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Upstream Process Development Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Orano

Process Development Scientist

Plano, TX · On-site

We are seeking a highly motivated Process Development Scientist with expertise in radiopharmaceutical development to join our CMC team. The successful candidate will design, execute, and analyze ...

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

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for upstream process development scientist in the United States is $38.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.37 and $46.15 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.
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Upstream Process Development Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Upstream Process Development Scientist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,420 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

(Associate) Scientist, Upstream Viral Process Development

Dispatch Bio

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

About us:
Our purpose at Dispatch is to help create a world where all cancer patients can be cured. We're humbled by the opportunity to work together as a team on some of the most pressing medical challenges of our time.
To achieve our purpose, we are dedicated to engineering a universal treatment across solid tumors. We're committed to the development of novel therapies, leveraging first-in-class technologies in viral vectors, universal targets, and novel cytokine biology. Our therapeutic approach has the potential to enable us to treat significant numbers of cancer patients and make a real and lasting impact on the world.
Our company was founded on pioneering work carried out in the laboratories of Dr. Carl June (University of Pennsylvania), Dr. Kole Roybal (University of California, San Francisco), Dr. Christopher Garcia (Stanford University) and Dr. Andy Minn (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center).
At our company, you would become one of our early team members- not only playing a role in meeting our ambitious mission but also building our thriving culture. We are determined to deliver with urgency to discover new solutions and we always stay dedicated to scientific rigor; we have an ownership mindset because each and every one of us is integral to our success. Collaboration is core for us because we believe that by bringing people together with diverse perspectives, we make a stronger whole. And, we show we care about our work and each other by sharing feedback - ultimately in service of our vision to empower people to continue forward with their lives - cancer free.
The role:
Reporting to the Director, Upstream Process Development, the (Associate) Scientist will contribute to upstream viral process development to bring the company's pipeline of T cell and viral vector-based products to the clinic. Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, performing the day-to-day activities of the viral process development lab, building the company's viral manufacturing capabilities, and executing experiments to support viral process development/characterization. This role will collaborate significantly with research and analytical development teams.
Key responsibilities:
  • Contribute to the setup and organization of the company's vector process development capabilities.
  • Perform day-to-day activities in the vector process development lab including maintaining equipment, ordering materials, managing inventory, and preparing buffers and process aids.
  • Serve as a PD subject matter expert on both internal and external teams (CDMO, material & equipment suppliers, etc.).
  • Develop bench scale suspension culture processes for viral vector generation within shake flasks and bioreactors.
  • Design and execute experiments to support process characterization, and process transfer activities between the research team, TechOps, and external partners.
  • Provide experimental execution, data review and analysis, and maintenance of accurate and detailed lab notebooks.
  • Author and review technical documents, including but not limited to batch records, SOPs, development reports and process specific sections of regulatory documents.
  • Represent the company externally at meetings (professional associations, with regulatory bodies, etc.)

Required experience & skills:
  • Bachelor's Degree in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering/bioengineering, biotechnology or related discipline with at least 2 years of relevant experience- OR- Master's Degree in relevant discipline
  • Hands-on experience with viral vector upstream processes, particularly experimentation in and operation of stirred-tank bioreactors
  • Working knowledge of GMP guidelines for clinical manufacturing
  • Strong scientific reasoning, problem-solving, and applied mathematics and statistics skills, including the ability to break down complex problems into manageable hypotheses
  • Proficiency in using Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and data analysis/presentation software such as JMP and/or GraphPad
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong organizational & problem-solving skills, with excellent attention-to-detail and the proven ability to collaborate in a dynamic team environment

Preferred experience & skills:
  • Experience implementing processes in clinical and commercial manufacturing of cell and gene therapy products
  • Demonstrated ability to apply knowledge of cell biology, chemical engineering, or bioengineering toward process development, scale-up /scale-down and troubleshooting
  • Detailed understanding of bioreactor operation and control loops
  • Experience drafting CMC sections for INDs
  • Proven experience collaborating with internal and external partners

Our values:
Our values guide everything we do. While capabilities and skills are vital, understanding how a potential new colleague would embody our values is central to our hiring decisions.
Determined to deliver:
By working with focus and passion, we can provide patients with the solutions they need.
Own every outcome:
We can reach new heights when we stay centered on our shared success.
Collaboration at the core:
When we band together, our work is better.
Feedback is fundamental:
Constructive and authentic positive feedback may be difficult to master but it is vital to our success.
Working here:
  • We offer a highly competitive compensation package with meaningful ownership through equity
  • Excellent coverage for medical, vision, and dental
  • 401(k) with generous contribution
  • Life insurance
  • Flexible PTO policy
  • Additional substantial benefits

We are an equal opportunity employer.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, national origin, or any characteristic protected under applicable law.

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