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Upstream Process Development Jobs in Germantown, MD

Valspec

Process Validation Engineer

Rockville, MD

$70 - $80/hr

Process Engineer -- Upstream / Downstream / Clean Utilities (Consultant) -- Contract Engagement ... Join a team where your contributions matter, your development is prioritized, and your success is ...

Upstream Rehabilitation

Physical Therapist

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$1.7K - $2.2K/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 ...

Ion Storage Systems

Principal Engineer

Beltsville, MD · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

... towards the development and optimization of first-of-its-kind prototyping line for ION's solid ... upstream process needs and downstream implications of equipment design choices Contribute to ...

Ion Storage Systems

Principal Engineer

Beltsville, MD · On-site

... towards the development and optimization of first-of-its-kind prototyping line for ION's solid ... upstream process needs and downstream implications of equipment design choices Contribute to ...

ProSidian Consulting

Geophysicist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

... Upstream Oil & Gas (Exploration and production | Reservoir development | Drilling programs ... Business Management - Coordinating people, processes, and resources to achieve strategic objectives ...

ProSidian Consulting, LLC

Geophysicist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

... Upstream Oil & Gas (Exploration and production | Reservoir development | Drilling programs ... Business Management - Coordinating people, processes, and resources to achieve strategic objectives ...

ProSidian Consulting

Petroleum Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

... and field development analysis for upstream oil and gas projects. These assessments support ... Business Management - Coordinating people, processes, and resources to achieve strategic objectives ...

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All JobsUpstream Process Development JobsUpstream Process Development Jobs in Germantown, MD

Upstream Process Development information

See Germantown, MD salary details

$19

$26

$37

How much do upstream process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for upstream process development in Germantown, MD is $26.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.80 and $28.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in upstream process development?

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 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.
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Upstream Process Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Upstream Process Development job openings in Germantown, MD as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,730 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Senior Scientist, Drug Development

AstraZeneca

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$118K - $178K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

AstraZeneca rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 86 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

AstraZeneca is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Senior Scientist Drug Product for viral vector process development. The candidate will play a critical role in forming a high-performing team that accelerates AstraZeneca's emerging Cell Therapy modalities portfolio. You will design, execute, and optimize scalable Lentiviral Vector (LVV) drug product formulation, fill & finish processes with a primary focus on clinical and commercial scales. You will contribute hands-on to experimental design, execution, 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
  • Formulation Development: Plan and perform experiments to develop new platform LVV formulations for ex vivo and in vivo applications.
  • Fill and finish Development: Design, test, and support drug product fill and finish activities at pilot scale and clinical scale, including particle characterization, drug product filling, containers studies, stability, labeling and packaging etc.
  • Tech Transfer Support: Develop representative DP scale-down models; support tech transfer to clinical, and commercial GMP sites.
  • Process Characterization: Design and execute studies (including DOE) to support establish design space, conduct troubleshooting and root cause analysis, and recommend corrective actions.
  • Novel Technologies & Continuous Improvement: Evaluate and implement next-generation drug product and formulation technologies to improve efficiency, robustness, and product quality; contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Documentation & Compliance: Author high-quality protocols, reports, batch records, and development summaries; support drafting of CMC content for regulatory submissions (e.g., IND) and align practices with cGMP and Quality systems expectations.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with upstream PD and Analytical Development to link process parameters with product quality attributes (e.g., titer, infectivity/potency, residuals/impurities); collaborate with Manufacturing and Quality on operational feasibility and compliance.

Qualifications
  • Education: M.S. with 4+ years; OR B.S. with 5+ years of hands-on industry experience.
  • Experience: Hands-on drug product development for LVV (preferred) or other viral vectors/biologics; familiarity with clinical/commercial scale fill and finish.
  • Technical Expertise: Practical proficiency in UFDF, formulation development, particle characterization, manual& automated drug product filling, container closure, and stability studies.
  • GMP & Regulatory: Understanding of cGMP and Quality systems; familiarity with FDA/EMA guidance relevant to gene and cell therapy; experience contributing to CMC sections of regulatory filings is a plus.
  • Communication & Collaboration: Strong written and verbal communication; ability to work effectively in cross-functional, matrixed teams; demonstrated problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience designing LVV or other viral vector/biologic formulation, fill and finish processes from preclinical to clinical/commercial-relevant equipment and consumables.
  • Experience supporting tech transfer and implementation at internal sites and CDMOs.
  • Familiar with regulatory requirement for biologic drug product.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $118,870.40 - $178,305.60. 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
28-Jul-2026
Closing Date
03-Aug-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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