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Product Development Scientist Jobs in Washington

Catalent, Inc.

Sr. R&D Scientist

Manassas, VA · On-site

$91K - $125K/yr

Plan, coordinate, and guide the development and evaluation of new products, including pre ... Bachelor's degree in science or related field * Minimum 5-7 years of experience in a formulation ...

Catalent Pharma Solutions

Sr. R&D Scientist

Manassas, VA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Plan, coordinate, and guide the development and evaluation of new products, including pre ... Bachelor's degree in science or related field * Minimum 5-7 years of experience in a formulation ...

STAGE FRONT

Director of Product Development

Columbia, MD · On-site

$150 - $160/hr

Bachelor's degree in Business, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field. * 8+ years of experience in product management or product development. * 5+ years leading high-performing product teams.

Tempus

Program Manager, Product Development

Triangle, VA · On-site

$85K - $130K/yr

Guide and motivate cross-functional teams throughout the product development process. * Define ... Bachelor's degree (4 years) in a scientific, clinical, technical, or business field is preferred ...

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All JobsProduct Development Scientist JobsProduct Development Scientist Jobs in Washington

Product Development Scientist information

See Washington salary details

$52.1K

$93.6K

$136.5K

How much do product development scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for product development scientist in Washington is $93,618.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,100.00 and $107,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a product development scientist do?

A Product Development Scientist is responsible for researching, designing, and developing new products or improving existing ones, often within industries like food, pharmaceuticals, or consumer goods. They collaborate with cross-functional teams such as marketing, engineering, and manufacturing to ensure products meet quality, safety, and regulatory standards. Their work includes conducting experiments, analyzing data, and scaling up processes from the laboratory to full production. Product Development Scientists play a key role in bringing innovative products to market and ensuring they satisfy customer needs.

What does a product development scientist do?

A product development scientist assists a company with the entire process of new product development, from inception to production. As a product development scientist, your primary responsibilities are to research customer demand, develop concepts, and work on the formulation and completion of a product. You also document the development process, test new products to ensure adherence to safety standards and regulations, and assist with production. Your duties involve handling experimental design and execution, reviewing and analyzing data, and creating reports and preparing presentations. A product development scientist can work in a variety of industries, such as food, cosmetics, or pharmaceutical, and may benefit from a diverse professional background.

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

To thrive as a Product Development Scientist, you need a strong background in chemistry, biology, or engineering with a relevant degree, along with expertise in experimental design and data analysis. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, statistical software, and quality management systems is typically required, and certifications in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) can be advantageous. Excellent problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork skills help drive innovation and facilitate collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are essential for developing effective, safe, and market-ready products in competitive scientific industries.

What are some typical cross-functional collaborations for a product development scientist, and how do they impact project outcomes?

Product Development Scientists frequently collaborate with teams such as engineering, marketing, regulatory affairs, and quality assurance. These collaborations ensure that product concepts are both scientifically sound and commercially viable, comply with regulatory standards, and meet customer needs. Effective communication and coordination with these groups are essential for troubleshooting challenges, refining formulations, and accelerating product launch timelines. Building strong relationships across departments can significantly impact the success and speed of bringing new products to market.

What is the difference between Product Development Scientist vs Formulation Scientist?

AspectProduct Development ScientistFormulation Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Biology, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, product testing, cross-functional teamsLaboratories focused on formulation, testing, and stability studies
Industry UsageConsumer goods, pharmaceuticals, food & beveragePharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food & beverage

Product Development Scientists and Formulation Scientists often share similar educational backgrounds and work environments. However, Product Development Scientists focus on creating and improving products from concept to market, while Formulation Scientists specialize in developing specific formulations, such as drug or cosmetic formulas. Both roles are essential in bringing innovative products to consumers across various industries.

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For Product Development Scientist jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Product Development Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Product Development Scientist job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,618 per year, or $45 per hour.

Senior Scientist, Vaccine Drug Product Development

AstraZeneca

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

AstraZeneca rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 86 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

