ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Upstream Cell Culture Process Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsManufacturing JobsProduct Manufacturing JobsUpstream Cell Culture Process Development Jobs

Upstream Cell Culture Process Development information

See salary details

$45.5K

$101.6K

$152.5K

How much do upstream cell culture process development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for upstream cell culture process development in the United States is $101,612.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,500.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is upstream cell culture process development?

Upstream cell culture process development refers to the design, optimization, and scaling up of procedures for growing cells (typically mammalian, microbial, or insect) to produce biopharmaceutical products such as proteins, antibodies, or vaccines. This process includes cell line development, media optimization, bioreactor design, and process parameter control. The goal is to maximize cell growth and productivity while ensuring product quality and consistency before downstream purification begins. Upstream development is a critical step in the overall biomanufacturing workflow.

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

To thrive in Upstream Cell Culture Process Development, you need a strong background in biological sciences, experience with mammalian or microbial cell culture, and often a relevant degree such as a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in biotechnology or related fields. Familiarity with bioreactors, cell culture automation systems, and data analysis software like JMP or Prism, along with knowledge of GMP regulations, is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities help professionals excel in this collaborative and innovation-driven environment. These competencies ensure the optimization and scalability of cell culture processes, which are critical for successful biopharmaceutical production.

What are some common challenges faced in upstream cell culture process development, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in upstream cell culture process development often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent cell growth, optimizing media formulations, and scaling up processes from lab to production scale. Variability in cell behavior and contamination risks require careful monitoring and troubleshooting. To address these challenges, teams adopt rigorous quality control protocols, utilize advanced bioreactor monitoring technologies, and collaborate closely with downstream processing and analytical teams to ensure process robustness and reproducibility.

What is the difference between Upstream Cell Culture Process Development vs Upstream Bioprocess Engineer?

AspectUpstream Cell Culture Process DevelopmentUpstream Bioprocess Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering, Bioprocessing, or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, development facilities, early-stage process optimizationManufacturing plants, production facilities, process scale-up environments
Industry UsageFocuses on developing and optimizing cell culture processes for biopharmaceuticalsInvolved in executing, monitoring, and troubleshooting bioprocesses during production

While both roles involve bioprocessing and cell culture, Upstream Cell Culture Process Development primarily focuses on designing and optimizing processes in the lab setting. In contrast, Upstream Bioprocess Engineers implement and maintain these processes in manufacturing environments, ensuring scalability and consistency.

What are popular job titles related to Upstream Cell Culture Process Development jobs?

For Upstream Cell Culture Process Development jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Upstream Cell Culture Process Development job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $101,612 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Scientist ll, Cell Culture Process Development

Cranbury, NJ • On-site

WuXi Biologics
See more jobs at WuXi Biologicsexternal

$66K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Job Title - Scientist ll, Cell Culture Process Development
Work Location - Cranbury NJ
Job Summary
Designs, executes and authors upstream cell culture development, tech transfer, and optimization studies. Conducts pilot scale material generation runs. Partners with other internal PD teams during process tech transfer, and supports GMP manufacturing and related investigation studies. Participates in client calls and face to face meetings with minimum supervision
Job Responsibilities
  • Works on bench scale cell culture process development, optimization and process transfer studies with minimum supervision. Conducts pilot-scale experiments for non-GMP material generation.
  • Manages project workflow to ensure on time delivery: from initial planning, experiment execution, to data evaluation.
  • Performs independent data analysis and interpretation and assists in strategies for optimization and troubleshooting.
  • Authors study protocols and reports, and ensures all data are reported clearly and accurately; Serves as trainer for inter and intradepartmental staff as needed.
  • Assists with tech transfer to GMP manufacturing, and supports deviations and investigations.
  • Serves as upstream cell culture SMEs to participates in client calls and face to face meetings. Provides project plans and updates to clients.
  • Authors Upstream lab equipment SOPs; maintains equipment functionality and coordinates repairs and preventative maintenance.
  • Performs job specific tasks in compliance with applicable Regulations, International Standards, and WuXi Biologics internal policies and guidelines.
  • Completes all required training (i.e. safety, equipment etc.).
  • Contributes to the overall operations and to the achievement of departmental goals.
  • May be required to assist in other departments or assigned other duties.

Qualifications
  • PhD in Life Sciences or related field, MS with 2+ years or BS with 4+ years of experience in a biopharmaceutical or biological contract testing/manufacturing organization.
  • Hands-on experience in upstream cell culture process development using bench scale bioreactors, experience with fed-batch operations.
  • Experience with pilot scale bioreactor operation is a plus.
  • Strong oral & written communication skills are required.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team and to exhibit effective interpersonal skills.
  • Experience in a cGMP environment is highly desirable.
  • Ability to take on multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Proficient in Microsoft (Excel, Word, Outlook)

The anticipated salary range for this position is $66,000 - $ 106,000
The job description does not intend to list all the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employee holding this position would be required to perform other job-related duties/responsibilities based on their expertis and company business needs.

Apply