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Upstream Manufacturing Associate Jobs in Michigan

Production Associate - Frames

Decatur, MI · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Team Support - Operate upstream equipment and processes to facilitate product flow and feed ... Previous manufacturing, assembly, or construction experience. * Blueprint or template reading a ...

Production Associate - Prep

Decatur, MI · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Team Support - Operate upstream equipment and processes to facilitate product flow and feed ... Previous manufacturing, assembly, or construction experience. * Blueprint or template reading.

As a Production Associate you will help build custom commercial doors and entry systems that end up ... This Decatur, Michigan manufacturer has been building engineered architectural door systems since ...

Upstream Manufacturing Associate information

What is an upstream manufacturing associate?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be an upstream manufacturing associate?

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 challenges do upstream manufacturing associates face and how can they be 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 cities in Michigan are hiring for Upstream Manufacturing Associate jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Upstream Manufacturing Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Upstream Manufacturing Associate job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Manufacturing Associate

Lansing, MI

Emergent Biosolutions
Biotechnology Research and Development • 1 - 5K employees

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description


 Preparedness today, safer tomorrow.

 Emergent is a leading public health company that delivers protective and life-saving solutions to
 communities around the world.  Here, you will join passionate professionals where our culture is informed
 by our values and commitment to protecting and saving lives.

JOB SUMMARY 

Execute tasks per CGMP guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures to manufacture, inspect and package Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed. Complete training and maintain competence per the manufacturing training program. Actively incorporate the Shared Values set out by Emergent BioSolutions while performing day to day activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

General

  • Complete training and demonstrate competency on Manufacturing Associate qualification blocks in accordance with the training progression pathway
  • Execute and document procedural steps in compliance with CGMP standards, clean room behavior and Standard Operating Procedures
  • Comply with all applicable rules and regulations of Emergent and the Pharmaceutical / Biotech industry. This includes FDA regulations such as CGMP, GDP, EH&S regulations, and company regulations such as the employee handbook
  • Maintain state of facility environmental control including: preparation of defined concentrations of cleaning solutions, daily, monthly, quarterly and annual cleaning of manufacturing areas per StandardOperating Procedures  
  • Review all documentation for accuracy and completeness of process signature steps as each step is completed. Perform "real time" review of all documentation (BPRs, forms, logs, etc.) in the area throughout the shift
  • Stock gowning and consumable supplies in the controlled areas maintaining Kanban inventory control of manufacturing materials

Lean Concepts

  • Follow standard work guidelines
  • Collaborate with applicable Integrated Process Teams to participate in continuous improvement and learn new Lean concepts
  • Actively participate in Kanban and 6S programs

Inspection and Packaging

  • Successfully complete inspector qualification requirements to identify, classify and cull product defects, including those defects which could impact patient safety (inspector qualification)
  • Independently operate labeling equipment with minimal supervision (Qualification)
  • Apply traceability and expiration information to secondary packaging components such as cartons and cases. Confirm suitability of secondary packaging components during printing processes through 100% inspection (carton printing, case creation)
  • Package product in secondary and final packaging components while performing 100% reconciliation of product rejects (Packaging)
  • Complete ambient tracking documentation
  • Execute material issuance and confirmation of process steps using specific SAP modules

Building 55 Operations - Prep

  • Execute material issuance and confirmation of process steps using specific SAP modules
  • Precisely weigh and hydrate media components
  • Load, run and unload parts washer and sterilization/decontamination using specific validated load configurations per Standard Operating Procedures
  • Assemble clean process glassware configurations and portable tanks utilizing sanitary connections, quick connects and stainless-steel ancillary parts
  • Perform Cleaning (COP/CIP) and Sterilizing (SOP/SIP) of production vessels through interface with automated control system (DeltaV)
  • Prepare and dispense intermediate materials

