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Upstream Process Development Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

Physical Therapist

Rising Sun, MD · On-site

$1K - $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 ...

Physical Therapist

Aberdeen, MD · On-site

$1K - $2K/wk

Continue learning and growing through Upstream's education and development programs Qualifications ... Specific details will be provided during the hiring process. Follow @Lifeatupstream on Instagram ...

Physical Therapist

Aberdeen, MD · On-site

$1K - $2K/wk

Continue learning and growing through Upstream's education and development programs Qualifications ... Specific details will be provided during the hiring process. Follow @Lifeatupstream on Instagram ...

Physical Therapist

Aberdeen, MD · On-site

$1K - $2K/wk

Continue learning and growing through Upstream's education and development programs Qualifications ... Specific details will be provided during the hiring process. Follow @Lifeatupstream on Instagram ...

Physical Therapist

Bel Air, MD · On-site

$1K - $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 ...

$85K - $98K/yr

Continue developing your leadership and clinical skills through Upstream's professional development ... Specific details will be provided during the hiring process.

$1K - $2K/wk

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

$1K - $2K/wk

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

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Showing results 1-20

Upstream Process Development information

See Maryland salary details

$18

$25

$36

How much do upstream process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 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 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 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 refers to the optimization and scaling of biological production processes that occur before product harvesting. This primarily involves the cultivation of cells or microorganisms to produce a desired product, such as a protein or antibody, in bioreactors. Scientists in this field work on improving cell lines, culture media, and fermentation conditions to maximize yield and quality. Upstream process development is a critical early phase in biomanufacturing, laying the foundation for downstream processing and overall production efficiency.

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 cities in Maryland are hiring for Upstream Process Development jobs? Cities in Maryland with the most Upstream Process Development job openings:
Associate Scientist (Analytical Development, Cell Therapy)

Associate Scientist (Analytical Development, Cell Therapy)

AstraZeneca

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$69K - $104K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


AstraZeneca rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 71 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Associate Scientist (Analytical Development, Cell Therapy) Summary of the group Join our Cell Therapy Analytical Development team, where we develop and deliver robust, technologically advanced biological assays to progress cell therapy products from research to commercial stages. Our team supports the end-to-end biological and bioanalytical characterization of viral vector and cell therapy products, enabling manufacturing processes, formulation, drug product development, and regulatory filings from IND to BLA and beyond. We collaborate closely with analytical quality and several cross-functional teams, including clinical, regulatory, QA, and manufacturing.

Accountabilities Develop robust functional, characterization, and molecular analytical methods including method qualification and transfer. Make detailed observations, analyze data, interpret results, and exercise appropriate technical discretion in the design, execution, and interpretation of experiments independently. Carry out analytical development/sample testing to enable lentiviral vector upstream and downstream process development.

Author/review technical reports, protocols, and technical summaries for presentation. Present and discuss experimental results at group/project team meetings. Work in a team-based structure and interface with research and process development departments.

Essential Skills/Experience Bachelor's degree in Immunology, Cell Biology, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field with 3+ years of relevant experience or a Master's degree in Immunology, Cell Biology, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field with 1+ years of relevant experience. Biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience working with analytical for lentiviral vector and CAR T cells is required. Highly proficient in immunology techniques is required, such as ELISA or similar technology platforms.

Highly proficient in molecular biology techniques is required, such as qPCR, dPCR, for gene edit evaluation, on target/off target analysis. Exhibit excellent written and oral communication skills. Good time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks from multiple projects to meet timelines.

Desirable Skills/Experience Experience method qualification/validation and tech transfer of cell and gene therapy analytical methods is a plus. Experience in biophysical analysis such as DLS, HPLC, mass spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis, Flow virometry is a plus for lentiviral vector characterization is a plus. Experience with NGS is a plus When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines.

In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible.

We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world. At AstraZeneca, we are driven by our commitment to deliver accelerated growth and make people's lives better.

Our inclusive network of diverse and high-performing teams supports each other with trust and respect. We thrive on curiosity and problem-solving, constantly learning and evolving. With opportunities for global careers and great rewards, AstraZeneca is where you can make a real impact.

Ready to make a difference. Apply now to join our team. The annual base pay for this position ranges from $69,345 to $104,017.

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 plan. Date Posted 04-Jun-2026 Closing Date 11-Jun-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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