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Cell Line Development Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Description Support of routine Biologics analytical testing of samples from cell-line development, in-process, process development/characterization, forced degradation, release & stability, and pre ...

Scientist-II

Rahway, NJ · On-site

$111K/yr

Description Support of routine Biologics analytical testing of samples from cell-line development, in-process, process development/characterization, forced degradation, release & stability, and pre ...

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Cell Line Development information

See New York salary details

$13

$22

$35

How much do cell line development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for cell line development in New York is $22.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.94 and $23.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do cell biologists earn?

Cell biologists typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can increase with advanced skills, certifications, and work in biotech or pharmaceutical industries.

What is the highest paid type of scientist?

In the field of cell line development, senior scientists such as Principal Scientists or Directors typically earn the highest salaries, often exceeding $150,000 annually. These roles require extensive experience, advanced skills in bioprocessing and molecular biology, and often involve leadership responsibilities in biotech or pharmaceutical companies.

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

To excel in Cell Line Development, a strong background in cell biology, molecular biology, and genetics is essential, often supported by a degree in a life science field. Experience with laboratory techniques such as cell culture, transfection, CRISPR gene editing, and using bioreactors or automated cell screening systems is highly valued. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are important soft skills for success. These qualifications are crucial to consistently generate, characterize, and optimize stable cell lines for research or bioproduction purposes.

How much does a cell scientist make?

The average salary for a cell scientist or cell line development scientist typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or advanced degrees can earn higher salaries, especially in biotech or pharmaceutical industries.

What is a Cell Line Development job?

A Cell Line Development job involves creating and optimizing stable cell lines used in biopharmaceutical production, research, and drug development. Professionals in this role engineer cells to express desired proteins, ensuring high yield and stability for large-scale manufacturing. Responsibilities include transfection, selection, characterization, and process optimization. This work is critical for producing therapeutic proteins, monoclonal antibodies, and vaccines.

What does cell line development do?

Cell line development involves creating and optimizing cell lines used to produce biological products such as proteins or antibodies. It includes selecting, modifying, and maintaining cells in a laboratory setting, often using techniques like genetic engineering and cell culture to ensure consistent and high-yield production for research or manufacturing. This process is essential in biopharmaceutical development and requires skills in molecular biology and cell culture techniques.

What are typical day-to-day responsibilities for someone working in Cell Line Development?

Professionals in Cell Line Development typically spend their days culturing and maintaining mammalian or microbial cells, performing genetic modifications, and screening for desirable cell traits. They regularly design and execute experiments, analyze data, and meticulously document results to ensure reproducibility and regulatory compliance. Collaboration with upstream/downstream process teams, quality control, and research scientists is common, as is troubleshooting challenges such as cell viability or genetic stability. This role is hands-on and dynamic, offering a balance of bench work and data analysis throughout the week.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cell Line Development jobs in New York? The most popular types of Cell Line Development jobs in New York are:
Infographic showing various Cell Line Development job openings in New York as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 88% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,121 per year, or $22.7 per hour.
Associate Principal Scientist, Downstream Process Development

Associate Principal Scientist, Downstream Process Development

Merck & Co., Inc.

Rahway, NJ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Merck rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 71 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Job Description
Job Description In Primary Posting Language
The Biologics Process Research & Development organization within our company's Research Laboratories is responsible for developing the drug substance manufacturing processes for our company's biologics pipeline. We work closely with colleagues in Discovery, Pre-clinical and Early Development to rapidly develop manufacturing processes for biotherapeutics and efficiently manufacture material to supply clinical trials. We are also responsible for commercial process development and the development and implementation of new manufacturing technologies. We work with our partners in the company's Manufacturing Division to commercialize and launch new products.
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to join our Downstream Process Development and Engineering group as an Associate Principal Scientist. In this role, you will work with a highly collaborative team of Scientists and Engineers to design and develop downstream purification processes in support of early and late-stage biological products. The scope and activities include designing and optimization of downstream unit operations such as cell harvest, filtration, chromatography, viral clearance, precipitation, crystallization, and continuous processing for batch and intensified/continuous bioprocesses. The role will also include strategic Applicants should have effective organizational and multi-tasking skills and strong communication skills both verbal and presentation of data is required. A track record of leveraging data science and digital tools for delivering impactful solutions to complex problems are distinguishing. Evidence of strong cross-functional collaboration, experience successfully mentoring junior scientists, leading projects, and an external presence through scientific excellence are expected.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
The successful candidate will contribute to CMC development of our company's pipeline, playing an active role in development of downstream processes and transfer to clinical and commercial manufacturing sites. She/He will also develop strategies for process and pipeline-facing innovation.
Responsibilities include:
• Leading biologic downstream process development for first-in-human and commercial processes by efficiently developing high yield, robust and scalable processes. Independently designing and conducting experiments using relevant operational parameters and analytical inputs.
• Providing technical supervision for process development and characterization
• Collaborate with upstream process development, Biologics Analytical R&D, and other cross-functional teams in both Research and Manufacturing to advance biologics pipeline.
• Advancing downstream platform process technical strategy, and championing creative process improvement initiatives
• Assessing new technologies, sciences, and industry strategies and relevance to our company
• Collaborating with academia, industry partners, and vendors to drive development, innovation and adoption of new process technologies
• Keeping up to date with the external patent and literature environment; actively presents and publishes externally and pursues patenting strategies
• Mentoring junior scientists
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
• Ph.D. with 3+ years of industry experience or Master with 6+ years industry experience or BS with 8+ years in industry experience in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical engineering, or a related field
REQUIRED SKILLS:
• Proven record of accomplishments in downstream process and technology development with a scientific publication and presentation track record.
• Scientific understanding of the engineering principles for recombinant protein purification unit operations. Proven ability to design and execute protein purification experiments independently.
• Ability to direct the planning, execution, analysis, and documentation of all stages of downstream process development.
• Ability to work in a matrixed team environment and collaborate with both internal and external partners including vendors
• Knowledge of biologics CMC development cycle
• Demonstrated ability for taking initiative, creativity, and innovation in problem solving
PREFERRED SKILLS:
• Experience with high throughput experimentation using automation platforms such as TECAN
• Experience using and/or programming process control systems such as DeltaV and PCS 7
• Experience with integrated and continuous processing and equipment including multi-column chromatography systems (BioSMB, PCC, or similar)
• Background or experience in data science approaches related to downstream processes and predictive modeling (multivariate data analysis, machine learning/artificial intelligence, leveraging PAT)
Required Skills:
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cell Line Development, Chemical Engineering, Chromatography, Clinical Supplies Management, Clinical Trials, Column Chromatography, Commercialization, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Detail-Oriented, Downstream Process Development, Drug Delivery Technology, Drug Development, Expression Vectors, Interpersonal Relationships, Leading Project Teams, Manufacturing Processes, Molecular Biology, Multivariate Data Analysis, Pharmaceutical Formulations, Pharmaceutical Process Development, Physical Characterization, Protein Purifications, Stable Cell Lines, Strategic Planning
Preferred Skills:
Current Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:
Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.
As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:
EEOC Know Your Rights
EEOC GINA Supplement
We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.
Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts
The salary range for this role is
$142,400.00 - $224,100.00
This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.
The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.
You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.
San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Employee Status:
Regular
Relocation:
Domestic
VISA Sponsorship:
Yes
Travel Requirements:
10%
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable
Shift:
Not Indicated
Valid Driving License:
No
Hazardous Material(s):
n/a
Job Posting End Date:
06/20/2026
*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

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