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Upstream Process Development Scientist Jobs in Washington

Scientist: HPLC

Rockville, MD · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

... Upstream and Downstream teams for process development and characterization projects • Co-author analytical protocols and reports • Follow FDA and/or European agency regulations on analytical ...

... Upstream and Downstream teams for process development and characterization projects • Co-author analytical protocols and reports • Follow FDA and/or European agency regulations on analytical ...

Scientist: HPLC

Rockville, MD · On-site

$27.41 - $45/hr

... Upstream and Downstream teams for process development and characterization projects • Co-author analytical protocols and reports • Follow FDA and/or European agency regulations on analytical ...

... Upstream and Downstream teams for process development and characterization projects • Co-author analytical protocols and reports • Follow FDA and/or European agency regulations on analytical ...

- Process Engineer, Manufacturing Sciences & Technology, Cell Therapy Location: AstraZeneca ... This position will report to Director, MS&T, Cell Therapy Development and Operations. Key ...

- Process Engineer, Manufacturing Sciences & Technology, Cell Therapy Location: AstraZeneca ... This position will report to Director, MS&T, Cell Therapy Development and Operations. Key ...

- Process Engineer, Manufacturing Sciences & Technology, Cell Therapy Location: AstraZeneca ... This position will report to Director, MS&T, Cell Therapy Development and Operations. Key ...

-Process Engineer, Manufacturing Sciences & Technology, Cell Therapy Location: AstraZeneca ... development and/or manufacturing, as well asexpertisein technology transfer. Experience with ...

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Upstream Process Development Scientist information

See Washington salary details

$23

$43

$69

How much do upstream process development scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for upstream process 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Upstream Process Development Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Upstream Process Development Scientist, you need a strong background in bioprocess engineering, cell culture, and molecular biology, typically supported by a degree in life sciences or biochemical engineering. Familiarity with bioreactor systems, analytical instrumentation, and data analysis software, as well as experience with cGMP and regulatory guidelines, is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help drive innovation and collaboration in the lab. These skills are crucial for optimizing cell culture processes, ensuring product quality, and meeting timelines in biopharmaceutical development.

What is an upstream scientist?

An upstream process development scientist is responsible for designing and optimizing the early stages of biopharmaceutical production, such as cell culture and fermentation processes. They work with bioreactors, develop protocols, and use tools like chromatography and spectrometry to ensure efficient production of biological products. Strong knowledge of bioprocessing, cell biology, and laboratory techniques is essential for this role.

What are some typical challenges faced by Upstream Process Development Scientists, and how are they addressed in the workplace?

Upstream Process Development Scientists often encounter challenges such as optimizing cell culture conditions for maximum yield, scaling up processes from bench to pilot or production scale, and troubleshooting variability in biological systems. These challenges are typically addressed through rigorous experimental design, close collaboration with cross-functional teams like analytical development and quality assurance, and leveraging data-driven approaches to problem-solving. Regular team meetings and access to advanced instrumentation also provide support, ensuring that scientists can quickly adapt to evolving project needs and industry standards.

What does an Upstream Process Development Scientist do?

An Upstream Process Development Scientist is responsible for designing, optimizing, and scaling up processes for the production of biological products such as proteins, vaccines, or antibodies. They primarily focus on cell culture, fermentation, and bioreactor operations to maximize yield and product quality. These scientists work closely with research and manufacturing teams to develop efficient and reproducible processes that can be transferred to large-scale production. Their work is essential in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries for the development of new therapeutics.

What is the difference between Upstream Process Development Scientist vs Downstream Process Development Scientist?

AspectUpstream Process Development ScientistDownstream Process Development Scientist
Focus AreaBioreactor cultivation, cell culture optimization, media developmentPurification, filtration, chromatography, product recovery
Skills & CertificationsCell biology, bioprocessing, GMP regulationsProtein chemistry, purification techniques, GMP compliance
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, bioreactors, pilot plantsLaboratories, purification facilities, pilot plants
Industry UsageBiopharmaceuticals, biotech companies, contract manufacturingBiopharmaceuticals, biotech companies, contract manufacturing

Both roles are essential in bioprocessing, with upstream scientists focusing on cell growth and media optimization, while downstream scientists handle product purification. They often collaborate closely within biopharmaceutical manufacturing to ensure efficient production and high-quality biologics.

