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Upstream Process Development Jobs in Raleigh, NC

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Upstream Process Development information

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How much do upstream process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for upstream process development in Raleigh, NC is $25.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.88 and $27.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the field of Upstream Process Development, senior roles such as Director or Vice President can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership skills in biopharmaceutical or biotech industries. High compensation is often associated with managerial responsibilities, strategic decision-making, and overseeing large teams or projects.

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 are common upstream jobs?

Common upstream process development jobs include roles such as upstream process scientist, bioprocess engineer, and fermentation scientist. These positions focus on developing and optimizing the early stages of biopharmaceutical production, often requiring knowledge of cell culture, bioreactor operation, and process scale-up. Skills in laboratory techniques, process analytical technology, and regulatory compliance are also important in these roles.

What biology jobs pay over $100k?

In upstream process development, senior roles such as Process Development Managers, Principal Scientists, and Regulatory Affairs Directors often have salaries exceeding $100,000. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive industry experience, and expertise in bioprocessing, quality control, or 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 involves designing and optimizing the initial stages of biopharmaceutical production, such as cell culture and fermentation, to produce target biological products. It requires knowledge of bioprocessing, cell biology, and often involves working with bioreactors and process control systems to ensure consistent, high-quality output.

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 Raleigh, NC? For Upstream Process Development jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Upstream Process Development jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Upstream Process Development jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
Infographic showing various Upstream Process Development job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,611 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Associate Scientist - Upstream Cell Culture

Novartis Group Companies

Durham, NC • On-site

$73K - $136K/yr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Description Summary

Associate Scientist - Upstream Cell Culture
#LI-Onsite
Location:Durham, USA
This role is based inDurham,USA.Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role. Please only apply if this location is accessibleforyou.
The Technical Research & Development (TRD) Department drives the advancement of the Adeno-associated virus (AAV) and Lentiviral vector (LVV) production platform across multiple development sites and manages the development, scale-up, scale-down, transfer, optimization, and characterization of processes for the clinical manufacturing of Novartis cell gene therapy products.


Job Description

Major accountabilities:

  • Designs and executes gene therapy upstream process development studies.
  • Supports early development study projects and late-stage process characterization and scaling up studies.
  • Analyses and interprets experimental data from process studies with strong statistical mindset.
  • Conducts laboratory studies to enhance AAV and LVV manufacturing technologies, capabilities, and processes (such as media development, bioreactor fed-batch and perfusion process development, optimization and scale-up).
  • Preforms experiments at different scales to support pre-clinical, clinical and commercial programs.
  • Assists the evaluation and introduction of new technologies.
  • Authors technical reports and presents results of development studies both internally and externally.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional groups to coordinate studies.
  • Other related duties as assigned.

Essential Requirements:

  • Experience with bioreactor operation including ambr (15 & 250), bench-top bioreactor, pilot scale bioreactor.
  • Proficient in statistical analysis principles and software. Working knowledge and experience with Design of Experiment (DoE).
  • Ability to analyze data to make date-driven decisions and further progress development strategies.
  • Knowledge of viral gene therapy and previous experience with AAV process development is preferred.
  • Excellent team player with good communication skills.

Novartis Compensation Summary:

The salary for this position is expected to range between $73,500.00 - $136,500.00 USD Annual per year. The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards. US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a

variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.


EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.


Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.


Salary Range

$73,500.00 - $136,500.00


Skills Desired

Materials Science, Process Simulation