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Upstream Process Development Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Upstream Rehabilitation

Physical Therapist

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$1.64K - $2.13K/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 ...

Upstream Rehabilitation

Physical Therapist

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$1.70K - $2.20K/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 ...

US Tech Solutions

Associate Scientist

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

... development studies, to confirm process performance and to troubleshoot issues in GMP facility, and work with cross functional team on technology evaluations. This position is focused on upstream ...

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How much do upstream process development jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for upstream process development in Washington is $30.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.68 and $31.59 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 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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Upstream Process Development jobs in Washington? For Upstream Process Development jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Upstream Process Development jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Upstream Process Development jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Upstream Process Development jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Upstream Process Development job openings:
Upstream Process Development jobs near you
Research Associate, Process Development

Research Associate, Process Development

Precigen, Inc

Germantown, MD • On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Precigen is a dedicated discovery and clinical stage biopharmaceutical company advancing the next generation of gene and cell therapies using precision technology to target the most urgent and intractable diseases in our core therapeutic areas of immuno-oncology, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases.

Precigen has developed novel manufacturing processes to deliver UltraCAR-T® and AdenoVerse™ immunotherapies to patients. We have multiple products being evaluated in the clinic using our innovative manufacturing approach to cell and gene therapies.

Research Associate– Process Development Upstream requires a professional who thrives in a dynamic team environment, brings meticulous attention to detail in the quality of their work and is proactive in implementing improvements. This position will be supporting all Gene Therapy CMC aspects of early stage to commercialization of adenovector products.


EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • BS in chemical/biochemical engineering, Biotechnology or related discipline with 2-3 years of relevant industrial experience in upstream process development; or M.S. degree in a similar field with 1-2 years of relevant experience in upstream process development.
  • Strong computer skills with Microsoft Office and the ability to quickly learn new applications.
  • Experience in summarizing and presenting data and authoring technical reports.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Perform hands-on work in upstream process development to execute cell culture using shake flasks and bench scale bioreactors
  • Maintain and coordinate raw material and equipment inventories; ensure equipment is operated and maintained in a safe, compliant manner.
  • Keep accurate, detailed laboratory records; comply with all required training and maintain a strong focus on laboratory/facility safety for self and team members.
  • Author process development protocols, procedures, and development reports.
  • Communicate and present scientific findings in process development groups.

Required Experience and Skills

  • Sound aseptic cell culture technique, including working in Biosafety Cabinets (BSC).
  • Proven written and verbal communication skills
  • Critical thinking with ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced team environment
  • Self-organizer, meticulous hands-on habits, keen attention to detail.
  • Hands on laboratory skills to conduct bench work to execute, optimize, and troubleshoot cell culture processes (e.g., shake flasks, bench scale and pilot scale bioreactors).
  • Experience with data analysis, interpret datasets, and support process understanding and optimization.
  • Ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines and quality standards throughout all stages of process development and manufacturing.
  • Maintain a high degree of ethical standard and trustworthiness.

Working conditions and physical requirements:

  • May need to work with infectious agents and hazardous chemicals.
  • Able to stand up to 4 hours at a time.