Senior Scientist, Vaccine Drug Product Development
Introduction to the Role
Join our Vaccines Drug Product Development team to shape the next generation of preventative therapies. We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist with experience in vaccine formulation development, adjuvant formulations, and co-formulated drug products. You will design and develop formulations and drug product processes spanning phase 1 through pivotal clinical development, with a focus on multi-antigen/adjuvant combinations and other vaccine modalities. You will drive development strategies, influence CMC decisions, manage external partners, and connect near-term deliverables to long-term patient impacts.
Key Responsibilities
You will work in a laboratory environment focused on vaccine drug product development, supporting programs from early formulation screening through clinical manufacturing readiness. Additionally, you will:
  • Vaccine Formulation Development: Design and execute formulation studies for vaccine drug products, including co-formulated multi-antigen/adjuvant combinations and other vaccine modalities. Evaluate antigen-adjuvant interactions, excipient compatibility, and stability to inform pipeline advancement decisions.
  • In Vitro Characterization: Perform experiments to evaluate formulation attributes such as antigen integrity, adsorption/desorption profiles, particle size, encapsulation efficiency, and colloidal stability. Generate data packages that support formulation down-selection and process development decisions.
  • Drug Product Process Design and Scale-Up: Design fit-for-purpose drug product processes (e.g., mixing, encapsulation, sterile filtration, lyophilization). Conduct scale-up and robustness studies to build process-product understanding across clinical phases. Contribute to technology transfer activities to manufacturing sites or CMOs/CDMOs.
  • Documentation and Regulatory Authoring: Author technical reports, protocols, and development summaries. Draft and contribute to CMC sections for INDs, and BLAs (i.e., process descriptions, formulation justifications, clinical compatibility). Maintain documentation in compliance with internal practices.
  • Cross-Functional Representation: Represent Drug Product on CMC sub-teams; collaborate with other functions to align formulation and process plans with program timelines.
  • Scientific Contribution and Lab Operations: Present findings at internal forums; contribute to external publications or conferences where appropriate. Stay current with emerging scientific literature and technology. Support coordination and maintenance of laboratory equipment.

Education & Experience Requirements
  • Education: BS, MS, or PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Immunology, Pharmaceutics or related fields of study.
  • Experience: BS: 7+ years; MS: 3+ years; PhD: 0+ years of experience in biopharmaceutical or vaccine development.

Required Skills & Experience
  • Formulation Development: Strong understanding of vaccine formulation principles, including adsorption kinetics, antigen-adjuvant interactions, buffer/excipient selection, and stability assessment (chemical, physical, colloidal). Ability to independently design and execute formulation studies with clear decision criteria.
  • In Vitro Characterization: Familiarity with biophysical characterization techniques such as DLS, HPLC/UPLC, LC-MS, UV/Fluorescence, ELISA/Binding assays, DSC/DMA, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, particle size and PDI, adsorption/desorption profiling, residual solvent/detergent analysis, Karl Fischer, osmolality, sterility/endotoxin, and appearance/particulate assessments.
  • Data Interpretation & Decision-Making: Ability to design experiments with clear decision criteria, critically interpret results, and connect experimental outcomes to inform next steps.
  • Process Engineering: Familiarity with unit operations relevant to vaccines (e.g., homogenization/emulsification, sterile filtration concepts, or LNP formation via microfluidics). Exposure to process scale-up considerations is a plus.
  • Scientific Communication: Ability to clearly document experimental work, summarize findings in written reports, and present data to multidisciplinary teams.
  • Collaboration: Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary scientific teams.

Desirable Skills & Experience
  • Process Engineering: Experience with unit operations relevant to vaccines (e.g., homogenization/emulsification, sterile filtration, LNP formation via microfluidics, lyophilization). Hands-on experience with process scale-up or tech transfer is preferred.
  • CMC and GMP Familiarity: Experience working within or interfacing with GMP manufacturing environments, reviewing batch records, or coordinating with CMOs/CDMOs.
  • Regulatory Authoring: Direct experience authoring or reviewing CMC sections for regulatory filings (IND, BLA).
  • External Scientific Engagement: Track record of conference presentations, publications, or patent contributions.

Ways of Working and Behaviors
  • Proactive and Motivated: Anticipates risks and opportunities; drives timely, high-quality execution with minimal supervision.
  • Collaborative and Engaged: Builds strong relationships across disciplines; communicates clearly; fosters transparency and shared accountability.
  • Patient Impact Focus: Passionate about translating technical work into better patient outcomes; prioritizes quality, and safety.
  • Scientific Rigor and Integrity: Upholds data integrity, methodical experimentation, and clear documentation; embraces feedback to improve outcomes.

Working Model
This is a lab-based position with an on-site requirement. However, there is flexibility for remote work based on individual needs and team priorities.
Location and Travel
  • Primary Site: Gaithersburg, MD (Biopharmaceuticals R&D)
  • Travel: Up to10% travel, primarily to CMOs/CDMOs, and internal manufacturing sites

Why AstraZeneca?
At AstraZeneca's Biopharmaceuticals R&D, you will join a community of scientists committed to advancing vaccine science with courage and clarity. Here, every challenge is an opportunity to learn and improve. You will have the opportunity to shape CMC strategies and deliver tangible impact for patients worldwide.
The annual base pay for this position ranges from $112,304 to $168,456. 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
14-Aug-2026
Closing Date
27-Aug-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

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