emphasis on cultivating and optimizing HEK293 based host cells in suspension culture for high-yield Lentiviral vector production. Proficiency in single-cell isolation using cell sorter, advanced imaging systems, and clone characterization via flow cytometry. Experience with high-throughput titration assays and utilizing, maintaining, and troubleshooting automated liquid handling and high-throughput screening platforms.

Experience with stable genetic modification of mammalian cells using approaches such as CRISPR/cas9 Desirable Experience: Experience in monoclonality validation and expanding stable master cell lines. Hands-on experience in virus/vector engineering for host cell line optimization or vector performance improvement. Background in viral vector biology, cell and gene therapy within the pharmaceutical industry, supporting vector design/engineering for maximized titers, quality and overall manufacturability.

Viral vector stable producer cell line development Core Competencies: Effective interpersonal skills, meticulous attention to detail, and independent troubleshooting capabilities and in a fast-paced laboratory environment. The annual base pay for this position ranges from $ 112,304.00 - 168,456.00 The annual base pay for this position ranges from $112,304.00 - $168,456.00 . 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. 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 10-Sep-2026 Closing Date 24-Sep-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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About AstraZeneca

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world's most serious diseases. But we're more than one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. A place built on courage, curiosity and collaboration - we make bold decisions driven by patient outcomes. Empowered to lead at every level, free to ask questions and take smart risks that write the next chapter for our pipeline and Oncology team. Make a meaningful impact that brings real benefits to society. By applying your knowledge of data, you will help to redefine our industry and ultimately save lives. Work with experts who share a common goal: to accelerate the potential of medicines and the science of tomorrow.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers and pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, GB