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Upstream Pharmacy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Upstream Pharmacy information

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How much do upstream pharmacy jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for upstream pharmacy in the United States is $19.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Upstream Pharmacy vs Pharmacist?

AspectUpstream PharmacyPharmacist
CredentialsLicensed pharmacy technicians, pharmacy assistantsLicensed pharmacists with Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree
Work EnvironmentPharmacy settings, distribution centers, manufacturingCommunity pharmacies, hospitals, clinics
Industry UsageSupports pharmacy operations, medication preparationPatient care, medication management, counseling

Upstream Pharmacy roles focus on medication preparation and support within pharmacy operations, often requiring pharmacy technician certifications. Pharmacists, on the other hand, are licensed healthcare professionals responsible for patient medication management and counseling. While both work within the pharmacy industry, their responsibilities and credentials differ significantly.

How does an Upstream Pharmacy professional typically collaborate with healthcare providers and insurers to optimize medication management?

Upstream Pharmacy professionals work closely with healthcare providers and insurance companies to streamline medication access and ensure clinically appropriate therapies are prescribed. This role often involves reviewing formulary options, communicating medication alternatives, and addressing prior authorization requirements. Regular collaboration helps resolve barriers to patient access and supports evidence-based prescribing, ultimately improving patient outcomes while managing costs. Teamwork and effective communication are essential skills in this environment.

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

To thrive as an Upstream Pharmacy professional, you need a strong background in pharmaceutical sciences, supply chain management, and regulatory compliance, often supported by a pharmacy or related degree. Familiarity with inventory management systems, pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, and relevant compliance certifications such as cGMP is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals excel in coordinating with suppliers and ensuring product quality. These skills ensure the safe, efficient sourcing and distribution of pharmaceutical products, which is critical for maintaining the integrity of the healthcare supply chain.

What is Upstream Pharmacy?

Upstream Pharmacy refers to the processes and roles that occur early in the medication supply chain, often focusing on the sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution of pharmaceuticals before they reach traditional retail or hospital pharmacies. This can include working with pharmaceutical manufacturers, wholesalers, and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to ensure that medications are available, affordable, and properly managed. Upstream pharmacy professionals may also be involved in formulary management, utilization review, and negotiating drug prices or contracts. Their work helps control healthcare costs and improve patient access to necessary medications.
More about Upstream Pharmacy jobs
What states have the most Upstream Pharmacy jobs? States with the most job openings for Upstream Pharmacy jobs include:
Infographic showing various Upstream Pharmacy job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 97% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,074 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Staff Engineer, Upstream Process Development

Takeda

Lexington, MA

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

By clicking the "Apply" button, I understand that my employment application process with Takeda will commence and that the information I provide in my application will be processed in line with Takeda's Privacy Notice and Terms of Use. I further attest that all information I submit in my employment application is true to the best of my knowledge.

Job DescriptionAbout the role

The Staff Engineer, Upstream Process Development is responsible for developing, characterizing, and defining cell culture processes across multiple modes, including fed-batch, perfusion, and intensified fed-batch systems. This role supports process development across multiple scales - from microscale through bench and pilot scale - and contributes to both early- and late-stage biotherapeutics programs.

You will collaborate with the technology development team to define new process platforms, drive innovation in upstream development, and lead process activities where needed. The role also involves executing technology transfer into GMP manufacturing environments, supporting regulatory filings, and providing technical expertise in upstream operations and process development strategies.

How you will contribute
  • Develop, characterize, and optimize cell culture processes across fed-batch, perfusion, and intensified fed-batch platforms

  • Support upstream development across microscale (Ambr15/250), bench-scale, and pilot-scale studies

  • Contribute to early- and late-stage development programs and take ownership of key upstream workstreams as needed

  • Partner with technology development teams to define and improve platform processes

  • Drive innovation through process improvements and new approaches in upstream development

  • Serve as an upstream or bioprocess development lead when needed

  • Lead or support technology transfer activities into GMP manufacturing (internal and external), acting as SME and primary point of contact

  • Support regulatory filings through technical documentation and data generation

  • Analyze complex data sets to identify trends and resolve process development challenges

  • Coach and support junior team members; may lead small project team

What you bring to Takeda

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor's degree with 8+ years, Master's degree with 6+ years, or PhD with relevant experience in chemistry, biology, pharmacy, engineering, or a related field

  • Extensive experience in upstream process development for mammalian cell culture under cGMP standards

  • Strong hands-on experience with fed-batch, perfusion, and intensified fed-batch systems

  • Experience working across microscale, bench-scale, and pilot-scale bioreactor platforms

  • Experience contributing to early- and late-stage process development programs

  • Experience supporting regulatory filings and working in cross-functional teams

Knowledge & Skills

  • Analytical & Problem Solving: Ability to troubleshoot complex process challenges, perform risk assessments, and identify practical solutions

  • Collaboration: Strong ability to work across global, cross-functional teams

  • Communication: Clear and concise verbal and written communication, including technical documentation and regulatory content

  • Organization: Strong time management and prioritization skills across multiple projects

  • Technical Expertise: Subject matter expertise in upstream process development, including process characterization, scale-up, and transfer

  • Knowledge Sharing: Ability to capture and share knowledge to improve processes and team effectiveness

  • Project & Resource Management: Ability to manage timelines, priorities, and internal/external resources

  • Leadership: Ability to influence technical decisions, guide cross-functional teams, and mentor junior colleagues

More about us:

At Takeda, we are transforming patient care through the development of novel specialty pharmaceuticals and best in class patient support programs. Takeda is a patient-focused company that will inspire and empower you to grow through life-changing work.

Certified as a Global Top Employer, Takeda offers stimulating careers, encourages innovation, and strives for excellence in everything we do. We foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace, in which our teams are united by an unwavering commitment to deliver Better Health and a Brighter Future to people around the world.

Empowering our people to shine:

Takeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law.

#LI-FM1

Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary

We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. We are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices.

For Location:

Lexington, MA

U.S. Base Salary Range:

$116,000.00 - $182,270.00


The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location.

U.S. based employees may be eligible for short-term and/ or long-term incentives. U.S. based employees may be eligible to participate in medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401(k) plan and company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, a tuition reimbursement program, paid volunteer time off, company holidays, and well-being benefits, among others. U.S. based employees are also eligible to receive, per calendar year, up to 80 hours of sick time, and new hires are eligible to accrue up to 120 hours of paid vacation.

EEO Statement

Takeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law.

LocationsLexington, MAWorker TypeEmployeeWorker Sub-TypeRegularTime TypeFull time

Job Exempt

YesIt is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.