ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Upstream Process Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Avid Bioservices

Engineer, MSAT Upstream

Tustin, CA · On-site

$95K - $119K/yr

Communicate with clients on process status and collaborate to resolve issues on the floor ... Additionally, we offer opportunities for career growth and development as well as a supportive and ...

Debut Biotech

Staff Process Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Collaborate closely with upstream process development and strain engineering teams to align on integrated process development strategies. Education and Experience * PhD + 6 years of experience; OR ...

Debut Biotech

Staff Process Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Collaborate closely with upstream process development and strain engineering teams to align on integrated process development strategies. Education and Experience * PhD + 6 years of experience; OR ...

Avid Bioservices

Engineer, MSAT Upstream

Tustin, CA · On-site

$95K - $119K/yr

Communicate with clients on process status and collaborate to resolve issues on the floor ... Additionally, we offer opportunities for career growth and development as well as a supportive and ...

Avid Bioservices

Engineer, MSAT Upstream

Tustin, CA · On-site

$95K - $119K/yr

Communicate with clients on process status and collaborate to resolve issues on the floor ... Additionally, we offer opportunities for career growth and development as well as a supportive and ...

Lonza

MSAT Senior Scientist

Vacaville, CA · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

MSAT Senior Scientist will independently lead the technical transfer of multiple concurrent manufacturing processes (Upstream - USP) from Process Development, Pilot Scale and other sites of ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsUpstream Process Development JobsUpstream Process Development Jobs in California

Upstream Process Development information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in upstream process development?

Success in Upstream Process Development requires a strong background in biology, biochemistry, or chemical engineering, often with an advanced degree and experience in cell culture or fermentation techniques. Familiarity with bioreactors, process control systems, and analytical instrumentation, as well as knowledge of cGMP regulations, is essential. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are important soft skills for optimizing processes and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure efficient development of scalable production processes, maintaining product quality and regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced in upstream process development and how do teams typically address them?

One of the main challenges in upstream process development is optimizing cell culture conditions to consistently achieve high yields and product quality. Teams often encounter variability in biological systems and must troubleshoot issues such as contamination, scale-up inconsistencies, or nutrient limitations. Collaboration with analytical, downstream, and quality teams is essential to identify root causes and implement solutions. Regular data review meetings, cross-functional problem-solving, and continuous process improvement are standard practices to ensure robust upstream processes.

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

AspectUpstream Process DevelopmentDownstream Process Development
FocusDevelopment of cell culture, fermentation, and bioreactor processesPurification, filtration, and formulation of bioproducts
Skills & CredentialsBioprocess engineering, molecular biology, biochemistryBioprocessing, chromatography, analytical chemistry
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, bioreactors, pilot plantsPurification facilities, labs, quality control
Industry UsageBiotech, pharmaceutical manufacturingBiotech, pharmaceutical manufacturing

Upstream Process Development focuses on creating and optimizing cell culture and fermentation processes to produce bioproducts. In contrast, Downstream Process Development involves purifying and finishing these products. Both roles are essential in biopharmaceutical manufacturing and require similar scientific backgrounds, but they specialize in different stages of bioprocessing.

What are common upstream process development jobs?

Common upstream process development jobs include roles such as upstream process scientist, process engineer, and bioprocess development specialist. These positions focus on optimizing cell culture, fermentation, and bioreactor processes to improve product yield and quality, often requiring knowledge of bioreactor operation, cell biology, and process scale-up. Skills in laboratory techniques, process modeling, and regulatory compliance are also important in these roles.

What is an upstream process development job?

An upstream process development job involves designing, optimizing, and scaling the early stages of biopharmaceutical production, such as cell culture and fermentation processes. Professionals in this role typically work with bioreactors, laboratory equipment, and process analytical tools to improve yield and quality of biological products. Strong knowledge of microbiology, biochemistry, and process engineering is essential, along with adherence to regulatory standards.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Upstream Process Development jobs?

Cities in California with the most Upstream Process Development job openings:

Upstream Process Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Upstream Process Development job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Hybrid job distribution.

Research Associate, Process Development Upstream

Tustin, CA • On-site

Avid Bioservices
Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Avid Bioservicesexternal

$58K - $73K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Looking to join a passionate team dedicated to developing and manufacturing life-saving biopharmaceuticals? Avid Bioservices is a leading clinical and commercial biologics CDMO focused on creating innovative solutions to meet the needs of our clients and improve patient outcomes.
Your Role:
TheResearch Associate in Process Development - Upstreamwill develop and optimize scalable cell culture processes and contribute to transferring the process to Avid Manufacturing. In addition, the Research Associate will maintain production equipment and will research and implement new methods and technologies to enhance process operations.
  • Responsible for mammalian cell culture process development and optimization including but not limited to recombinant protein production, cell adaptation to suspension or serum-free conditions, media/feed screening comparing growth and productivity in various media, growing and maintaining cells in shake flasks, wave and stirred tank bioreactors. Responsibilities also include seed train development, production bioreactor inoculation, maintenance, sampling, and feeding, and cell culture harvest/clarification.
  • Work with many different kinds of mammalian cell lines (CHO-GS, CHO-DG44, CHO-M, CHO-S, NSO, HEK, etc) utilizing aseptic techniques, and apply a good understanding of the effect of general metabolic pathways (nutrient usage, expression system, etc.) physical (morphology, pH, osmolality, etc.) as well as mechanical (agitation speeds, oxygen and pH control, etc.) parameters on cell growth and recombinant protein production.
  • Preparation of various cell culture media and feed formulations from scratch.
  • Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain cell culture equipment such as bioreactors and analyzers.
  • Scale up and tech transfer cell culture and harvest processes to the Manufacturing department.
  • Analyze growth, production, and nutrient usage data, create data spreadsheets and graphs in Excel or JMP, document data and findings for traceability and regulatory requirements, write technical and summary reports, generate slide decks, and lastly, communicate findings and participate in scientific discussions within the group and with clients.
  • Work with minimal supervision on projects of routine or low to moderate complexity.
  • Research and implement new methods and technologies to enhance operations.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • B.S. degree in a Biological Science
  • Minimum of 1-2 years of relevant industry experience with demonstrated working knowledge of scientific principles.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
This role is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. unless otherwise stated by Supervisor.Any scientific member can expect to work overtime, including during the weekends and holidays.
Compensation:
We offer competitive compensation packages for this role, including a base salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid time off.
The compensation range for this role is $58,400 - $73,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. Additionally, we offer opportunities for career growth and development as well as a supportive and inclusive work environment.
Who you are:
  • You have a "bring it on!" team player approach and an unshakable positive attitude, always ready to tackle anything that comes your way.
  • Your written and verbal skills are out of this world, and you communicate with clarity and confidence.
  • You have exceptional multitasking skills and an unparalleled attention to detail that ensure the smooth running of everything.
  • You are a master at building relationships, capable of establishing connections with anyone, be it team members, clients, vendors, or suppliers.
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
In this dynamic role, expect a blend of regular activities like sitting, standing, and walking, with occasional physically engaging tasks such as lifting objects up to 20 pounds. The work environment might expose you to electrical shocks, toxic chemicals, vibrations, or loud noise levels occasionally. However, reasonable accommodations are available to enable individuals with different abilities to perform effectively, ensuring a supportive and adaptable work setting. Your visual acuity, including close, distance, and color vision, will be essential in navigating through the diverse day-to-day demands of this position.
Employment Type: Full-Time

Apply