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Upstream Manufacturing Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Ensure upstream activities (e.g., field inspection, grower contract) are handled within company ... Minimum three years' manufacturing experience, with experience in chemical or row crop ...

Ensure upstream activities (e.g., field inspection, grower contract) are handled within company ... Minimum three years' manufacturing experience, with experience in chemical or row crop ...

Upstream Manufacturing Associate information

What are some common challenges faced by Upstream Manufacturing Associates, and how can they be successfully managed?

Upstream Manufacturing Associates often encounter challenges such as maintaining sterility in bioprocessing environments, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and adapting to rapidly changing production schedules. Successfully managing these challenges requires strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs), strong attention to detail, and effective communication with cross-functional teams like quality assurance and process engineering. Proactively seeking feedback, participating in ongoing training, and staying organized can help associates stay ahead of potential issues and contribute positively to team goals.

What is the difference between Upstream Manufacturing Associate vs Downstream Manufacturing Associate?

AspectUpstream Manufacturing AssociateDownstream Manufacturing Associate
Primary ResponsibilitiesBioreactor operation, cell culture, media preparationPurification, filtration, packaging of products
Work EnvironmentCleanroom, laboratory, manufacturing floorCleanroom, laboratory, manufacturing floor
Required SkillsBioprocessing, sterile techniques, equipment handlingFiltration, chromatography, aseptic processing
CertificationsGMP training, sterile technique certificationGMP training, sterile technique certification

Both roles are essential in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, with upstream associates focusing on the early stages of production like cell culture, and downstream associates handling product purification and finishing. They often work in similar environments and require comparable certifications, but their specific tasks differ within the manufacturing process.

What are Upstream Manufacturing Associates?

Upstream Manufacturing Associates are professionals who work in the early stages of biopharmaceutical production, primarily focusing on cell culture and fermentation processes. They are responsible for preparing and maintaining bioreactors, monitoring cell growth, and ensuring optimal conditions for producing biological products such as proteins or vaccines. Their role is crucial in setting the foundation for downstream purification and final product manufacturing. Upstream Manufacturing Associates often work in cleanroom environments and follow strict safety and quality protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Upstream Manufacturing Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Upstream Manufacturing Associate, you need a solid background in biology or biochemistry, familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and typically a bachelor's degree in a scientific field. Experience with bioreactor operation, aseptic techniques, and process control systems such as DeltaV is often required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the consistent production of high-quality biological products and compliance with industry regulations in a fast-paced environment.
What are popular job titles related to Upstream Manufacturing Associate jobs in Iowa? For Upstream Manufacturing Associate jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Upstream Manufacturing Associate jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Upstream Manufacturing Associate jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Upstream Manufacturing Associate jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Upstream Manufacturing Associate job openings:
Field Seed Technician - Grinnell, IA

Field Seed Technician - Grinnell, IA

Bayer

Grinnell, IA • On-site

$25.68 - $32.28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Bayer rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 74 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

