ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Upstream Process Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

GeneFab

Senior Process Engineer, MSAT

Alameda, CA · On-site

$117K - $152K/yr

Lead the GMP implementation of internal platform processes for cell and gene therapy modalities, including upstream and downstream unit operations. * Collaborate closely with Process Development to ...

GeneFab

Senior Process Engineer, MSAT

Alameda, CA · On-site

$117K - $152K/yr

Lead the GMP implementation of internal platform processes for cell and gene therapy modalities, including upstream and downstream unit operations. * Collaborate closely with Process Development to ...

GeneFab

Senior Process Engineer, MSAT

Alameda, CA · On-site

$117K - $152K/yr

Lead the GMP implementation of internal platform processes for cell and gene therapy modalities, including upstream and downstream unit operations. * Collaborate closely with Process Development to ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsUpstream Process Development JobsUpstream Process Development Jobs in California

Upstream Process Development information

See California salary details

$18

$26

$37

How much do upstream process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for upstream process development in California is $26.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.27 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 refers to the optimization and scaling of biological production processes that occur before product harvesting. This primarily involves the cultivation of cells or microorganisms to produce a desired product, such as a protein or antibody, in bioreactors. Scientists in this field work on improving cell lines, culture media, and fermentation conditions to maximize yield and quality. Upstream process development is a critical early phase in biomanufacturing, laying the foundation for downstream processing and overall production efficiency.

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, with an average salary of $54,428 per year, or $26.2 per hour.
Scientist, Biologics Formulation Development

Scientist, Biologics Formulation Development

Avid Bioservices

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$85K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

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:
The Scientist, Biologics Formulation Development will establish and lead formulation development activities within the Process Development department while also driving downstream process development of biologics programs. This role is responsible for defining formulation strategies, executing technical studies, and supporting cross-functional integration as the capability expands. Additional responsibilities include designing downstream purification processes for protein-based biologics, viral clearance studies, scale-down and scale-up activities, and technology transfer to manufacturing. The individual will collaborate closely with Upstream Process Development, Analytical Sciences, MSAT, Manufacturing, Program Management, and external partners to support client programs.
Essential Functions: (Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
  • Lead formulation development for biologics, including pre-formulation assessments, excipient screening, and stability studies.
  • Extensive hands-on experience with analytical techniques for protein characterization, including DLS, DSF, SEC, CE, rheology, and spectroscopy.
  • Expertise in developing high concentration protein formulations and resolving issues such as aggregation, viscosity, and solubility. Able to identify and mitigate formulation risks including precipitation and chemical degradation.
  • Design experiments, analyze data, and prepare technical protocols, reports, and development summaries.
  • Design and interpret analytical testing strategies including HPLC (SEC & IEX), CE-SDS, SDS-PAGE, UV spectroscopy, and other biophysical assays to support formulation studies.
  • Establish scientific strategy, workflows, and best practices for early to late stage biologics formulation development.
  • Proven ability to work independently in dynamic, fast-paced environments with evolving priorities.
  • Serve as a technical subject matter expert (SME) during client proposals, presentations, and project reviews.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align timelines and resource planning.
  • Mentor junior scientists/staff and support onboarding of new team members.
  • Evaluate new technologies and contribute to internal capability-building initiatives.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant quality and safety standards.
  • Perform other duties as assigned

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The job description, shown above, is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Master's degree/PhD degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field and minimum 4-6 years of relevant experience and demonstrated working knowledge of scientific principles.
  • Prior experience in formulation development, stability studies, and analytical characterization of biologics or strong background in biochemical and biophysical characterization of proteins with deep understanding of protein structure and function.
  • Hands-on experience with biophysical and analytical techniques such as DSC, DLS, DSF, CD, HPLC, CE-SDS, UV spectroscopy, etc.
  • Proven record of strong technical writing and communication skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a dynamic, cross-functional environment.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field with 4-6 years of industry experience, or M.S. with 6-8 years of experience.
  • Prior experience in downstream process development of biologics is a plus.
  • Experience mentoring or leading scientific staff preferred.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
This role is a full-time exempt position. Days of work are Monday through Friday unless otherwise stated by Supervisor or needed due to projects. Must be available to work holidays, weekends, or extended hours when needed.
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 $85,000 to $107,100 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 25 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.

Apply