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Upstream Process Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

MSAT Senior Scientist

Vacaville, CA · On-site

$107K - $178K/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 ...

MSAT Senior Scientist

Vacaville, CA · On-site

$107K - $178K/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 ...

Showing results 41-60

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 cities in California are hiring for Upstream Process Development jobs?

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

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.

Principal Scientist, Early Pipeline Development

La Jolla, CA • On-site

$119K - $222K/yr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 hours ago


Job description

Job Description Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Principal Scientist I with extensive AAV gene therapy manufacturing experience to develop state-of-the art downstream purification processes for next-generation AAV gene therapy. This role is also responsible for executing early-stage process development with the focus on developability of AAV gene therapy lead candidates as well as new platform process development for existing and novel AAV capsids and cargo vectors.


Job Description

Internal Job Title: Principal Scientist I/II

Position Location: Onsite, San Diego, CA

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead and manage a 3-5 person downstream process team and provide technical support, training, and SME knowledge to assist with the professional development of direct reports.

  • Coordinate activities with associates across upstream process and analytical teams.

  • Develop strategies in collaboration with Disease Areas and partner with various line functions to support early drug discovery from target selection and validation through lead compound selection and developability assessment.

  • Serve as a subject matter expert to transfer manufacturing process knowledge to Technical Research & Development team and advance pipeline programs into clinical phases.

  • Lead effort and work collaboratively with Technical Research & Development to develop innovative and cost-effective downstream processes for next-generation AAV.

  • Manage multiple project workflow to ensure timely delivery.

  • Prepare written reports conforming to defined documentation practices including electronic lab notebook.

  • Other related duties as assigned.

Essential Requirements:

  • PhD in bioprocessing, biochemical engineering, gene therapy or a related field with 3+ years of relevant process development experience in biotechnology/ pharmaceutical environment.

  • Experience in people management

  • Knowledge of downstream purification processes including affinity and ion-exchange chromatography with hands on experience with AKTA purification systems.

  • Technical proficiency, creativity, and independent thoughts

  • Effective communication skills to convey scientific concepts to research scientists and cross-functional collaborators.

  • Strong organization and problem-solving skills with attention to details.

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced and matrix environment.

Desired Requirements:

  • Experiences in AAV gene therapy

  • Experience with viral gene therapy

The salary for this position is expected to range between $108,500 and $201,500 per year for Principal Scientist I, and between $119,700 and $222,300 per year for Principal Scientist II. The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills andexperience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the publishedsalary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of therole, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.


US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life anddisability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. Inaddition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days,holidays and other leaves.


To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.


EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.


Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.


Salary Range

$108,500.00 - $201,500.00


Skills Desired

Analytical Thinking, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Trials, Collaboration, Curious Mindset, Data Analysis, Detail-Oriented, Drug Development, Ethics, Gene Therapy, Immunology, Inventory Management, Machine Learning (ML), Medical Research, Molecular Biology, Python (Programming Language), Science