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Scientist Cell Culture Process Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Merck & Co.

Associate Scientist, Engineering

Rahway, NJ · On-site

$71K - $113K/yr

Support cell culture process development, process characterization and regulatory filing activities ... Science, Microbiological Cultures, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Primary Cell Culture, Process Design ...

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Scientist Cell Culture Process Development information

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How much do scientist cell culture process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for scientist cell culture process development in the United States is $38.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.37 and $46.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Scientist in Cell Culture Process Development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Scientist in Cell Culture Process Development, you need a solid background in cell biology, bioprocess engineering, and hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, typically supported by an advanced degree in a life science discipline. Familiarity with bioreactor systems, analytical assays, and software for data analysis such as JMP or Prism is often required, along with knowledge of regulatory guidelines. Strong problem-solving skills, meticulous attention to detail, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial for optimizing cell culture processes, ensuring experimental reproducibility, and supporting the development of safe and effective biopharmaceutical products.

What are some common challenges faced by scientists in cell culture process development, and how are they typically addressed?

Scientists in cell culture process development often encounter challenges such as maintaining cell line stability, optimizing growth conditions, and ensuring consistent product yield and quality. These challenges are typically addressed by rigorous experimental design, close monitoring of critical process parameters, and leveraging automation for reproducibility. Collaboration with analytical, quality assurance, and upstream/downstream teams is common to troubleshoot issues and refine processes. Staying updated with the latest bioprocessing technologies and regulatory guidelines also helps in overcoming these hurdles.

What is the difference between Scientist Cell Culture Process Development vs Scientist Bioprocess Development?

AspectScientist Cell Culture Process DevelopmentScientist Bioprocess Development
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, or related fieldsBachelor's/Master's in Chemical/Biological Engineering, Life Sciences
Work EnvironmentLaboratories focused on cell culture, bioreactors, and media optimizationBioprocessing facilities, pilot plants, and manufacturing environments
Industry UsagePrimarily in biotech and pharmaceutical companies developing cell-based therapiesIn biotech, pharma, and contract manufacturing organizations

Scientist Cell Culture Process Development focuses on optimizing and developing cell culture methods, media, and conditions for producing biological products. In contrast, Scientist Bioprocess Development encompasses a broader scope, including scaling up processes, bioreactor design, and process validation. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in their specific focus areas within biomanufacturing.

What does a Scientist in Cell Culture Process Development do?

A Scientist in Cell Culture Process Development is responsible for designing, optimizing, and scaling up processes to grow cells in laboratory settings, primarily for the production of biologics such as therapeutic proteins, vaccines, or cell-based therapies. They work to improve cell growth conditions, monitor cell health, and develop protocols that can be transferred from the lab to manufacturing scale. Their work is critical to ensuring products are produced efficiently, safely, and with high quality for clinical or commercial use.
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Scientist Cell Culture Process Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Scientist Cell Culture Process Development job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 30% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,420 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

Upstream Process Development Scientist (Cell Culture, Bioreactors)

Pioneer Data

Andover, MA • On-site

Contractor

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Position Details: 
Our client, a world-leading Pharmaceutical Company in Andover, MA is currently looking for a Upstream Process Development Scientist (Cell Culture, Bioreactors) to join their expanding team.
 
Job Title: Upstream Process Development Scientist (Cell Culture, Bioreactors)
Duration: 12 months contract, extendable up to 48 months
Location: Andover, MA
 
Note: 
The client has the right-to-hire you as a permanent employee at any time during or after the end of the contract.
You may participate in the company group medical insurance plan
 
Job Description:
Summary:
Manufacturing Sciences and Technology (MSAT) at client is looking for a highly motivated, versatile candidate to join our multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers in Andover, MA. 
The group supports Pfizer’s portfolio of late stage development and commercial biopharmaceuticals and vaccines, and is responsible for process troubleshooting, process improvements and second- generation process development. 
We are looking for someone who is eager to contribute independent thinking and technical excellence to the upstream cell culture mammalian team.
The ideal candidate will be a valuable contributor to the upstream team within MSAT Andover. 
The role is well-integrated with the rest of the MSAT group and will involve a lot of collaborative work both within the group and across the Andover site. 
The colleague will be expected to plan and execute well-designed lab experiments in cell culture with pre-defined goals. This includes basic analytics, data acquisition and interpretation, user-level maintenance of the relevant equipment and documentation of work.
 
Job Responsibilities:
Plan and execute upstream mammalian process experiments at laboratory scales.
Operate and maintain laboratory bioreactors and associated analytic tools.
Understand and (as necessary) adjust control and data acquisition systems.
Document results and present them to internal teams.
Assist in manufacturing investigations and process troubleshooting.
 
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with 3 years of applicable bioprocess experience.
Proficient in aseptic technique (required).
Experience in laboratory bioreactor operation and associated analytical tools (required).
Familiarity with control and data acquisition systems.
Knowledge of all aspects of cell culture bioreactor operation modes, i.e. batch, fed-batch, continuous.
Experience with processing and interpreting large data sets.
Involves typical bioprocessing lab activities (Examples: Lifting, sitting, standing, walking, bending, ability to perform mathematical calculations and ability to perform complex data analysis).
 
Additional Qualifications:
May require some out of hours working to support laboratory and off hours cell culture work, e.g weekend coverage once a month.