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Upstream Process Development Scientist Jobs in Pennsylvania

This senior individual contributor role will serve as a scientific cornerstone within R&D, leading the early-stage definition, interrogation, and optimization of upstream LVV processes from molecular ...

... development of lentiviral vector upstream processes, including seed train strategy and scale-up ... This Scientist position will closely work with Molecular Biology, Downstream, Analytical and ...

Basic understanding of upstream process development and their impact on product quality. * Strong ... scientific findings to cross-functional teams. * Ability to work both independently and ...

Basic understanding of upstream process development and their impact on product quality.Strong ... scientific findings to cross-functional teams.Ability to work both independently and ...

... upstream cell culture and commercialization. The position oversees a team of scientists, leads high-impact process development, and manages technology transfer and validation activities to support ...

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Upstream Process Development Scientist information

See Pennsylvania salary details

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$38

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How much do upstream process development scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for upstream process development scientist in Pennsylvania is $38.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.41 and $46.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an upstream process development scientist do?

An Upstream Process Development Scientist is responsible for designing, optimizing, and scaling up processes for the production of biological products such as proteins, vaccines, or antibodies. They primarily focus on cell culture, fermentation, and bioreactor operations to maximize yield and product quality. These scientists work closely with research and manufacturing teams to develop efficient and reproducible processes that can be transferred to large-scale production. Their work is essential in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries for the development of new therapeutics.

What are some typical challenges faced by an upstream process development scientist, and how are they addressed in the workplace?

Upstream Process Development Scientists often encounter challenges such as optimizing cell culture conditions for maximum yield, scaling up processes from bench to pilot or production scale, and troubleshooting variability in biological systems. These challenges are typically addressed through rigorous experimental design, close collaboration with cross-functional teams like analytical development and quality assurance, and leveraging data-driven approaches to problem-solving. Regular team meetings and access to advanced instrumentation also provide support, ensuring that scientists can quickly adapt to evolving project needs and industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an upstream process development scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Upstream Process Development Scientist, you need a strong background in bioprocess engineering, cell culture, and molecular biology, typically supported by a degree in life sciences or biochemical engineering. Familiarity with bioreactor systems, analytical instrumentation, and data analysis software, as well as experience with cGMP and regulatory guidelines, is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help drive innovation and collaboration in the lab. These skills are crucial for optimizing cell culture processes, ensuring product quality, and meeting timelines in biopharmaceutical development.

What is the difference between Upstream Process Development Scientist vs Downstream Process Development Scientist?

AspectUpstream Process Development ScientistDownstream Process Development Scientist
Focus AreaBioreactor cultivation, cell culture optimization, media developmentPurification, filtration, chromatography, product recovery
Skills & CertificationsCell biology, bioprocessing, GMP regulationsProtein chemistry, purification techniques, GMP compliance
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, bioreactors, pilot plantsLaboratories, purification facilities, pilot plants
Industry UsageBiopharmaceuticals, biotech companies, contract manufacturingBiopharmaceuticals, biotech companies, contract manufacturing

Both roles are essential in bioprocessing, with upstream scientists focusing on cell growth and media optimization, while downstream scientists handle product purification. They often collaborate closely within biopharmaceutical manufacturing to ensure efficient production and high-quality biologics.

What are popular job titles related to Upstream Process Development Scientist jobs in Pennsylvania?

For Upstream Process Development Scientist jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Upstream Process Development Scientist jobs in Pennsylvania look for?

The top searched job categories for Upstream Process Development Scientist jobs in Pennsylvania are:

Infographic showing various Upstream Process Development Scientist job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,613 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

Senior Scientist - Lentiviral Vector Upstream Process Development

Spring House, PA • On-site

$87K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design and execute upstream process development studies for lentiviral therapeutic products.

  • Conduct cell culture experiments using shake flasks, bench-scale bioreactors, and automated high-throughput systems.

  • Collaborate with manufacturing sites and support technology transfer, process optimization, and product lifecycle management.


Job description

At Johnson & Johnson,we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build aworld where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured,where treatments are smarter and less invasive, andsolutions are personal.Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity.Learn more at jnj.com.

As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual. At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit.

Job Function:

Discovery & Pre-Clinical/Clinical Development

Job Sub Function:

Biotherapeutics R&D

Job Category:

Scientific/Technology

All Job Posting Locations:

Spring House, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Job Description:

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal.

Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more atjnj.com.

As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual. At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit.

We are searching for the best talent for a Senior Scientist - Lentiviral Vector Upstream Process Development to be based in Spring House, PA.

Purpose:

The Senior Scientist, Lentiviral Vector Upstream Process Development, will lead development, optimization, and characterization of scalable cell culture processesfor cell therapy and CAR-T programs. This role will provide scientific leadership for early- or clinical-stage process development, with emphasis on cell culture and bioreactor execution at varying scales and data-driven process understanding, platform robustness and knowledge and optimization of upstream process technologies. This role will also support technology transfer to Johnson & Johnson's manufacturing sites, commercial manufacturing investigations and provide subject matter expert knowledge as part of life cycle management for cell therapy products in Johnson & Johnson's pipeline.

You will be responsible for:

  • Design and execute upstream process development studies for lentiviral therapeutic products and provide scientific guidance.

  • Conduct cell culture experiments using shake flasks, bench-scale bioreactors, and automated high-throughput systems.

  • Contribute todevelopmentof lentiviral processes to continuously improve productivity, quality, and manufacturability.

  • Perform technology transfer to and collaborate with Johnson & Johnson's manufacturing sites

  • Support existing and new commercial manufacturing investigations and provide subject matter expert knowledge as part of product life cycle management

  • Apply statistical experimental design, data analytics, and online monitoring and visualization tools to strengthen upstream process understanding.

  • Analyze and interpret process data using JMP,MiniTab, Python, Spotfire, or similar platforms.

  • Evaluate emerging novel upstream technologies that improve process robustness and development efficiency.

  • Collaborate closely with downstream, analytical, formulation, modeling, automation to align study design and deliverables

  • Mentor junior scientists and provide scientific leadership across programs and cross-functional workstreams.

  • Author technical reports, development summaries, scientific presentations, protocols, and regulatory-supporting documentation.

Qualifications:

Required:

  • PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field with 2+ years of relevant experience; ORBS or MS with 4-6 years of relevant experience.

  • Experience with process development of viral based products.

  • Experience in mammalian cell culture process development for biologics, cell and gene therapy, RNA therapeutics, or related viral vector modalities.

  • Hands-on experience with cell culture, bioreactor operation, media optimization, process monitoring, and process scale-up.

  • Strong data analysis, experimental design, and technical documentation skills.

  • Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, interpret, and communicate complex studies.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Ability to work effectively in cross-functional team environments.

  • Previous experience with technology transfer of a bioprocess to clinical or commercial GMP manufacturing is strongly preferred

  • Occasional weekend work may be required

  • Up to 10% domestic and international travel may be required

Johnson & Johnson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Johnson and Johnson is committed to providing an interview process that is inclusive of our applicants' needs. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation, please email the Employee Health Support Center (ra-employeehealthsup@its.jnj.com) or contact AskGS to be directed to your accommodation resource.

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

Analytical Reasoning, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Control (CMC), Coaching, Consulting, Critical Thinking, Drug Discovery Development, Emerging Technologies, Molecular Diagnostics, Pharmacogenetics, Pharmacovigilance, Process Improvements, Quality Assurance (QA), Relationship Building, Research Documents, Scientific Research, Technologically Savvy