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$49

How much do upstream process development research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for upstream process development research associate in the United States is $33.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.64 and $41.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Upstream Process Development Research Associate vs Downstream Process Development Research Associate?

AspectUpstream Process Development Research AssociateDownstream Process Development Research Associate
Primary FocusDeveloping and optimizing cell culture and fermentation processesPurification and recovery of bioproducts from cell cultures
Required SkillsBioprocessing, cell biology, fermentation techniquesChromatography, filtration, purification methods
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, bioreactors, pilot plantsLaboratories, purification facilities
Industry UsageBiotech, pharmaceutical manufacturingBiotech, pharmaceutical manufacturing

Both roles are essential in bioprocess development, with upstream associates focusing on cell culture processes and downstream associates handling product purification. They often collaborate but require different technical skills aligned with their specific stages in bioprocessing.

What cities are hiring for Upstream Process Development Research Associate jobs?

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Infographic showing various Upstream Process Development Research Associate job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,060 per year, or $33.7 per hour.

Research Associate, Upstream Process Development

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Krystal Biotech
Biotechnology Research and Development • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Krystal Biotechexternal

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

About Krystal Bio: At Krystal Biotech, we bring together the brightest and most eager minds to relentlessly pursue the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of genetic medicines to treat diseases with high unmet medical needs.
Founded in 2016, Krystal is distinguished in three powerful ways: science and technology using our patented gene therapy platform, innovative manufacturing supported by our commercial scale facilities, and a unique commercialization model that focuses on the patient's end-to-end experience.
Krystal received U.S. FDA approval for the first and only redosable gene therapy treatment, VYJUVEK®, for the treatment of Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (DEB). Krystal continues to leverage our proprietary platform to rapidly advance a robust pipeline of investigational genetic medicines in respiratory, oncology, dermatology, and ophthalmology.
Krystal is headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, which is home to our two state-of-the-art CGMP manufacturing facilities with teams around the world and satellite offices in Switzerland, Germany, and Japan. We are a company built and run by people who care, are fearless in the face of a challenge, love the work they do, and practice the highest level of scientific integrity. As we grow, we are seeking team members that embody these values.
Position Summary:
Krystal Biotech, Inc. is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Research Associate to support multidisciplinary efforts in Upstream Process Development.
The Research Associate will support process development initiatives by conducting experiments related to the characterization, optimization, and scale-up of viral vector production. They will support the tech transfer of developed processes to the Manufacturing team.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Set up and operate bench scale bioreactors under the guidance of senior staff
  • Perform mammalian cell culture using aseptic techniques
  • Prepare buffers and media, maintain equipment, and order supplies to ensure the lab runs smoothly
  • Provide technical support in the lab through equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
  • Participate in study design and process development brainstorming sessions
  • Design scientifically sound experiments and record data accurately in electronic lab notebooks
  • Adhere to safety guidelines and maintain a clean and orderly lab environment
  • Analyze experimental data and effectively communicate findings with manager and rest of process development team
  • Interact with cross-functional teams (manufacturing, MSAT, etc.) to identify and solve problems encountered during process scale-up
Requirements and Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering or a related scientific discipline.
  • Some understanding in one or more of the following areas: aseptic technique, mammalian cell culture, bioreactor technology, cell biology, and/or virology
  • Familiarity with bioreactor operation and upstream processing is a plus
  • Familiarity with lab automation or basic coding is a plus
  • High capability of multitasking in a fast-paced team-oriented environment
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills

Krystal Biotech, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employers. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status. Headhunters and recruitment agencies may not submit resumes/CVs through this Web site or directly to managers. Krystal Biotech, Inc. does not accept unsolicited headhunter and agency resumes. Krystal Biotech, Inc. will not pay fees to any third-party agency or company that does not have a signed agreement with Krystal Biotech, Inc.

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