ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Upstream Process Development Scientist Jobs in Seattle, WA

Systimmune

Senior Scientist, Cell Science

Redmond, WA · On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

The Senior Scientist in the Cell Science Department is responsible for the development and ... mammalian stable cell line development, and upstream process development is preferred.

Lundbeck

Downstream Development Associate II

Bothell, WA · On-site

$38 - $45/hr

... Science & Validation Team. The Lu-SBP team leads and supports the development of new product ... Prepares purified protein product to support upstream process development and supply further ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsUpstream Process Development Scientist JobsUpstream Process Development Scientist Jobs in Seattle, WA

Upstream Process Development Scientist information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$23

$44

$70

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 Seattle, WA is $44.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.26 and $52.50 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 Seattle, WA? For Upstream Process Development Scientist jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Upstream Process Development Scientist jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Upstream Process Development Scientist jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Upstream Process Development Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Upstream Process Development Scientist job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,520 per year, or $44 per hour.

Associate Director, Bioreactor Process Design

Evotec

Redmond, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Job Title: Associate Director, Bioreactor Process Design
Location: Redmond, WA
Reports To: Director, Process Sciences
About Us:
At Just-Evotec, we believe that curiosity is the spark that drives innovation and success. As a forward-thinking team, we thrive on challenging the status quo, learning from each other, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. We're on a mission to create a place where curiosity isn't just encouraged, it's celebrated.
Are you someone who asks questions, seeks answers, and isn't afraid to go deeper? #BeCureious with us and see where your curiosity can take you!
The Role:
We're seeking an enthusiastic and hardworking team member who is passionate about expanding worldwide access to biotherapeutics through the advancement of continuous bioprocessing technology and mammalian cell culture processes.
This person will join a fast-paced, collaborative, and multidisciplinary team to support upstream process development at the bench and pilot scale for the advancement of low-cost biotherapeutics manufacturing. This position will oversee upstream process optimization, technology transfer, and process characterization for hybrid and end-to-end continuous processes.
The successful candidate will be detail-oriented, self-motivated, and efficient in completing hands-on laboratory tasks, and experience with bioreactor equipment operation and maintenance, lab management, and organizing workspace and tasks are required. The ideal candidate will have strong scientific group management and leadership skills as well as a proven track record of a deep understanding of upstream process development for clinical and commercial therapeutic proteins. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required as well as experience in client and multi-site communication. Finally, the ideal candidate is curious, creative, engaged, and the type who works well independently and in teams while constantly looking for ways to advance scientific processes and improve technology.
What You'll Do:
  • Leading a mammalian cell culture department with a diverse group of scientists encompassing all aspects of upstream process development, characterization, and validation as well as technology transfer to cGMP manufacturing for continuous processes.
  • Leading highly complex projects and investigations by integrating deep knowledge of upstream process development and broad knowledge of project work with knowledge of multiple functional areas.
  • Collaborating across the organization to accelerate clinical development timelines while reducing development costs.
  • Driving technology development for process intensification and continuous manufacturing to reduce manufacturing costs and footprint through improvements in cell culture productivity, control of product quality, and data management while working with vendors and external partners as well as influencing the biologics industry.
  • Serving as a Project Team Lead within the process development organization to execute on client projects that involve multiple functional areas and the full range of regulatory stages.
  • Serving as an internal technical resource for cGMP manufacturing and Process Design as well as a resource and subject matter expert for external clients and partners for perfusion bioreactor processes (small scale models, process transfer, and scale up) and authoring CMC regulatory sections.
  • Clearly and effectively communicating scientific information, experimental plans, and data to internal project teams, cross-functional area teams, senior management, external clients, vendors, and technology development collaborators as well as the external scientific community such as regulatory agencies, review boards, publications, and conferences.
  • Managing staff, training, capital resources, and planning within the department while supporting multiple client projects at various stages of process development and characterization.
  • Other tasks as assigned.

Who You Are:
  • BS/MS in Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology, or related field with 15+ years of experience or Ph.D. in Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology, or related field with 9+ years of experience.
  • Expertise in mammalian cell culture and perfusion bioreactor technology development, transfer to cGMP manufacturing plants, and authoring CMC sections of regulatory filings.
  • Experience with commercial process development, process characterization, and validation.
  • Expertise in design of experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis.
  • Experience in training, mentoring, and supervising team members as well as leading upstream development teams for multiple external client projects and collaborations and internal technology development initiatives.
  • Experience with high throughput cell culture (e.g. deep-well plate assays, robotic systems such as Ambr) as well as other functional areas (purification and analytical sciences) is a plus.

Pluses:
  • Experience analyzing data in tools such as JMP, R, or Python.
  • Experience working in a cGMP or clean room setting (this job is non-GMP but knowledge of GMP is helpful for process/tech transfer activities).

Why Join Us:
  • Growth Opportunities: We're a company that believes in continuous learning and development. Whether it's professional courses, mentorship, or new projects, we'll help you grow.
  • Inclusive Culture: We're committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone's voice is valued, and curiosity is encouraged.
  • Innovative Projects: You'll have the chance to work on groundbreaking initiatives and cutting-edge technology in an atmosphere where your curiosity is the key to success.
  • A Place for Big Ideas: We don't just talk about thinking outside the box, we throw the box away. If you've got ideas, we want to hear them.

Are You Still Curious?
If you've read this far, then chances are you've got a curious mind, just like us. So, what are you waiting for? Take the leap and apply today. We can't wait to see where your curiosity leads you and how it will shape the future of Just-Evotec.
The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be $154,000 to $180,000; Base salary offered may vary depending on individual's skills, experience and competitive market value. Additional total rewards include discretionary annual bonus, comprehensive benefits to include Medical, Dental and Vision, short-term and long-term disability, company paid basic life insurance, 401k company match, flexible work, generous paid time off and paid holiday, wellness and transportation benefits.
Evotec (US) Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, gender, age, disability, genetic information, gender expression, gender identity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Apply