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Upstream Process Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Process Development Associate

Thousand Oaks, CA

$25/hr

Support the development, characterization, scale-up, and support of upstream and downstream processes for clinical advancement. * Design and execute bench-scale experiments covering end-to-end drug ...

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ATUM

Associate Scientist, Bioproduction

Newark, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Proven track record in upstream process development and experience with larger-scale glass or disposable bioreactors. * Preferred Systems: Experience with ambr ® 15 and ambr ® 250 systems is not ...

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All JobsUpstream Process Development JobsUpstream Process Development Jobs in California

Upstream Process Development information

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the field of Upstream Process Development, senior roles such as Director or Vice President can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership skills in biopharmaceutical or biotech industries. High compensation is often associated with managerial responsibilities, strategic decision-making, and overseeing large teams or projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Upstream Process Development, and why are they important?

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 common upstream jobs?

Common upstream process development jobs include roles such as upstream process scientist, bioprocess engineer, and fermentation scientist. These positions focus on developing and optimizing the early stages of biopharmaceutical production, often requiring knowledge of cell culture, bioreactor operation, and process scale-up. Skills in laboratory techniques, process analytical technology, and regulatory compliance are also important in these roles.

What biology jobs pay over $100k?

In upstream process development, senior roles such as Process Development Managers, Principal Scientists, and Regulatory Affairs Directors often have salaries exceeding $100,000. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive industry experience, and expertise in bioprocessing, quality control, or regulatory compliance.

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 is upstream process development?

Upstream process development involves designing and optimizing the initial stages of biopharmaceutical production, such as cell culture and fermentation, to produce target biological products. It requires knowledge of bioprocessing, cell biology, and often involves working with bioreactors and process control systems to ensure consistent, high-quality output.

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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Scientist II, Downstream Viral Vector Process Development

GeneFab

Alameda, CA

$130K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

GeneFab is seeking an experienced Downstream Process Development Scientist/Lead focused on viral vector purification (AAV and Lentiviral) for in vivo gene therapy. It is a technical, project-based role within a CRDMO environment that balances hands-on process optimization with cross-functional leadership and client-facing responsibilities.
 
Responsibilities
  • Design, optimize, and scale-up downstream processes for the purification of viral
    vectors, with a focus on in vivo gene therapy products and lentiviral vectors.
  • Execute experimental plans, analyze data, and provide insightful
    recommendations to improve process efficiency, yield, and product quality.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Upstream Process
    Development, Analytical Development, and Manufacturing, to ensure seamless
    integration of processes.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges in downstream processes, ensuring
    robust and scalable solutions.
  • Present internally and to client with project status updates
  • Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory guidelines
    to contribute to the continuous improvement of processes and compliance.
  • Provide direction and leadership to development associates as the team expands.
Qualifications
  • Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering,
    Biotechnology, or related field with a minimum of 3 years (Ph.D.) or 5 years
    (Master's) of relevant industry experience
  • Proven expertise in downstream process development for viral vectors, with a
    focus on AAV and lentiviral vectors.
  • Hands-on experience with chromatography, filtration, TFF and other downstream
    processing techniques.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex
    data sets.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team
    environment.
  • Knowledge of regulatory requirements and quality standards related to
    biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
  • Experience with formulation science preferred
$130,000 - $150,000 a year
About GeneFab 
GeneFab is a contract manufacturing and synthetic biology biofoundry focused on cell and gene therapies. GeneFab was formed in 2023 with a vision to combine industry leading expertise in synthetic biology with advanced cGMP capabilities in order to accelerate the development and commercialization of genetic medicines. GeneFab offers its customers an extensive technology platform and know-how that spans early stage product design, technical development, and cGMP compliant production. GeneFab's technology platform includes bioinformatic-guided discovery of cell type promoters, directed evolution of small molecule-regulated gene switches, and the engineering of highly sensitive kill switches for enhanced safety and control of cellular therapies.

We are committed to an inclusive and diverse GeneFab. We believe that different perspectives lead to better ideas, and better ideas allow us to better understand the needs and interests of our diverse GeneFab team. We welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives and are an equal opportunity employer.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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