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Upstream Process Development Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Cell Culture Engineering Co-Op

Malvern, PA ยท On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

The successful candidate will collaborate with the End-to-End Upstream Process Development and Automation teams, contributing to the development of bioreactor Reduced Scale Models (RSM). Specifically ...

Physical Therapist

Middletown, PA ยท On-site

$1K - $2K/wk

Continue learning and growing through Upstream's education and development programs Qualifications ... Specific details will be provided during the hiring process. Follow @Lifeatupstream on Instagram ...

Physical Therapist

Middletown, PA ยท On-site

$1K - $2K/wk

Continue learning and growing through Upstream's education and development programs Qualifications ... Specific details will be provided during the hiring process. Follow @Lifeatupstream on Instagram ...

Senior Scientist, Engineering

West Point, PA ยท On-site

$88K - $121K/yr

Experience in large molecule process development, including scaling (up and down) and tech transfer of drug substance processes. * Experience in upstream lab scale experimental execution, Design of ...

Experience in large molecule process development, including scaling (up and down) and tech transfer of drug substance processes. * Experience in upstream lab scale experimental execution, Design of ...

Senior Process Engineer

Philadelphia, PA ยท On-site +1

$104K - $135K/yr

A key contributor on process engineering design teams (upstream, downstream, utilities, fill ... Participating in project planning, cost development, and project scheduling * Maintaining effective ...

Collaborate cross-functionally with upstream/downstream process development, formulation, and quality teams to support CMC development. * Analyze and interpret complex data, provide scientific ...

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Showing results 1-20

Upstream Process Development information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$19

$26

$37

How much do upstream process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for upstream process development in Philadelphia, PA is $26.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.75 and $28.12 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 Philadelphia, PA? For Upstream Process Development jobs in Philadelphia, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Process Scientist (Philadelphia, PA)

Process Scientist (Philadelphia, PA)

Cedent

Philadelphia, PA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Title : Process Scientist
Report: CTO
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Position Type : Full Time, Exempt
Travel: Occasional (0-10%)
Position Summary
This position is part of the Technology team responsible for Client technology development, process development, and assisting in transferring developed process to GMP manufacturing. A Scientist is a mid-level individual with understanding of cell/molecular biology and previous experience in either upstream or downstream biopharmaceutical processing that utilizes bioreactors. A Scientist is responsible for hands-on execution of experiments and technology transfer, as well as authoring experimental protocols, SOPs, and batch documents. A Scientist is expected to independently complete objectives given by supervisor, serve as a role model to junior scientists, collaborate cross-functionally, and provide support with any other technology, process development, and manufacturing needs.
Key Responsibilities
  • Independently contribute to technology/process development for specific bioprocessing steps, ensuring delivery in alignment with Client strategy
  • Support Senior/Principal Scientist with experimental design, execution and data analysis, effectively communicating technical results to management
  • Author protocols, SOPs, and batch documents to ensure the successful transfer of technology/process development to GMP manufacturing
  • Perform as a Subject Matter Expert on a cross-functional team to implement novel process.
  • Work closely with suppliers and other partners to drive forward technology development initiatives
  • Serve as a good financial steward to the Technology team at Client and help to implement budgetary adherence and financial governance
  • Coach and train junior scientists/employees on activities and documentation related to technology development, process development.
  • Other related duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
  • Minimum Bachelor's degree in Biological Engineering, Biotechnology, Biology, Biochemistry, or other related field. Master's preferred.
  • 2-3 years of industry or academic experience in combination with Bachelor's or Master's degree.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Experience with methodologies used for upstream or downstream viral vector production in either industry or academia
  • Experience in experimental design, execution, and data analysis
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and technical writing skills
  • Innovative and creative mindset, with problem solving capabilities
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office products.
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 30lbs
  • Ability to sit and stand for extended periods
  • Excellent manual dexterity and ability to perform repetitive movements with fingers/hands
Other Physical Requirements: PPE and gown training will be required as this individual will be required to enter into Laboratory and Cleanroom areas.
Work Environment: Work is performed primarily onsite in Philadelphia. 50% or more of the time, this role is in the laboratory.

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About Cedent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CEDENT strives to attract and retain the best people and provide an environment where they can all develop professionally and build a rewarding career. As a result, we create an inclusive environment that is rich in diversity, acknowledges each individual's uniqueness and promotes respect, personal achievement and stewardship. Our clients are global and so is CEDENT. We build and maintain a global workforce that includes people from different backgrounds, with a vast range of skills and experience all united by a common culture and commitment to help our clients achieve high performance. Cultivating a diverse workforce and inclusive work environment makes business sense. Our peoples varied skills are the talent engine that powers CEDENT, enabling it in turn to deliver the innovative solutions that help our clients outperform competitors.

Industry

It services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Plano, TX, US

Year founded

2008