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Upstream Manufacturing Associate Jobs in Minnesota

Work collaboratively with journey workers and coordinate activities with upstream and downstream ... Vocational/technical training or an associate degree or above, OR 1+ years of RME (Reliability ...

Work collaboratively with journey workers and coordinate activities with upstream and downstream ... Vocational/technical training or an associate degree or above, OR 1+ years of RME (Reliability ...

Work collaboratively with journey workers and coordinate activities with upstream and downstream ... Vocational/technical training or an associate degree or above, OR 1+ years of RME (Reliability ...

Upstream Manufacturing Associate information

See Minnesota salary details

$12

$20

$32

How much do upstream manufacturing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for upstream manufacturing associate in Minnesota is $20.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Minnesota are hiring for Upstream Manufacturing Associate jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Upstream Manufacturing Associate job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,449 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Senior Associate Scientist at Aequor Andover, MN

Discovery Senior Living Holdings, LLC

Andover, MN • On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Discovery Senior Living rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 75 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

133rd of 242 rated social care providers


Job description

Senior Associate Scientist – Andover, MN

Location: Andover, MA

Duration: 6+ months contract – 100% onsite role

Daily Schedule: Monday - Friday / First Shift

Interview Process: First Round: Teams, Second Round: Onsite

Job Description

***'s purpose is to deliver breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Research and Development is at the heart of fulfilling ***'s purpose as we work to translate advanced science and technologies into the therapies and vaccines that matter most. Whether you are in the discovery sciences, ensuring drug safety and efficacy, or supporting clinical trials, you will apply cutting edge design and process development capabilities to accelerate and bring the best in class medicines to patients around the world.

Why Patients Need You

Manufacturing Sciences and Technology (MSAT) Upstream Group at *** is looking for a highly motivated and versatile candidate to join our multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers in Andover, MA. MSAT supports ***'s portfolio of late-stage development of commercial biopharmaceuticals and vaccines, and is responsible for process troubleshooting, process improvements and second‑generation process development. We are looking for someone who is eager to contribute independent thinking and technical excellence to the upstream fermentation team. The Sr. Associate Scientist will be a part of a diverse and motivated team of scientists, engineers, and technical professionals that are focused on fermentation processes to produce biotherapeutics. The role is well‑integrated into the rest of the MSAT Microbial Team. This role will collaborate with other MSAT scientists to setup bioreactors and execute well‑designed experiments, including but not limited to basic analytics, data acquisition and documentation of work. The candidate would also be responsible for user‑level maintenance of the relevant equipment and associated documentation.

How You Will Achieve It
  • Contribute to achievement of the upstream work group goals and collaborate with other team members.
  • Maintain laboratory area and equipment in clean, safe, and functional order.
  • Comply with safety and regulatory requirements and document it through the internal training program.
  • Perform routine laboratory studies.
  • Qualified candidates will serve as an upstream resource for the department and project teams.
  • Follow Standard Operating Procedures and Standard Work instructions.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree or Associate Degree in a relevant discipline (Chemical engineering, Bioprocessing, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biology, etc.) with 3 - 5 years of applicable bioprocess experience.
  • Proficient in aseptic technique.
  • Experience in bioreactor operation and associated analytical tools.
  • Candidate should have in‑depth scientific knowledge and experience in a wide array of upstream techniques.
  • Ability to perform complex data analysis and work in a dynamic team environment.
  • Ability to troubleshoot technical issues, plan and carry out experiments independently, and work with complex instrumentation and software.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Strong analytical and computer skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Biopharmaceutical or pharmaceutical industry experience.
  • Experience in troubleshooting electrical and mechanical systems.
  • Experience in executing lab‑scale microbial fermentation formats and scale‑up to pilot/manufacturing scale.
  • Familiarity with control and data acquisition systems.
  • Knowledge of cell culture/fermentations.
  • Experience with industrial scale fermentation scale‑up, optimization and operations are highly desired.
  • Curiosity about seeking and applying current relevant scientific literature.
Physical/Mental Requirements
  • Involves typical bioprocessing lab activities.
  • Ability to routinely lift 50 lbs.
  • Standing for prolonged periods of time, walking, bending, and using tools.
  • Ability to perform mathematical calculations and complex data analysis.
Non-Standard Work Schedule, Travel or Environment Requirements
  • Requires off hours working to support laboratory work on average of two times per week.
  • This is an on‑site laboratory role.
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