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Upstream Process Development Jobs in Raleigh, NC

DivIHN

Process Engineer Pharmaceuticals I

NC · On-site

This role is execution-focused, supporting upstream and downstream manufacturing operations, routine experiments, and process development studies working in close coordination with manufacturing and ...

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Upstream Process Development information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$18

$25

$36

How much do upstream process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 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, 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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,611 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Process Engineer Pharmaceuticals I

DivIHN

NC • On-site

Contractor

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

For further inquiries about this opportunity, please contact one of our Talent Specialists, Hema Malini at (630) 847 0275, Sri at (630) 847 0953, (or) Remy at (224) 394 4902.
Title: Process Engineer Pharmaceuticals I
Duration: 7+ Months
Location: Research Triangle Park, NC
Only W2 candidates are eligible for this position. Third-party or C2C candidates will not be considered.
Job Description:
Client is seeking a contract Process Engineer/Research Associate to provide hands-on laboratory and manufacturing support of AAV (rAAV) vector research and late-stage clinical gene therapy programs.
This role is execution-focused, supporting upstream and downstream manufacturing operations, routine experiments, and process development studies working in close coordination with manufacturing and MSAT staff. The contractor will contribute to the timely completion of manufacturing and laboratory studies, data collection, and manufacturing readiness ensuring alignment with existing protocols to support early-stage gene therapy programs, technology development, and internal research priorities.
This is a laboratory-based contract role intended to support day-to-day manufacturing and experimental execution working closely with pre-clinical manufacturing and MSAT scientists. This role does not carry people-management or long-term program ownership responsibilities and is well suited for individuals who thrive in an execution-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities
  • Execute routine and defined rAAV manufacturing and laboratory activities for research and GLP-grade studies following established protocols and batch records.
  • Perform hands-on upstream and downstream operations, including:
  1. Cell culture and maintenance
  2. Vector production in shake flasks, WAVE bioreactors, and/or stirred-tank bioreactors
  3. Centrifugation, filtration, chromatography, and related purification steps
  • Support process development and experimental studies, including process characterization and robustness testing, at small and pilot-scale by executing assigned experiments and manufacturing runs according to approved protocols, batch records, and study plans, ensuring accurate data generation and traceability.
  • Maintain clear, real time and accurate documentation of laboratory activities, experimental results, and manufacturing data in paper or electronic systems in accordance with department procedures to ensure compliance and data integrity..
  • Assist with batch record completion, data compilation, and data review.
  • Communicate experimental progress, observations, and results to project stakeholders in a clear and timely manner.
  • Support manufacturing investigations and troubleshooting activities, including execution of confirmatory experiments and data collection to inform root-cause analysis.
  • Contribute to technical protocols, experimental reports, and summary presentations describing executed work and generated data, as needed.
  • Support daily laboratory operations, including:
  1. Equipment setup, operation, and routine maintenance
  2. Coordination and execution of laboratory activities
  3. Maintaining a clean, organized, and inspection-ready lab environment
  4. Ensuring materials, consumables, and reagents are available for assigned experiments in coordination with lab management and solution prep teams.
  • Follow established safety procedures, SOPs, and documentation practices at all times.
  • Adhere to all safety, quality, and data integrity requirements during laboratory and manufacturing-support activities.

Required Qualifications
  • BS or MS degree in a biological or engineering discipline required (Biotechnology, Chemistry/Biochemistry, Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, or equivalent)
  • Minimum 2 years (BS)/0 years (MS) of relevant experience in laboratory research, biologics manufacturing and a desire to continue in a laboratory-focused role, preferably within:
  1. Manufacturing
  2. MSA
  3. Process Development
  • Experience or familiarity with upstream and/or downstream bioprocess operations
  • Comfort executing experiments under direction, following protocols, and meeting scheduled deliverables
  • Ability to work on-site in a fast-paced laboratory environment

Preferred Experience
  • Prior exposure to cGMP manufacturing environments or manufacturing-support laboratories
  • Hands-on experience executing scale-up, scale-down, or process characterization experiments
  • Familiarity with DOE concepts and experimental execution (design and analysis support may be provided by others)
  • Experience using JMP or similar statistical tools (execution-focused)
  • Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Excellent attention to detail and data accuracy

Ideal Contractor Profile
  • Execution-oriented with a strong preference for hands-on laboratory work
  • Comfortable working under established protocols and technical direction
  • Organized, reliable, and able to manage assigned experiments independently once trained
  • Adaptable to changing project priorities and manufacturing timelines
  • Collaborative team player who communicates clearly with scientists, engineers, and manufacturing stakeholders
  • Willing to support on-site manufacturing or lab schedule needs, including periodic weekend coverage.

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