Building 55 Operations - Upstream 

  • Execute detailed manual and high impact process tasks requiring extensive documentation and interface with automated controls.   Process operation involves manual orientation of valve configurations and monitoring/adjustment of vessel pressures during execution to maintain the sterile envelope and create differentials to facilitate transfers.  Description of specific requirements include:
  • Clean and Sterilize 10L, 120L and 1320L fermenters to defined and validated parameters through interface with automated control system
  • Sterilize media filters and sterile filter seed, intermediate and production media
  • Inoculate 10L fermenter through addition of inoculum via peristaltic pump  
  • Monitor culture turbidity to verify growth to required process parameters and transfer culture from the 10L to 120L and the 120L to 1320L fermenters upon verification of achievement of these parameters
  • Adjust pH of culture through manual addition of 2N NaOH aliquots to a defined pH range
  • Install sterilizing grade filters, perform integrity testing and execute sterilization of filter skid
  • Monitor culture turbidity to verify growth to required process parameters and filter culture from 1320L fermenter to Harvest Tank

Building 55 Downstream Operations

  • Add ALOH to Harvest tank.
  • Draw samples and submit them through LIMS.
  • Clean and sterilize Harvest Tanks
  • Clean and sterilize centrifuge as well as run the centrifugation processes
  • Dispense and sterilize ALOH


Behavior/Cultural Responsibilities

  • Standing Shoulder to Shoulder (no matter what):
    • working collaboratively with others, communicating, and managing conflict effectively
  • Break Through Thinking:
    • cultivating innovation and nimble learning
  • Own It Always:
    • ensuring accountability, and making good and timely decisions
  • Compete Where It Counts:
    • demonstrating courage and focusing on customers
  • Integrity and Instills Trust:
    • gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity and authenticity
  • Manages Complexity:
    • making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problem
  • Plans and Aligns:
    • plan and prioritize work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals
  • Drives Engagement:
    • creating a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives

The above statements are intended to describe the nature of work performed by those in this job and are not an exhaustive list of all duties. Nothing in this job description restricts managements right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time which reflects management's assignment of essential functions. 

MINIMUM EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS

  • HS Diploma
  • 1-2 years' experience working in a CGMP environment  
  • Knowledge of CGMP and CFR requirements preferred but not required
  • Personal Competencies: Self-awareness, Integrity, Team Player, Creative, and Culturally aware

U.S. Base Pay Ranges and Benefits Information

The estimated annual base salary as a new hire for this position ranges from $39,000 to $47,100. Individual base pay depends on various factors such as applicant's education, experience, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.  The salary may also be adjusted based on applicant's geographic location.  Certain roles are eligible for additional incentive compensation, including merit increases, annual bonus, [and/or long-term incentives in the form of stock options.]

Additionally, Emergent offers a comprehensive benefits package*.  Information regarding additional benefits can be found here:  https://www.emergentbiosolutions.com/careers/life-at-emergent

(*Eligibility for benefits is governed by the applicable plan documents and policies).

If you are selected for an interview, please feel welcome to speak to a Human Resources Partner about our compensation philosophy and available benefits.

There are physical/mental demands and work environment characteristics that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This information is available upon request from the candidate.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform all essential functions.

Emergent BioSolutions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and values the diversity of our workforce.  Emergent does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital status, physical or mental disability, military service or veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Information submitted will be used by Emergent BioSolutions for activities related to your prospective employment. Emergent BioSolutions respects your privacy and any use of the information submitted will be subject to the terms of our Privacy Policy .

Emergent BioSolutions does not accept non-solicited resumes or candidate submittals from search/recruiting agencies not already on Emergent BioSolutions' approved agency list. Unsolicited resumes or candidate information submitted to Emergent BioSolutions by search/recruiting agencies not already on Emergent BioSolutions' approved agency list shall become the property of Emergent BioSolutions and if the candidate is subsequently hired by Emergent BioSolutions, Emergent BioSolutions shall not owe any fee to the submitting agency.