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Upstream Process Development Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

CEDENT

Process Scientist

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

... 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 ...

Upstream Rehabilitation

Physical Therapist

Middletown, PA · On-site

$78K - $95K/yr

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 ...

Upstream Rehabilitation

Physical Therapist

Middletown, PA · On-site

$78K - $95K/yr

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 ...

Lancesoft INC

Scientist

Spring House, PA · On-site

$34 - $39/hr

The incumbent will develop, design and perform process development work to support novel biologics purification activities. The incumbent will design and execute experiments in support of upstream ...

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Upstream Process Development information

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How much do upstream process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 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?

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 Philadelphia, PA?

For Upstream Process Development jobs in Philadelphia, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Upstream Process Development jobs in Philadelphia, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Upstream Process Development jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:

Upstream Process Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Upstream Process Development job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,652 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Principal Researcher, Downstream Process Development - Biologics

Exton, PA • On-site

Eisai, Inc.
Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Eisai, Inc.external

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

At Eisai, satisfying unmet medical needs and increasing the benefits healthcare provides to patients, their families, and caregivers is Eisai's human health care (hhc) mission. We're a growing pharmaceutical company that is breaking through in neurology and oncology, with a strong emphasis on research and development. Our history includes the development of many innovative medicines, notably the discovery of the world's most widely-used treatment for Alzheimer's disease. As we continue to expand, we are seeking highly-motivated individuals who want to work in a fast-paced environment and make a difference. If this is your profile, we want to hear from you.
Job Summary
The Principal Researcher of Downstream Development will be responsible for executing laboratory scale experiments for all aspects of protein purification including chromatography, filtration and membrane separations (TFF, UFDF, microfiltration, viral filtration, and depth filtration), investigating and evaluating novel technologies to improve current purification processes, participating in internal/external technology transfers, performing standard analytical methods to characterize biologics and reagents including UV/Vis spectroscopy, HPLC, electrophoresis and ELISA, participate in design, planning and execution of viral clearance studies and planning and execution of process validation experiments in support of late stage products. The individual will also be responsible for maintaining PD equipment and laboratories to ensure efficient, safe and effective operations of the laboratory. The individual might also participate in project sub teams and provide cross-functional support for other departments at the discretion of management.
Essential Functions
  • Under minimal supervision, design and performs laboratory Experiments for early and late-stage biologic drug products, support viral clearance studies, support authoring of regulatory documents, maintain critical data in laboratory notebooks, and maintain PD equipment and laboratories to ensure efficient and effective operations of the laboratory
  • Under minimal supervision perform scale up and tech transfer of purification processes for internal GMP production and to external partners and CMOs.
  • Writing, preparation and review of technical reports, presentations and protocols.
  • Perform characterization assays such as concentration measurements, HPLC SEC, capillary electrophoresis, and ELISA to support purification process development and reagent preparation activities.
  • Order supplies, manage samples, discard expired reagents and perform housekeeping and other laboratory maintenance tasks to assure laboratories are continuously maintained in a safe, orderly and efficient condition.
  • Interact cross-functionally with Upstream Process Development, Operations, Facilities, R&D, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Validation, QC Biochemistry, and other internal and external functions to support successful product development.

Requirements
  • Education: BS or MS in biological sciences, chemistry, biochemistry or equivalent job experience/degree is strongly preferred.
  • Minimum 5 years' experience with protein purification techniques for biopharmaceuticals
  • Must have CMC protein purification development experience with standard bioprocess unit operations such as chromatography separations (resin/membrane: affinity, CEX, AEX, HIC, MM) and filtration operations (depth filtration, virus filtration, sterile filtration, TFF)Must have extensive experience with AKTA chromatographic instruments and Unicorn method writing (for systems such as AKTA Avant and AKTApilot)
  • Must have excellent attention to detail and ability to keep detailed written records
  • Able to author clear and concise technical reports and presentations
  • Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and interpret experimental data to further process/product knowledge
  • Experience in Design of Experiments (DoE) and multivariate analysis preferred
  • Experience with high throughput screening techniques, including Tecan, preferred
  • Knowledge or experience with scale-up, technology transfer, process validation, viral clearance studies, and GMP manufacturing desirable.
  • Experience with analytical techniques such as HPLC, electrophoresis and ELISA desirable.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills and good interpersonal skills.
  • Team player who can excel in fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.
  • Physical requirements: handling of laboratory equipment, chemicals and biological materials.

Eisai Salary Transparency Language:
The annual base salary range for the Principal Researcher, Downstream Process Development - Biologics is from :$80,200-$105,200
Under current guidelines, this position is eligible to participate in : Eisai Inc. Annual Incentive Plan.
Final pay determinations will depend on various factors including but not limited to experience level, education, knowledge, and skills.
Employees are eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs. For additional information on Company employee benefits programs, visit https://careers.eisai.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.
Certain other benefits may be available for this position, please discuss any questions with your recruiter.
Eisai is an equal opportunity employer and as such, is committed in policy and in practice to recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status. Similarly, considering the need for reasonable accommodations, Eisai prohibits discrimination against persons because of disability, including disabled veterans.
Eisai Inc. participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of all new hires in the United States. Please click on the following link for more information:
Right To Work
E-Verify Participation
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About Eisai

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Eisai is a global pharmaceutical company (headquartered in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, US), renowned for its innovative research and development in neuroscience and oncology. The primary focus of the company is to provide therapeutic treatments and solutions for diseases like Alzheimer's, cancer, and other neurological disorders. Eisai was founded in Japan in 1941 and has since developed a strong presence across international markets. Eisai's core values center around their philosophy of 'human health care' (hhc), where they aim to make significant and positive contributions to patients and their families' healthcare worldwide.

Industry

Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing and biotechnology research and development

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Nutley, NJ, US

Social media

Twitter

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