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Upstream Process Development Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Novartis

Scientist - Upstream Cell Culture

Durham, NC

$93K - $174K/yr

The Expert, Science & Technology - Upstream/Cell Culture, is responsible for cell & gene therapy ... Contributes to process risk assessments. Justifies development strategies and experiment designs.

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Upstream Process Development information

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How much do upstream process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 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 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 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:

Upstream Process Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Upstream Process Development job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $53,611 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Upstream Process Development Associate I/II

KBI Biopharma, Inc.

Durham, NC • On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

KBI Biopharma rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Position Summary:
KBI Biopharma seeks to fill a role for Upstream Cell Culture Process Development Associate. This person will lead and assist in cell culture and harvest projects for mammalian cell lines (mainly CHO variants) in support of process development, scale-up, and technology transfer to cGMP manufacturing.
Position Responsibilities:
  • Assist the team in the set-up, operation, and associated analysis of cell culture and bioreactor processes including bioreactor preparation, autoclaving, inoculation, sampling, feeding, data entry, and data analysis for shake flask and various scale bioreactors (ambr15, ambr250, 3 L & 15 L glass bioreactors, 50 L and 200 L Xcellerex single-use bioreactors).
  • Lead in maintaining and monitoring process development experiments in shake flasks and bioreactors. Required to perform calculations for growth rate, specific productivity, and bioreactor agitation and gassing scale up/scale down.
  • Perform data entry and plotting, generate presentations and support writing of technical reports using MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint and Word).
  • Maintain detailed batch sheets and data binders with shake flask and bioreactor test results following good documentation practices (GDP).
  • Assist in data analysis using statistical software like Design Expert (DOE), JMP, etc. and help with writing technical documents and reports.
  • Maintains a cell culture-specific project plan, including raw materials and equipment availability, in preparation of laboratory and pilot- scale runs.
  • Serves as a participant on process development teams and coaches junior individuals on cell culture techniques.
  • If necessary, interacts with client to present data, provide responses to client queries and help take projects from start to finish, either independently or in teams of 2-3 individuals.
  • Assist in process transfer from process development to manufacturing.
  • Experience in medium development will be a plus

Position Requirements:
  • Bachelor's and 1-3+ years' experience, or master's degree and 2+ years' experience in Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology or related area.
  • Working knowledge of mammalian cell culture.
  • Advanced ability with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint and Word).
  • Demonstrates ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
  • Excellent customer service skills and the ability to meet strict client deadlines.
  • Flexibility of hours to support cell culture processes over weekends (2-4 weekend days per month) and holidays. Weekend and holiday hours are compensated as a premium in addition to base salary.

Salary: $50,000-$70,000
Salary range provided per current averages and expectations. The salary and job title for this opening will be based on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience and may be outside this range. KBI has a robust total rewards strategy which includes an annual bonus structure for all employees, medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid PTO and holidays, Sabbatical program, 401K matching with 100% vesting in 60 days and employee recognition programs.
KBI Biopharma, Inc. is an EEO/AA employer and actively seeks to diversify its work force. Therefore, all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status, are strongly encouraged to apply.
I understand that neither the completion of this application nor any other part of my consideration for employment establishes any obligation for KBI Biopharma, Inc. to hire me. If I am hired, I understand that either KBI Biopharma, Inc. or I can terminate my employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause and without prior notice. I understand that no representative of KBI Biopharma, Inc. has the authority to make any assurance to the contrary.
I attest with my signature below that I have given to KBI Biopharma, Inc. true and complete information on this application. No requested information has been concealed. I authorize KBI Biopharma, Inc. to contact references provided for employment reference checks. If any information I have provided is untrue, or if I have concealed material information, I understand that this will constitute cause for the denial of employment or immediate dismissal.

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