ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Upstream Process Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rentschler Biopharma, Inc.

$120K - $145K/yr

Rentschler Biopharma SE is a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO ... Develop clinical and commercial processes for Upstream unit operations including harvest * Design ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsUpstream Process Development Jobs

Upstream Process Development information

See salary details

$18

$26

$37

How much do upstream process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for upstream process development in the United States is $26.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.56 and $27.88 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.
More about Upstream Process Development jobs

What cities are hiring for Upstream Process Development jobs?

Cities with the most Upstream Process Development job openings:

What states have the most Upstream Process Development jobs?

States with the most job openings for Upstream Process Development jobs include:

What are popular job titles for Upstream Process Development?

Popular job titles for Upstream Process Development:

Infographic showing various Upstream Process Development job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,150 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Vice President, Upstream Process Development

Omaha, NE • On-site

Bluestem Biosciences
Biotechnology Research and Development • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Bluestem Biosciencesexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Vice President, Upstream Process Development
MIDWEST OR (Preferably) OMAHA, NE
ABOUT US:
We use American corn and existing bioethanol infrastructure to produce critical chemicals right here at home-powering U.S. competitiveness and securing our nation's supply chains - while reinvesting in agricultural America. Bluestem Biosciences has engineered a breakthrough in American manufacturing. Our proprietary biomanufacturing process represents a new, cost-effective, and advantaged way to produce platform chemicals domestically. With the foundation of existing infrastructure, we convert abundant, renewable American corn into high-value chemicals at scale. JOIN US AS WE ACCELERATE TO COMMERCIALIZATION
ROLE SUMMARY:
We are seeking an exceptional Vice President of Upstream Fermentation to join our top-talented scientific team. This role is central to our mission, and you will be the expert driving our fermentation process from the bench to commercial scale. You will work at the intersection of strain development and downstream processing, collaborating with our internal teams and external partners to pioneer a continually optimized, scalable approach to biomanufacturing. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of quantitative physiology and a passion for turning biology into real-world products.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Drive the strategic plan for commercializing our upstream process, building and executing the roadmap to get us to demonstration and commercial scales
  • Improve and develop scale-down processes that are directly informed by our commercial-scale goals ('end in mind' thinking)
  • Direct the development of robust analytical and process monitoring methods for repeatable, high-quality fermentations
  • Independently but collaboratively design and manage critical fermentation experiments with our external partners to maximize our understanding of strain physiology
  • Lead process characterization (CPPs), optimization, and control (QbD) to enable seamless scale-up and technology transfer
  • Leverage your knowledge of bioprocess design to enhance and inform our techno-economic models
  • Provide knowledge and insights to inform utility, system, or equipment upgrades or expansions.
  • Evaluate and audit external partners for their fermentation capabilities at bench, pilot, and demonstration scales
  • Lead the design requirements and ultimately manage on-site implementation of the upstream process at Bluestem's demonstration facility

REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Fermentation Science, Microbiology Physiology, or a related field plus 5+ years in a fermentation R&D role. (Differing combinations of experience and education will be considered)
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience and deep knowledge of fermentation science, biochemical engineering, and cellular physiology
  • Hands-on experience with media optimization, process design, and dynamic control strategies at laboratory and pilot/demo scales
  • Experience running commercial scale fermentations without all the "bells and whistles" of bench or pilot-scale bioreactors is preferred
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced startup environment.
  • A self-starter mindset with the ability to lead projects, build relationships, and own the mission
  • Possess a Growth Mindset and open mind that seeks continuous learning from feedback, setbacks and failure on the journey to achieving results

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Commercial-scale fermentation experience (making money at scale) is a major plus!
  • Experience with yeast
  • Expertise with statistical software for analyzing large datasets (e.g., JMP, R, Minitab, etc.).
  • Experience 'promoting' strains from small-scale screening (flasks, microtiter plates) to bioreactors

Bluestem is an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

Apply