How much do fermentation scientists make?

Fermentation scientists, including Upstream Process Development Scientists, typically earn between $70,000 and $110,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in bioprocessing and laboratory techniques can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000.

What is the highest paid type of scientist?

Among scientists, petroleum engineers and data scientists tend to have the highest average salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually. Upstream process development scientists in biotech or pharmaceutical industries typically earn competitive salaries but generally less than specialized fields like petroleum or data science, depending on experience and location.

What does a process development scientist do?

A process development scientist designs, optimizes, and scales up manufacturing processes for biopharmaceutical products, ensuring efficiency, quality, and compliance with regulatory standards. They use laboratory experiments, data analysis, and process modeling to improve production methods and troubleshoot issues in the development phase.
What job categories do people searching Upstream Process Development Scientist jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Upstream Process Development Scientist jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Upstream Process Development Scientist jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Upstream Process Development Scientist job openings:
Infographic showing various Upstream Process Development Scientist job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 58% Full Time, and 39% Part Time. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,083 per year, or $43.8 per hour.
Scientist (Analytical Development, Cell Therapy)

Scientist (Analytical Development, Cell Therapy)

AstraZeneca

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$90K - $136K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


AstraZeneca rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 71 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Scientist (Analytical Development, Cell Therapy)

Summary of the group

Join our Cell Therapy Analytical Development team, where we develop and deliver robust, technologically advanced biological assays to progress cell therapy products from research to commercial stages. Our team supports the end-to-end biological and bioanalyticalcharacterization ofviral vectorandcell therapy products, enablingmanufacturing processes, formulation, drug product development, and regulatory filings from IND to BLA and beyond. We collaborate closely with analytical quality and several cross-functional teams, including clinical, regulatory, QA, and manufacturing.

Accountabilities

  • Develop robustfunctional, characterization, and molecular analytical methods including method qualification and transfer.

  • Make detailed observations, analyze data, interpret results, and exerciseappropriate technicaldiscretion in the design, execution, and interpretation of experiments independently.

  • Carry outanalytical development/sample testing to enablelentiviral vectorupstream and downstream processdevelopment.

  • Author/reviewtechnical reports, protocols, and technical summaries for presentation.

  • Present and discuss experimental results at group/project team meetings.

  • Workin a team-based structure and interface with research and process development departments.

Essential Skills/Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in Immunology, Cell Biology, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field with5+years of relevant experience or aMaster'sdegree in Immunology, Cell Biology, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field with3+ years of relevant experience.

  • Biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience working withanalyticalforlentiviral vectorand CAR T cellsisrequired.

  • Experiencemethod qualification/validationandtech transfer ofcell and gene therapy analytical methods isarequired.

  • Highly proficientinimmunology techniques isrequired, such asELISA or similar technology platforms.

  • Highly proficientinmolecular biologytechniques isrequired, such asqPCR,dPCR,for gene edit evaluation,on target/off target analysis.

  • Exhibit excellent written and oral communication skills.

  • Good timemanagement and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks from multiple projects to meet timelines.

Desirable Skills/Experience

  • Experience inbiophysicalanalysissuch as DLS, HPLC,massspectrometry and capillary electrophoresis, Flowvirometryis a plusfor lentiviral vectorcharacterization isa plus.

  • Experience withNGS is a plus

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 atpaceand challenge perceptions.That'swhy we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But thatdoesn'tmeanwe'renot flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

At AstraZeneca, we are driven by our commitment to deliver accelerated growth and make people's lives better. Our inclusive network of diverse and high-performing teams supports each other with trust and respect. We thrive on curiosity and problem-solving, constantly learning and evolving. With opportunities for global careers and great rewards, AstraZeneca is where you can make a real impact.Ready to make a difference? Apply now to join our team!

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $90,961 to $136,441. 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

04-Jun-2026

Closing Date

11-Jun-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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