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Upstream Process Development Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Process Engineer -- Upstream / Downstream / Clean Utilities (Consultant) -- Contract Engagement ... Join a team where your contributions matter, your development is prioritized, and your success is ...

Physical Therapist

Middletown, PA · On-site

$1.6K - $2.0K/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 · On-site

$1.6K - $2.0K/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 Process Engineer

Philadelphia, PA · 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 ...

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

Showing results 21-40

Upstream Process Development information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$19

$26

$37

How much do upstream process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 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:

Infographic showing various Upstream Process Development job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,652 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Process Scientist (Philadelphia, PA)

CEDENT

Philadelphia, PA

Full-time

Re-posted 3 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.


Cedent logo

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