ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Upstream Process Development Jobs in Los Angeles, CA

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsUpstream Process Development JobsUpstream Process Development Jobs in Los Angeles, CA

Upstream Process Development information

See Los Angeles, CA salary details

$20

$28

$40

How much do upstream process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for upstream process development in Los Angeles, CA is $28.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.38 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Los Angeles, CA?

For Upstream Process Development jobs in Los Angeles, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Upstream Process Development jobs in Los Angeles, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Upstream Process Development jobs in Los Angeles, CA are:

What cities near Los Angeles, CA are hiring for Upstream Process Development jobs?

Cities near Los Angeles, CA with the most Upstream Process Development job openings:

Upstream Process Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Upstream Process Development job openings in Los Angeles, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,425 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Research Associate, Upstream Process Development

Integrated Resources INC

Camarillo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Integrated Resources, Inc is a premier staffing firm recognized as one of the tri-states most well-respected professional specialty firms. IRI has built its reputation on excellent service and integrity since its inception in 1996. Our mission centers on delivering only the best quality talent, the first time and every time. We provide quality resources in four specialty areas: Information Technology (IT), Clinical Research, Rehabilitation Therapy and Nursing.

Job Description
  • Performs laboratory experiments related to development of robust upstream processes for manufacturing of human therapeutic proteins produced in recombinant mammalian cells and bacteria.
  • Designs, executes, and analyzes experiments at laboratory scale, including shake flasks, spin tubes, scale down bioreactor systems (Ambr) and bench top reactors (Applikon).
  • Develops and characterizes scaled-down models for upstream unit operations.
  • Responsible for accurate laboratory data entry, lab maintenance and upkeep, and report writing.
  • Supports identification and optimization of alternative laboratory methods and/or equipment to improve work efficiency and throughput.
  • Retains an up to date knowledge of analytical techniques and relevant scientific literature.
  • Keeps Team Leader & Project Manager informed on a regular basis on project status and any circumstances which may alter project scope or established timelines.
Qualifications
  • BS in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering or other relevant area.
  • 1-5 years relevant laboratory experience.
  • Knowledge of and experience with cell culture techniques; cell handling, aseptic technique, cell counting, media preparation, pipetting, centrifugation, filtration, etc.
  • Knowledge of technologies related to protein expression.
  • Experience in cell culture process development and Design of Experiment (DOE) a plus.
  • Knowledge of bacterial fermentation is a plus.
  • Theoretical knowledge and some practical experience in cell culture as demonstrated by presentations and/or publication record.
  • Participates in solving difficult and complex technical problems.
  • Good communication and presentation skills.
  • Team player.
  • Develop solutions to a variety of complex problems. Solutions are imaginative, practical and consistent with organization objectives.
  • Plan schedules and lab activities to accomplish objectives.
  • Ability to track and execute on multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Creative, actively participate in idea generation.
Additional Information

If you are not interested in looking at new opportunities at this time I fully understand. I would in that case be appreciative of any referrals you could provide from your network of friends and colleagues in the industry.

we do have referral bonus of $500 per candidate, if you refer any of your friends or colleague who are looking out for the same job.


Kind Regards

Dipti Ghodke

Senior Technical Recruiter

Integrated Resources, Inc.

IT Life Sciences Allied Healthcare CRO

Certified MBE |GSA - Schedule 66 I GSA - Schedule 621I

DIRECT # - 732 - 844 -8719

(W) # 732-549-2030 - Ext - 315

 www.irionline.com

LinkedIn: https://in.linkedin.com/in/diptighodke

Gold Seal JCAHO Certified for Health Care Staffing

"INC 5000's FASTEST GROWING, PRIVATELY HELD COMPANIES" (8th Year in a Row)

Integrated Resources logo

About Integrated Resources

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Integrated Resources Inc (IRI), based in Edison, NJ, US, is an esteemed player in the staffing solutions industry with a credible presence on their official website irionline.com. Notably, IRI provides a range of professional staffing services including contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire solutions to a wide spectrum of industries such as healthcare, life sciences, manufacturing, financial, insurance, and others. Since its inception, IRI has been committed to delivering top-talent and optimum solutions to meet its clients' diverse needs.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Edison, NJ, US

Year founded

1996

View All Integrated Resources Jobs

Apply