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Upstream Process Development Scientist Jobs in Seattle, WA

Lundbeck

Senior Scientist, Formulation Development

Bothell, WA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lundbeck Seattle BioPharmaceuticals (Lu-SBP), located in Bothell, Washington, is the Process ... Collaborate closely with Upstream, Downstream, Analytical Development, Quality, Regulatory Affairs ...

Lundbeck

Senior Scientist, Formulation Development

Bothell, WA · On-site

$160K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lundbeck Seattle BioPharmaceuticals (Lu-SBP), located in Bothell, Washington, is the Process ... Collaborate closely with Upstream, Downstream, Analytical Development, Quality, Regulatory Affairs ...

Impinj

Sr. Process Integration Engineer

Seattle, WA

$113K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Applied knowledge of material science and device physics as relates to semiconductor failure mechanisms and process development * Hands-on experience conducting failure analysis using SEM, TEM, FIB ...

Systimmune

Director/Senior Director of Analytical

Redmond, WA · On-site

$190K - $280K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Process Development, Head of Cell Science in Redmond, WA and CMC leads in Chengdu. This role is ... The role is responsible for integration of analytical workflows with upstream and downstream ...

SystImmune, Inc

Director/Senior Director of Analytical

Redmond, WA · On-site

$190K - $280K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Process Development, Head of Cell Science in Redmond, WA and CMC leads in Chengdu. This role is ... The role is responsible for integration of analytical workflows with upstream and downstream ...

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

Upstream Process Development Scientist information

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$23

$44

$70

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

As of Aug 13, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,520 per year, or $44 per hour.

Senior Scientist, Conjugation Process Development

Pfizer

Bothell, WA

$93K - $156K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Pfizer rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 125 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 86 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

Job Description

Why Patients Need You

Pfizer's purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Research and Development is at the heart of fulfilling Pfizer's purpose as we work to translate advanced science and technologies into the therapies and vaccines that matter most. Whether you are in the discovery sciences, ensuring drug safety and efficacy or supporting clinical trials, you will apply cutting edge design and process development capabilities to accelerate and bring the best-in-class medicines to patients around the world.

What You Will Achieve

As a Senior Scientist, you will be at the center of our operations and you'll find that everything we do, every day, is in line with an unwavering commitment to quality. You will be a member of our growing Conjugation Process Development team and will lead antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) process development projects ranging from early-phase clinical molecules through late-stage or commercial products. You will contribute to the development of ADC products targeting cancer to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. You will be recognized as a technical expert and a scientific contributor. With your deep knowledge of the discipline, you will be an active team member whose decisions impact the project. You will be using your scientific judgment to adapt standard methods and techniques by applying prior work experience. You will be forecasting and planning resource requirements for your project team. Your creativity in developing novel processes and new ideas will be used frequently. You will undertake mentoring activities to guide team members.

It is your innovative scientific temperament that will help in making Pfizer ready to achieve new milestones and help patients across the globe.

Role responsibilities

  • Independently design, execute, and interpret studies intended to answer a defined question within the defined timeframe. Design subsequent experiments upon interpretation of data.

  • Monitor results, identify problems, and develop solutions.

  • Facilitate technology/assay transfers internally/externally.

  • Regularly contribute at department and project team level and represent the group on multidisciplinary teams.

  • May present at national/international forums.

  • Author and review technical reports, manufacturing documents, regulatory submissions and publications.

  • Identify areas for process improvement and technology development and propose solutions

Qualifications

Must Have

  • Bachelor's Degree with 9 to11 years of experience, Master's Degree with 7 to 8 years of experience, or PhD and 0-3 years of experience

  • Degree in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or related field

  • Direct experience with antibodies, proteins, and/or bioconjugation

  • Good understanding of analytical protein characterization (HPLC, IEF, CE-SDS)

  • Willingness to work with highly potent cytotoxic molecules

  • Ability to perform complex data analysis

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills

  • Foundational understanding of organic chemistry, reaction mechanisms, and process development

Nice to Have

  • Experience with tangential flow filtration

  • Experience using statistical and data analysis software, such as JMP, for experimental design, data visualization, and interpretation.

  • Experience with GMP manufacturing

  • Familiarity with CMC team function

  • Experience with technology transfer to manufacturing

  • Familiarity with chemical synthesis, protein modification, bioconjugation chemistry, and the application of analytical technologies to process development

Other Job Details
Work Location Assignment:On Premise

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $93,600.00 to $156,000.00. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer's Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 12.5% of the base salary and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program. We offer comprehensive and generous benefits and programs to help our colleagues lead healthy lives and to support each of life's moments. Benefits offered include a 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage. Learn more at Pfizer Candidate Site - U.S. Benefits | (uscandidates.mypfizerbenefits.com). Pfizer compensation structures and benefit packages are aligned based on the location of hire. The United States salary range provided does not apply to Tampa, FL or any location outside of the United States.

Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.

Candidates must be authorized to be employed in the U.S. by any employer.

U.S. work visa sponsorship (such as TN, O-1, H-1B, etc.) is not available for this role now or in the future.

Sunshine Act

Pfizer reports payments and other transfers of value to health care providers as required by federal and state transparency laws and implementing regulations. These laws and regulations require Pfizer to provide government agencies with information such as a health care provider's name, address and the type of payments or other value received, generally for public disclosure. Subject to further legal review and statutory or regulatory clarification, which Pfizer intends to pursue, reimbursement of recruiting expenses for licensed physicians may constitute a reportable transfer of value under the federal transparency law commonly known as the Sunshine Act. Therefore, if you are a licensed physician who incurs recruiting expenses as a result of interviewing with Pfizer that we pay or reimburse, your name, address and the amount of payments made currently will be reported to the government. If you have questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact your Talent Acquisition representative.

EEO & Employment Eligibility

Pfizer is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status. Pfizer also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA. Pfizer is an E-Verify employer. This position requires permanent work authorization in the United States.

Pfizer endeavors to makewww.pfizer.com/careersaccessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process and/or interviewing, please emaildisabilityrecruitment@pfizer.com. This is to be used solely for accommodation requests with respect to the accessibility of our website, online application process and/or interviewing. Requests for any other reason will not be returned.

To learn more about acceptable and prohibited uses of AI during the recruitment process, please review our candidate AI-use guidelines available onPfizer Careers.

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About Pfizer

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All over the world, Pfizer colleagues work together to positively impact health for everyone, everywhere. Our colleagues have the opportunity to grow and develop a career that offers both individual and company success; be part of an ownership culture that values diversity and where all colleagues are energized and engaged; and the ability to impact the health and lives of millions of people. Pfizer, a global leader in the biopharmaceutical industry, is continuously seeking top talent who are inspired by our purpose to innovate to bring therapies to patients that significantly improve their lives. Our Health and Science System Specialists Team provides leadership across patient care settings in the complex Hospital, Health System, and Key Medical Group environment to bring value to our customers and patients in this dynamic ecosystem.

Industry

Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

1849

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