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Upstream Process Scientist Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Scientist - Upstream Cell Culture

Durham, NC ยท On-site

$93K - $174K/yr

The Expert, Science & Technology - Upstream/Cell Culture, is responsible for cell & gene therapy ... Contributes to process risk assessments. Justifies development strategies and experiment designs.

Principal Engineer, MS&T

Durham, NC ยท On-site

$126 - $234/hr

As a Principal Engineer, MS&T, you will serve as a scientific and technical leader for upstream processes, bringing deep expertise in gene therapy manufacturing to support innovation, troubleshoot ...

Principal Engineer, MS&T

Durham, NC ยท On-site

$126K - $234K/yr

As a Principal Engineer, MS&T, you will serve as a scientific and technical leader for upstream processes, bringing deep expertise in gene therapy manufacturing to support innovation, troubleshoot ...

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Upstream Process Scientist information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

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How much do upstream process scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for upstream process scientist in Raleigh, NC is $40.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.13 and $46.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an upstream process scientist?

An Upstream Process Scientist is responsible for developing and optimizing the early stages of biopharmaceutical production, including cell culture, media preparation, and bioreactor operations. They work to improve cell growth, productivity, and scalability of biologics such as monoclonal antibodies or vaccines. Their role involves designing experiments, analyzing data, and troubleshooting issues to ensure efficient and reproducible upstream processes.

What does an upstream process scientist do?

As an Upstream Process Scientist, your daily responsibilities often include designing and executing experiments to optimize cell culture conditions, operating and monitoring bioreactors, and analyzing process data to improve yields or purity. You will collaborate closely with downstream process scientists, quality assurance teams, and manufacturing staff to ensure smooth technology transfer and troubleshoot production issues. Additionally, documenting findings, preparing technical reports, and participating in project meetings are key aspects of the role. This position is dynamic and may also involve scaling up processes from laboratory to pilot or manufacturing scale, providing excellent opportunities to develop both technical expertise and project management skills.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an upstream process scientist?

To thrive as an Upstream Process Scientist, you need a strong background in bioprocess engineering, cell culture, fermentation, and a relevant scientific degree such as biotechnology, biology, or chemical engineering. Familiarity with bioreactors, process analytical technologies (PAT), statistical analysis software, and GMP/GLP standards is highly valued, and some positions may require certifications like Six Sigma or specific training in biomanufacturing. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills distinguish top performers in this role, as does the ability to adapt quickly to evolving project needs. These skills are essential for developing and optimizing scalable, high-yield biological production processes while ensuring regulatory compliance and effective collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

What are popular job titles related to Upstream Process Scientist jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Upstream Process Scientist jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Upstream Process Scientist jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Upstream Process Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Upstream Process Scientist job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,084 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Engineer, Process Sciences - Upstream

Encoded Therapeutics

Morrisville, NC โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Encoded Therapeutics is a clinical-stage genetic medicines company developing potentially disease-modifying therapies to improve the lives of people with severe CNS disorders. Our proprietary vector engineering approach combines novel regulatory elements and payloads with AAV vectors to unlock innovative solutions for debilitating, intractable CNS conditions. At the forefront is our flagship clinical program, ETX101 for Dravet syndrome, which targets the underlying cause of the disorder to enable highly selective upregulation of SCN1A for potentially long-lasting benefit. In parallel, we are advancing a pipeline of potentially best-in-class programs to address significant unmet needs across both monogenic and prevalent CNS conditions. For more information, please visit www.encoded.com.

We are recruiting an Engineer, Process Sciences to join our team. This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of genomics and therapeutics and participate in the development of a diverse therapeutic pipeline driven by a transformative core technology. The successful candidate will work well across multiple projects in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

  • Design, execute, and analyze small-scale studies supporting the development of two at-scale products and Encoded’s pipeline products
  • Serve as an engineer responsible for pre-clinical and clinical manufacturing for AAV projects and plasmid manufacturing; including upstream, downstream, fill finish, and drug device
  • Facilitate Encoded’s technology transfer of manufacturing processes to non-GMP/GMP internal and external sites of manufacturing
  • Provide person-in-plant support of GMP (clinical and commercial) manufacturing as required at internal and external sites of manufacturing
  • Work with cross-functional teams to develop tools/templates to support tech transfer business processes

Requirements

  • B.S or M.S. in a relevant area of specialization (biochemical engineering, chemical engineering, biological sciences, virology, molecular biology, or biochemistry)
  • At least 3 years of industry experience or equivalent educational experience
  • At least 1 year of industry experience in MSAT/PD/Process Sciences role preferred
  • Extensive working knowledge of modern laboratory procedures and knowledge of cGMP is a must
  • Ability to independently design, execute, and analyze small-scale cell culture studies (cell expansion, single-use bioreactors, and harvest/clarification) is a must
  • Must be a team player and exhibit a willingness to meet project timelines
  • Strong verbal and written skills are required as well as effective interpersonal, technical, and troubleshooting skills
  • Outstanding planning, organization, and multitasking skills
  • Experience with gene therapy processes is strongly preferred

Benefits

    • Comprehensive benefits package, including competitive employer premium contributions
    • Meaningful stock option grants
    • PTO, sick time, and holiday pay
    • Generous Parental Leave program
    • Pre-tax medical and dependent care programs
    • STD, LTD, Life and AD&D
    • Professional development opportunities
    • Team-building events
    • Stocked micro-kitchen with drinks and snacks
    • Wellness Resources

Encoded is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Encoded is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Encoded are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, religion or belief, color, national origin, gender, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the location in which we operate. Encoded will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Encoded encourages applicants of all ages.