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Upstream Process Development Scientist Jobs in Washington

Scientist I, AR&D

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

As a Scientist I on our Analytical R&D team, you would be responsible for testing the product ... Support the R&D team by testing the process development sample for content uniformity, blend ...

Scientist I, AR&D

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

As a Scientist I on our Analytical R&D team, you would be responsible for testing the product ... Support the R&D team by testing the process development sample for content uniformity, blend ...

Be Seen First

Document, record, investigate, and report observed process variances/deviations, in real time ... S. in biology/life sciences, bioengineering, or related discipline with 1.5 years of experience.

New

Scientist - NIH VRC

Bethesda, MD ยท On-site

$53.33/hr

Purification development experience for GMP process development in biotech/pharmaceutical or ... Category Science / Research Location NIH - Bethesda, MD - Bethesda, MD 20892 US (Primary) Education ...

Physical Therapist

Woodbridge, VA ยท On-site

$1.6K - $2.1K/wk

Continue learning and growing through Upstream's education and development programs Qualifications ... Specific details will be provided during the hiring process. Upstream Rehabilitation is an Equal ...

Physical Therapist

Ashburn, VA ยท On-site

$1.7K - $2.2K/wk

Continue learning and growing through Upstream's education and development programs Qualifications ... Specific details will be provided during the hiring process. Upstream Rehabilitation is an Equal ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 5, 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 are some typical challenges faced by an upstream process development scientist, 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.

What are popular job titles related to Upstream Process Development Scientist jobs in Washington? For Upstream Process Development Scientist jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,083 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Scientist I, AR&D

Granules

Chantilly, VA โ€ข On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Description:

Granules Pharmaceuticals Inc., (GPI) is a subsidiary of Granules India LTD. Over the past 34 years, we have worked towards strengthening our core and we are currently the 10th fastest growing generic pharma company in the US!

With our sites in Chantilly and Manassas, Virginia, we have R&D through manufacturing and packaging of our medicines including pulsatile drug release in tablet and capsule dosage form, orally disintegrating modified release tablets (XR, MR, ER), modified release suspension and controlled substances capabilities in an abuse deterrent technology platform.

We are dedicated to excellence in manufacturing, quality, and commercialization of generic drugs to give customers reliable and affordable options.


**US Based CANDIDATES ONLY**


Job Summary:


As a Scientist I on our Analytical R&D team, you would be responsible for testing the product development samples and supporting R&D team on timely manner with analytical sample testing. This includes performing the Assay Dissolution, analytical method development, and method validation including preparing analytical method validation and verification protocols . Additionally, you would be responsible for the testing and release of in-process, finished product, and Stability samples including process evaluation samples.

Following SOPs to complete tasks, while ensuring safe and efficient execution of job duties is crucial in this role.


Job Duties and responsibilities include but not limited to:


  • Proficient in operating the laboratory instrumentation/equipment, including but not limited to: FTIR, HPLC, UPLC, Dissolution apparatus, ICP-MS, GC, UV-Vis, Karl fisher (KF), Ion chromatography (IC), Malvern Master sizer, etc.
  • Support the R&D team by testing the process development sample for content uniformity, blend uniformity, Assay, particle size distribution, density, water determination by KF, viscosity, and other tests as required.
  • Conduct analytical method development, method optimization, method validation, method verification and method transfer for finish products.
  • Draft test methods, method validation protocols and reports as per the Company SOPs and regulatory guidelines
  • Perform additional analytical testing (multimedia dissolution, photo stability, Dose dumping etc.) for ANDA submission
  • Timely execution and completion of assigned tasks
  • Document experiments accurately and complete all associated documents (Instrument, Standard and Column usage logbooks) in compliance with internal SOPs and FDA guidelines
  • Maintain work area and laboratory with good housekeeping practices and in compliant with cGMP.
  • Identify and communicate continuous improvement opportunities to the Analytical Manager and Director
  • Monitor and ensure availability of chemicals, columns, standards, and other consumable for sample testing.
  • Other duties assigned by management based on requirements


Management responsibilities include:


  • Assign daily work schedule in timely manner
  • Provide guidance in method Development and validation.
  • Interpret and review generated results
  • Provide assistance in professional development.


Requirements:


Minimum Education & Experience:


  • Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related area with 5+ years of directly related experience in pharmaceutical industry OR
  • Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related area with 2+ years of directly related experience in pharmaceutical industry
  • Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP)
  • Experience with software and information systems (e.g. Empower, Microsoft word and Excel)


Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities


  • Proven Knowledge of the major analytical techniques and operation of instruments such as HPLC, GC, dissolution, FT-IR, UV-VIS Spectrophotometer, Particle size analysis (Malvern Mastersizer, Sonic sifting and Sieve shaker), Karl Fisher Instrument, Potentiometric Titration, Density meter, pH meter, Melting point apparatus, Analytical Balances, Viscometer
  • Experience with HPLC Method development & validation
  • Proficient in documentation as per Good Documentation Practice
  • Computer skills including Microsoft and Excel
  • Excellent verbal and written communication and skills


Physical Requirements/Working Environment:


  • Must be able to stand for long periods of time (up to 12-hour shifts), maneuver at least 40 pounds, wear a respirator and pass associated respirator tests and/or requirements, and be able to wear all required PPE.
  • Vision - ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).


Disclaimer


The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.


We believe in fair and transparent pay practices. Actual compensation is determined based on relevant experience, qualifications, skills, and internal equity.