1

Cell Line Development Scientist Jobs in Washington

Perform mammalian cell culture, cell line engineering support, and maintenance of relevant human ... Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development, Certifications & Learning Opportunities* Employee ...

Showing results 21-40

Cell Line Development Scientist information

See Washington salary details

$23

$43

$69

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.

Scientist, Drug Product Development

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

AstraZeneca
Pharmaceutical Product Wholesalers • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 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

AstraZeneca is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Scientist, Drug Product Development to support drug product development activities for lentiviral vector (LVV) programs within our Cell Therapy and Genetic Medicines portfolio. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of robust drug product formulations and processes that enable clinical advancement of ex vivo and in vivo cell and gene therapy programs.
In this hands-on laboratory-based role, the Scientist will be responsible for designing, executing, analyzing, and reporting drug product development studies supporting formulation development, fill-finish processes, characterization, stability assessments, and technology transfer activities. The position requires close collaboration with Process Development, Analytical Development, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, and external partners to deliver high-quality scientific data and development packages.
Key Responsibilities
Formulation Development
  • Design, execute, and document formulation development studies for LVV and other viral vector drug products.
  • Evaluate formulation components and process conditions to improve vector stability, potency, and product quality.
  • Generate scientific data to support selection of platform and program-specific formulations.
  • Analyze study results and present findings to cross-functional teams.

Drug Product Process Development
  • Plan and perform laboratory and pilot-scale drug product studies supporting fill-finish process development.
  • Support evaluation of filling processes, container closure systems, storage conditions, and shipping configurations.
  • Execute studies related to freeze-thaw performance, hold-time assessments, and process robustness.
  • Participate in development and optimization of drug product manufacturing processes.

Characterization and Stability Studies
  • Design and execute stability studies to support product development and regulatory submissions.
  • Collaborate with Analytical Development to assess critical quality attributes, including potency, infectivity, particle characteristics, and product integrity.
  • Interpret experimental results and provide data-driven recommendations.
  • Support development of stability-indicating strategies and shelf-life assessments.

Technology Transfer Support
  • Support drug product technology transfer activities to internal manufacturing sites and external CDMOs.
  • Generate development data and documentation required for scale-up and process transfer.
  • Participate in troubleshooting activities during manufacturing campaigns and process implementation.
  • Assist in development of scale-down models and comparability studies as needed.

Documentation and Regulatory Support
  • Author protocols, technical reports, development summaries, risk assessments, and manufacturing support documents.
  • Maintain accurate laboratory records in accordance with company and quality requirements.
  • Contribute to preparation of CMC documentation and technical sections for regulatory submissions, including IND-enabling packages.
  • Ensure activities are conducted in compliance with applicable quality systems and regulatory expectations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with Upstream and Downstream Process Development, Analytical Development, Manufacturing, Quality, and Regulatory teams to advance development programs.
  • Communicate scientific findings clearly through written reports, presentations, and team discussions.
  • Contribute technical expertise during project planning and development strategy discussions.
  • Support problem-solving and investigation activities across development programs.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement
  • Stay current with emerging drug product and formulation technologies relevant to viral vectors and cell therapy products.
  • Identify opportunities to improve laboratory workflows, experimental approaches, and development processes.
  • Contribute to implementation of new technologies and best practices within the organization.

Qualifications
Education
  • Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or related scientific discipline with 0-2 years of relevant industry experience; OR
  • M.S. with 4-6 years of relevant industry experience.

Experience
  • Hands-on experience in drug product development for viral vectors, cell therapies, biologics, vaccines, or related modalities.
  • Experience designing and executing laboratory studies independently.
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze complex datasets and generate clear scientific conclusions.
  • Experience working in cross-functional development teams.

Technical Expertise
  • Working knowledge of one or more of the following areas:
    • Formulation development
    • UF/DF operations
    • Drug product process development
    • Fill-finish processes
    • Container closure systems
    • Particle characterization
    • Stability study design and execution
    • Viral vector or biologics manufacturing processes

GMP & Regulatory Knowledge
  • Understanding of cGMP principles and quality systems.
  • Familiarity with development documentation and regulatory expectations for biologics, cell therapies, or gene therapies.
  • Experience supporting technical reports and regulatory documentation is preferred.

Professional Skills
  • Strong experimental design and laboratory execution skills.
  • Excellent technical writing and scientific reporting abilities.
  • Effective verbal communication and presentation skills.
  • Strong organizational, troubleshooting, and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, matrixed environment.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.
Why AstraZeneca: Join a research-led organization where science and strategy meet to change clinical practice. You will work alongside experts who generate and communicate evidence that helps save lives, supported by a culture that values openness, shared learning, and the courage to try new ideas.
The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges $92,252 - $138,378 USD Annual. 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
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.

What AstraZeneca employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


AstraZeneca logo

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