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$36

How much do upstream process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for upstream process development in Maryland is $25.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.88 and $27.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the field of Upstream Process Development, senior roles such as Director or Vice President can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership skills in biopharmaceutical or biotech industries. High compensation is often associated with managerial responsibilities, strategic decision-making, and overseeing large teams or projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Upstream Process Development, and why are they important?

Success in Upstream Process Development requires a strong background in biology, biochemistry, or chemical engineering, often with an advanced degree and experience in cell culture or fermentation techniques. Familiarity with bioreactors, process control systems, and analytical instrumentation, as well as knowledge of cGMP regulations, is essential. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are important soft skills for optimizing processes and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure efficient development of scalable production processes, maintaining product quality and regulatory compliance.

What are common upstream jobs?

Common upstream process development jobs include roles such as upstream process scientist, bioprocess engineer, and fermentation scientist. These positions focus on developing and optimizing the early stages of biopharmaceutical production, often requiring knowledge of cell culture, bioreactor operation, and process scale-up. Skills in laboratory techniques, process analytical technology, and regulatory compliance are also important in these roles.

What biology jobs pay over $100k?

In upstream process development, senior roles such as Process Development Managers, Principal Scientists, and Regulatory Affairs Directors often have salaries exceeding $100,000. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive industry experience, and expertise in bioprocessing, quality control, or regulatory compliance.

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

AspectUpstream Process DevelopmentDownstream Process Development
FocusDevelopment of cell culture, fermentation, and bioreactor processesPurification, filtration, and formulation of bioproducts
Skills & CredentialsBioprocess engineering, molecular biology, biochemistryBioprocessing, chromatography, analytical chemistry
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, bioreactors, pilot plantsPurification facilities, labs, quality control
Industry UsageBiotech, pharmaceutical manufacturingBiotech, pharmaceutical manufacturing

Upstream Process Development focuses on creating and optimizing cell culture and fermentation processes to produce bioproducts. In contrast, Downstream Process Development involves purifying and finishing these products. Both roles are essential in biopharmaceutical manufacturing and require similar scientific backgrounds, but they specialize in different stages of bioprocessing.

What is upstream process development?

Upstream process development involves designing and optimizing the initial stages of biopharmaceutical production, such as cell culture and fermentation, to produce target biological products. It requires knowledge of bioprocessing, cell biology, and often involves working with bioreactors and process control systems to ensure consistent, high-quality output.

What are some common challenges faced in upstream process development and how do teams typically address them?

One of the main challenges in upstream process development is optimizing cell culture conditions to consistently achieve high yields and product quality. Teams often encounter variability in biological systems and must troubleshoot issues such as contamination, scale-up inconsistencies, or nutrient limitations. Collaboration with analytical, downstream, and quality teams is essential to identify root causes and implement solutions. Regular data review meetings, cross-functional problem-solving, and continuous process improvement are standard practices to ensure robust upstream processes.
What are popular job titles related to Upstream Process Development jobs in Maryland? For Upstream Process Development jobs in Maryland, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Upstream Process Development jobs in Maryland look for? The top searched job categories for Upstream Process Development jobs in Maryland are:
What cities in Maryland are hiring for Upstream Process Development jobs? Cities in Maryland with the most Upstream Process Development job openings:
Upstream Process Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Upstream Process Development job openings in Maryland as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,526 per year, or $25.7 per hour.
Scientist, Viral Vector Process Development, Upstream

Scientist, Viral Vector Process Development, Upstream

AstraZeneca

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$92K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

AstraZeneca rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 74 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

AstraZeneca is looking for a highly motivated Scientist, Viral Vector Process Development (Upstream). The candidate will play a critical role within a high performing team that accelerates AstraZeneca's emerging Cell Therapy modalities portfolio. You will design, execute, and optimize upstream Lentiviral Vector (LVV) processes with a primary focus on suspension bioreactor platforms at clinical and commercial scales. You will contribute hands-on to experimental design, process characterization, and scale-up/tech transfer activities from research through IND enabling, partnering closely with Research, Analytical
Development, CMC, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Quality, and external CDMOs. This position is based in Gaithersburg, MD.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Upstream Process Development: Plan and perform experiments to develop and optimize LVV upstream processes for suspension cell culture (transient or stable producer cell systems), targeting improvements in titer, quality, robustness, and cost.
  • Bioreactor Operations & Scale Translation: Execute unit operations across seed, production, and harvest interfaces; support scale-up strategies from bench to pilot and clinical scales; develop and use scale-down models for characterization and comparability.
  • Experimental Design & Data Analysis: Design DOE studies, identify CPPs/CMAs, analyze data and propose control strategies; document results in protocols and reports; maintain fit for purpose knowledge records.
  • Tech Transfer & GMP Interface: Prepare technical transfer packages and support transfers to internal GMP sites and CDMOs; align process documentation with cGMP principles for late-stage readiness.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Analytical Development on assay readiness and in process testing; partner with Manufacturing, Supply, and Quality to ensure operational feasibility and compliance.
  • Operational Excellence: Apply Lean practices and digital tools for scheduling, data integrity, and reproducibility; track KPIs (titer, infectivity, impurity profiles, cycle time, right first time) and recommend improvements.

Qualifications:
  • Education: MS/BS in Engineering, Biotechnology, or related field.
  • Years of experiences in industry: MS with 1-4 years; or BS with 3-6 years.
  • Experience: Handson experience developing suspension-based LVV upstream processes; familiarity with clinical scale considerations, and technology transfer.
  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in suspension cell culture, transfection/infection strategies, media/feed optimization, single use rocking-platform and stirred-tank bioreactors, and upstream-harvest interfaces;
  • Communication & Teamwork: Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to work effectively in cross functional, matrixed teams; demonstrated problem solving and troubleshooting capabilities.

  • Preferred Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated success scaling suspension LVV processes to pilot/clinical scales and sustaining performance via monitoring and continuous improvement.
  • Experience linking upstream parameters to analytical outcomes (titer, infectivity/potency, residuals/impurities) to guide process decisions.
  • Contributions to regulatory filings (data tables, process descriptions) and participation in tech transfer to CDMOs or internal GMP sites.
  • Tools & Automation: Experience with single use systems, process automation/PAT, and digital lab systems (ELN/LIMS) preferred.
  • Experience implementing Lean/continuous improvement and robust documentation/knowledge management in PD labs

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $92,252.00 - $138,378.00. 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
06-Jul-2026
Closing Date
23-Jul-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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