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Upstream Manufacturing Associate Jobs in New Jersey

MSD

Manager, Process Operations

Rahway, NJ · On-site

... the Associate Director of Production Operations. Job Responsibilities: * Lead a team executing ... Strong understanding of GMP manufacturing environments, including upstream and downstream ...

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Upstream Manufacturing Associate information

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$12

$21

$33

How much do upstream manufacturing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for upstream manufacturing associate in New Jersey is $21.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $23.65 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 are popular job titles related to Upstream Manufacturing Associate jobs in New Jersey?

For Upstream Manufacturing Associate jobs in New Jersey, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Upstream Manufacturing Associate jobs in New Jersey look for?

The top searched job categories for Upstream Manufacturing Associate jobs in New Jersey are:

What cities in New Jersey are hiring for Upstream Manufacturing Associate jobs?

Cities in New Jersey with the most Upstream Manufacturing Associate job openings:

Upstream Manufacturing Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Upstream Manufacturing Associate job openings in New Jersey as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Nights. Highlights an 73% In-person, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,002 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Manufacturing Upstream Associate I/II

Piscataway, NJ • On-site

Kashiv Biosciences LLC
Manufacturing • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Kashiv Biosciences LLCexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Company Overview
Creating a Healthier World through Accessible Biologics:
Kashiv BioSciences, LLC is a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company. Kashiv BioSciences, LLC in the United States, and its subsidiary, Kashiv BioSciences Private Limited in India (together "Kashiv BioSciences"), operate together with robust infrastructure and highly skilled teams that provide global R&D, clinical, manufacturing, regulatory, and IP capabilities. We believe our people, partners, and shared purpose fuel our work to advance patient care and access to important medicines.
Position Summary
The Manufacturing Upstream Associate is a hands-on position responsible for manufacturing operations that executing mammalian cell culture processes and producing recombinant proteins for a wide range of mammalian-based biosimilars. Responsible for executing cell culture batches from 50L to 2000L volumes within a current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) environment. Responsibilities such as preparation media/buffers, filtration, aseptic procedures biosafety cabinet and bioreactor operations, and cell removal filtration.
  • This position also requires responsibilities such as preparation media/buffers, filtration, aseptic procedures biosafety cabinet and bioreactor operations, and cell removal filtration.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to -
  • Demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of cGMP requirements. Adhere to real-time documentation during production run and maintain accurate records/logs.
  • Set up, operate, and break down upstream equipment including bioreactors, depth filtration, and disposables.
  • Perform upstream processes at multiple scales in a cGMP environment.
  • Perform calculations for processing, weighing materials, chemical and reagent additions.
  • Uses programs to collect and evaluate operating data to conduct online adjustments to products, instruments, or equipment.
  • Work with other teams and outside vendors to resolve technical issues as well as maintenance of production equipment.
  • Follow all GMP instructions in the manufacturing area and take responsibility / ownership of environmental health and safety policies.
  • Coordinate the conduction of investigations and corrections for issues found during the batch execution process.
  • Comply with all company policies and standards. Ensuring all operations comply with cGMP, safety, and data integrity standards.
  • Performs other functions as required or assigned.
  • Revision of solution preparation batch records, SOPs, Protocols and logbooks.
  • Providing support during quality audits and regulatory inspections.

Material & Inventory Management
  • Order, maintain, track, and staging of raw materials and consumables for upstream, downstream, and media/buffer preparation processes.
  • Perform label verification, receipt checks, and electronic inventory updates.
  • Coordinate with warehouse and planning teams for material readiness.
  • Managing material inventory inside cleanroom areas.

Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor's degree preferred.
  • Experience in a manufacturing environment or 1-2 years of relevant experience preferred.
  • Familiarity with safety protocols/procedures
  • Ability to understand and adhere to written and verbal instructions. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate technical details at all levels, including senior leadership
  • Ability to work well with a wide range of people from other groups in a team-oriented environment with cross-functional groups.
  • Ability to learn to properly use various hand and electrical tools.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle changing manufacturing demands.
  • Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Ability to troubleshoot technical issues and propose short- and long-term solutions.
  • Strong time-management skills and the ability to work under demanding timelines.
  • Work in a team environment and be able to work independently with minimum supervision.
  • Ability to learn to properly use various hand and electrical tools.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • The preferred candidate would have general working knowledge of disposable bioreactors, filtration, depth filtration, and single-use consumable technologies such as bags, tube sets, and manifolds.
  • Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and/or media preparation tasks in a biopharma or biotech manufacturing setting.
  • Proficiency in aseptic operations and in-process sampling.
  • Experience in supporting cGMP operations and commercial exposure is a plus.

Additional Position Information:
  • As a biologics/biosimilars company, our schedules are driven by process requirements.
  • Manufacturing Operations is 12hr shifts for 24/7 coverage (2-2-3 work schedule), including holidays and weekends. Shift A (day shift): 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EST and Shift B (night shift): 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM EST.
  • o Initial training may be performed on the day shift
  • Required Overtime (time-and-a-half pay), holidays, and weekends.
  • During the interview process, please let us know whether you have a preference for the day shift, the night shift, or are open to both.
  • Compensation: These are hourly FTE positions with overtime eligibility and shift differentials for applicable evenings.
  • Manufacturing Associate I (0-2 years of biologics manufacturing experience):
  • o $30-$36 per hour with up to a 5% yearly cash bonus
  • Manufacturing Associate II (2-4 years of biologics manufacturing experience):
  • o $34-$38 per hour with up to a 5% yearly cash bonus
  • Kashiv BioSciences can provide sponsorship support for qualified candidates. Please let us know if you currently require sponsorship or may require sponsorship in the future.
  • Interviews and employment are conducted onsite at our Piscataway, NJ facility. Candidates should currently reside within a reasonable commuting distance or plan to relocate to the area.

Benefits/Perks:
  • Medical Insurance - Aetna
    • Prescription Drug Converge Rx
    • Virtual Visits - Aetna/Teladoc
    • Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
    • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Dental Insurance - Aetna
  • Vision Insurance - VSP
  • Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Disability Benefits
  • Supplemental Benefits
    • Legal Services
    • ID Theft Protection
    • Travel Assistance
  • Value Added Benefits & Services
    • Health Advocate
    • Life Assistance Program (LAP)
    • Student Loan Assistance Program
  • 401K
  • Monthly Cell Phone Allowance

Work Environment & Physical Demands
General work environment and physical demands as required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Ability to work flexible hours as needed. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
General Work Environment:
  • Wear appropriate PPE to work in cleanrooms and/or laboratories that are adequately lit, ventilated and temperature controlled.
  • Occasional desk / computer work (reading, editing, writing documents) as required.
  • Potential for chemical odor and dust exists.

Standing/Lifting:
  • Must be able to move around the facility to reach various equipment.
  • Physical lifting and shifting required for pushing and pulling pre-made buffer containers and WFI drums on casters with assistance.
  • Must be able to lift at least 25 lbs. to lift weights onto scale for daily scale verification
  • Must be able to stand for long periods of time. Occasional bending, squatting, kneeling, stooping, pushing, pulling, reaching, and walking.
  • Frequent lifting/moving of approximately 25-50 lbs.
  • Frequent repetitive motion.

Supervisory Responsibility, if any: N/A
This position description is not a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.
Kashiv BioSciences, LLC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Kashiv BioSciences, LLC comply with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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