At Bayer we're visionaries, driven to solve the world's toughest challenges and striving for a world where 'Health for all Hunger for none' is no longer a dream, but a real possibility. We're doing it with energy, curiosity and sheer dedication, always learning from unique perspectives of those around us, expanding our thinking, growing our capabilities and redefining 'impossible'. There are so many reasons to join us. If you're hungry to build a varied and meaningful career in a community of brilliant and diverse minds to make a real difference, there's only one choice.
Field Seed Technician - Grinnell, IA
Field Seed Technician (Grinnell, IA)
Focuses on field production related activities across the full seasonal production cycle, including grower contracting, field selection, field vendor management, planting, crop development, harvest, and maintaining production field equipment. Coordinates equipment maintenance and repairs with the technical team. Documents and communicate work results during seasonal deliverables.
YOUR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The primary responsibilities of this role, Field Seed Technician are:
  • Operate equipment in the production sites and leverage real time data to maximize existing procedures;
  • Perform preventive maintenance and inspections; troubleshooting problems associated with equipment, processes, and systems as needed;
  • Support areas across the Field in driving the adoption of continuous improvement practices and programs (5S, Lean, Six Sigma) conducive to an organized and clean work environment;
  • Utilize Focused Improvement (e.g., 5WHYs) techniques to initiate process and standard work improvements;
  • Provide coaching and training to seasonal workforce, area trainees and peers supporting achievement and personal development;
  • Ensure upstream activities (e.g., field inspection, grower contract) are handled within company standards and business requirements;
  • Cultivate partnership with key business partners to plant / field operations (e.g., grower network;)
  • Use SAP and Digital Field Systems to support administrative procedures, documenting key readings, maintenance orders and production information;
  • Maintain key process documentation (operating, start-up, and shut-down procedures; standard work; process flow and instrumentation diagrams; etc.)
  • Demonstrate knowledge of and adherence to Bayer's Health, Safety, Environment (HSE) and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) standards (e.g., general shop floor/machine safety and operating procedures;)
  • Comply with internal procedures and support compliance with legal requirements applicable to area activities;
  • Participate and prepare to lead Daily Direction Setting (DDS) meetings as needed; articulating shift objectives and allocating resources accordingly across all active production areas;
  • Support and maintain metrics and relevant information on current Visual Management boards to drive teamwork and facilitate shift change over.

WHO YOU ARE
Bayer seeks an incumbent who possesses the following:
Required Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or GED;
  • Basic knowledge of IT (Internet, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, or facilities with systems;)
  • Valid Drivers' License. To be eligible to drive a company car, your driving record must meet guidelines based on the company's Risk Screening for Hiring Drivers - MVR will be reviewed as part of pre-employment screening;
  • Ability to lift a minimum of 60 lbs. (a bag of seed;)
  • Ability to workdays, nights, rotating shifts, weekends, and overtime as business needs require.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Advanced education including Technical, Associate's, or bachelor's degree;
  • Intermediate computer skills with experience using SAP and PLC;
  • Minimum three years' manufacturing experience, with experience in chemical or row crop manufacturing;
  • Previous experience working in a manufacturing environment with a 24/7 rotating shift schedule, including overtime as needed.

Posting will be available until July 10, 2026.
Employees can expect to be paid an hourly rate between $25.68-$32.28. Additional compensation may include a bonus or commission (if relevant). Other benefits include health care, vision, dental, retirement, PTO, sick leave, etc. If selected for this role, the offer may vary based on market data/ranges, an applicant's skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications, and other relevant factors.
YOUR APPLICATION
Bayer offers a wide variety of competitive compensation and benefits programs. If you meet the requirements of this unique opportunity, and want to impact our mission Health for all, Hunger for none, we encourage you to apply now. Be part of something bigger. Be you. Be Bayer.
To all recruitment agencies: Bayer does not accept unsolicited third party resumes.
Bayer is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans
Bayer is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its application process for individuals with disabilities and encourages applicants with disabilities to request any needed accommodation(s) using the contact information below.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: Notice for U.S. Visitors: All information on this site is subject to compliance with local rule and regulations as they may vary from time to time and across different geographies, including, without limitation, U.S. Executive Orders. Bayer is an E-Verify Employer. Location:United States : Iowa : Grinnell Division:Crop Science Reference Code:873933 Contact Us Email:hrop_usa@bayer.com

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About Bayer

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Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of healthcare and nutrition. We design our products and services to help people and planet thrive by supporting efforts to address the unprecedented global challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. At Bayer, we’re committed to drive sustainable development and generate a positive impact with our businesses. Through bold ideas and unprecedented insights, we’re pioneering new possibilities that advance life for all of us. That means reimagining how we care for ourselves and one another by empowering everyday health, improving approaches to patient care, and finding better ways to nourish our communities around the world.

Industry

Agriculture

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Whippany, NJ, US