Associate Scientist III, Upstream

Catalent; Harmans (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global contract development and manufacturing organization is seeking an Associate Scientist III specializing in upstream process development. The position involves maintaining and scaling cell cultures, optimizing production processes, and collaborating within project teams to support biotechnological advancements. Candidates should possess a relevant degree and demonstrate experience in upstream processes, particularly with AAV and viral vector production, along with strong analytical and writing skills.

Benefits

Annual performance review

Diverse, inclusive culture

Paid time off annually + 8 paid holidays

Medical, dental, vision and 401K benefits effective day one

Tuition Reimbursement

Qualifications

• 3+ years relevant experience with B.A./B.S.; M.S. with 1+ year.
• Experience in upstream process development for AAV, virus, or protein production preferred.
• Proficient in mammalian and insect cell culture.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and scale cell cultures from flasks to bioreactors.
• Design and optimize viral vector, virus, and protein production processes.
• Support project leads with report writing and presentations.

Skills

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Aseptic techniques

Biochemical engineering principles

Education

Degree in Engineering or Life Science

Tools

Bioreactor systems

ddPCR

ELISA

SDS-PAGE

Job description

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Associate Scientist III, Process Development, Upstream

Position Summary:

Catalent, Inc. is a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) whose mission is to develop, manufacture, and supply products that help people live better and healthier lives. Catalent is dedicated to delivering unparalleled service to pharma, biotech, and consumer health customers, supporting product development, launch, and full life-cycle supply. With time-tested experience in development sciences, delivery technologies, and multi-modality manufacturing, Catalent supports the acceleration of development programs and the launch of more than a hundred new products every year. Powered by thousands of scientists and technicians and the latest technology platforms at more than 40 global sites, Catalent supplies billions of doses of life-enhancing and life-saving treatments for patients annually.

Catalent Maryland Inc is a growing Biotech Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) with an internationally recognized tradition of quality and service. Catalent provides process development and GMP manufacturing services for Phase I - III clinical trials and commercial products. Catalent Maryland provides gene therapy and viral vector-based therapies to industry leaders as well as innovative start-ups utilizing novel technologies to produce state-of-the-art vaccines and therapies for people when they are most in need. As a Catalent employee, you will actively contribute to delivering our services and products to customers and their patients.

The Process Development Department is responsible for upstream and downstream process development, pilot scale execution, and tech transfer of developed processes to GMP manufacturing. This individual performs collaboratively and productively as an Associate Scientist III Downstream Development and actively engages in process development within a dynamic project team. Displays strong technical knowledge, initiative, and scientific commitment and makes significant technical contributions within the Process Development Group. Maintains openness to understanding areas outside of the primary function in order to foster continuous improvement.

Catalent is committed to a Patient First culture through excellence in quality and compliance, and to the safety of every patient, consumer and Catalent employee.

This is a full- time, salaried, position: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

The Role:

• Maintain and scale suspension and adherent cell cultures from flasks to bioreactors, using mammalian and insect cell expression systems.
• Design, execute, and optimize viral vector, virus, and protein production processes according to study plans.
• Independently design and conduct upstream studies, analyzing and presenting experimental results to clients and internal teams.
• Document experimental work, maintain batch records, and ensure compliance with Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
• Support project leads with report writing, presentations, and tech transfer documentation.
• Participate in scientific discussions and decision-making as part of cross-functional project teams.
• Train and mentor junior team members in upstream techniques and best practices.
• Perform general lab support duties, including equipment troubleshooting, cleaning, and inventory management.
• Follow SOPs, maintain required training, and contribute to a culture of compliance and safety.
• Flexibility to support occasional weekend and evening work as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  
  

The Candidate:

• Degree in Engineering or Life Science plus appropriate years of relevant experience (B.A./B.S. with 3+ years, M.S. with 1+ year, or Ph.D. with 0-1 year of relevant experience).
• Experience in upstream process development for AAV, virus, VLP, or protein production strongly preferred.
• Proficient in mammalian and insect cell culture, aseptic techniques, and biochemical engineering principles.
• Hands-on experience with bioreactor systems such as WAVE, AMBR250, stirred-tank, and adherent platforms; familiarity with harvest methods including centrifugation and filtration techniques preferred.
• Knowledge of analytical methods for viral vectors, including ddPCR, ELISA, SDS-PAGE, Western blot, and plaque assays.
• Strong skills in data analysis, scientific writing, and generating technical reports and presentations.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a collaborative, team-oriented environment; prior industry experience is a plus.
• Must be able to work at a computer and in a laboratory setting for extended periods, with the ability to lift up to 30 lbs, handle lab equipment with precision, and use appropriate PPE including gloves, goggles, and respiratory protection when required.
  
  
  

The anticipated salary range for this position in Maryland is $70,000 - $102,000 plus annual bonus, when eligible. The final salary offered to a successful candidate may vary, and will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to: the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, skillset, education, business needs, etc. Catalent is a multi-state employer, and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other states.

Why you should Join Catalent:

• Defined career path and annual performance review and feedback process.
• Diverse, inclusive culture.
• Potential for career growth on an expanding team.
• Cross-functional exposure to other areas within the organization.
• 152 hours of paid time off annually + 8 paid holidays.
• Medical, dental, vision and 401K benefits effective day one of employment.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
  
  
  

Catalent offers rewarding opportunities to further your career! Join the global drug development and delivery leader and help us bring over 7,000 life-saving and life-enhancing products to patients around the world. Catalent is an exciting and growing international company where employees work directly with pharma, biopharma and consumer health companies of all sizes to advance new medicines from early development to clinical trials and to the market. Catalent produces more than 70 billion doses per year, and each one will be used by someone who is counting on us. Join us in making a difference.

personal initiative. dynamic pace. meaningful work.

Visit Catalent Careers to explore career opportunities.

Catalent is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veterans.

If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email, and confirming your request for an accommodation and include the job number, title and location to [e-mail]. This option is reserved for individuals who require accommodation due to a disability. Information received will be processed by a U.S. Catalent employee and then routed to a local recruiter who will provide assistance to ensure appropriate consideration in the application or hiring process.

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Catalent Pharma Solutions (Catalent) is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Catalent employee by a third party agency and/or search firm without a valid written & signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Catalent. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.

Important Security Notice to U.S. Job Seekers:

Catalent NEVER asks candidates to provide any type of payment, bank details, photocopies of identification, social security number or other highly sensitive personal information during the offer process, and we NEVER do so via email or social media. If you receive any such request, DO NOT respond— it is a fraudulent request. Please forward such requests to [e-mail] for us to investigate with local authorities.

California Job Seekers can find our California Job Applicant Notice HERE.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

• Industries

  Biotechnology Research and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

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