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Upstream Process Scientist Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

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Process Scientist

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

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 ...

Legend Biotech USA, Inc.

Design and execute fit-for-purpose early process development studies to generate the foundational ... Serve as the upstream scientific lead within Vector Biology, providing authoritative technical ...

Legend Biotech US

Scientist

Philadelphia, PA

Define and optimize the upstream process from shake flask through bioreactors, scaling to 40-L with reproducible performance and clear rational for operating parameters. * Execute and optimize ...

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How much do upstream process scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for upstream process scientist in Pennsylvania is $38.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.98 and $42.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an upstream process scientist?

An Upstream Process Scientist is responsible for developing and optimizing the early stages of biopharmaceutical production, including cell culture, media preparation, and bioreactor operations. They work to improve cell growth, productivity, and scalability of biologics such as monoclonal antibodies or vaccines. Their role involves designing experiments, analyzing data, and troubleshooting issues to ensure efficient and reproducible upstream processes.

What does an upstream process scientist do?

As an Upstream Process Scientist, your daily responsibilities often include designing and executing experiments to optimize cell culture conditions, operating and monitoring bioreactors, and analyzing process data to improve yields or purity. You will collaborate closely with downstream process scientists, quality assurance teams, and manufacturing staff to ensure smooth technology transfer and troubleshoot production issues. Additionally, documenting findings, preparing technical reports, and participating in project meetings are key aspects of the role. This position is dynamic and may also involve scaling up processes from laboratory to pilot or manufacturing scale, providing excellent opportunities to develop both technical expertise and project management skills.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an upstream process scientist?

To thrive as an Upstream Process Scientist, you need a strong background in bioprocess engineering, cell culture, fermentation, and a relevant scientific degree such as biotechnology, biology, or chemical engineering. Familiarity with bioreactors, process analytical technologies (PAT), statistical analysis software, and GMP/GLP standards is highly valued, and some positions may require certifications like Six Sigma or specific training in biomanufacturing. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills distinguish top performers in this role, as does the ability to adapt quickly to evolving project needs. These skills are essential for developing and optimizing scalable, high-yield biological production processes while ensuring regulatory compliance and effective collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Upstream Process Scientist jobs in Pennsylvania?

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For Upstream Process Scientist jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Upstream Process Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Upstream Process Scientist job openings in Pennsylvania as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,202 per year, or $38.1 per hour.

Senior Scientist - Lentiviral Vector Upstream Process Development

Jj

Spring House, PA

$87K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Design and execute upstream process development studies for lentiviral therapeutic products.

  • Conduct cell culture experiments using shake flasks, bench-scale bioreactors, and automated high-throughput systems.

  • Collaborate with manufacturing sites and support technology transfer, process optimization, and product lifecycle management.

Job description

At Johnson & Johnson,we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build aworld where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured,where treatments are smarter and less invasive, andsolutions are personal.Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity.Learn more at jnj.com.

As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual. At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit.

Job Function:

Discovery & Pre-Clinical/Clinical Development

Job Sub Function:

Biotherapeutics R&D

Job Category:

Scientific/Technology

All Job Posting Locations:

Spring House, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Job Description:

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal.

Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more atjnj.com.

As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual. At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit.

We are searching for the best talent for a Senior Scientist - Lentiviral Vector Upstream Process Development to be based in Spring House, PA.

Purpose:

The Senior Scientist, Lentiviral Vector Upstream Process Development, will lead development, optimization, and characterization of scalable cell culture processesfor cell therapy and CAR-T programs. This role will provide scientific leadership for early- or clinical-stage process development, with emphasis on cell culture and bioreactor execution at varying scales and data-driven process understanding, platform robustness and knowledge and optimization of upstream process technologies. This role will also support technology transfer to Johnson & Johnson's manufacturing sites, commercial manufacturing investigations and provide subject matter expert knowledge as part of life cycle management for cell therapy products in Johnson & Johnson's pipeline.

You will be responsible for:

  • Design and execute upstream process development studies for lentiviral therapeutic products and provide scientific guidance.

  • Conduct cell culture experiments using shake flasks, bench-scale bioreactors, and automated high-throughput systems.

  • Contribute todevelopmentof lentiviral processes to continuously improve productivity, quality, and manufacturability.

  • Perform technology transfer to and collaborate with Johnson & Johnson's manufacturing sites

  • Support existing and new commercial manufacturing investigations and provide subject matter expert knowledge as part of product life cycle management

  • Apply statistical experimental design, data analytics, and online monitoring and visualization tools to strengthen upstream process understanding.

  • Analyze and interpret process data using JMP,MiniTab, Python, Spotfire, or similar platforms.

  • Evaluate emerging novel upstream technologies that improve process robustness and development efficiency.

  • Collaborate closely with downstream, analytical, formulation, modeling, automation to align study design and deliverables

  • Mentor junior scientists and provide scientific leadership across programs and cross-functional workstreams.

  • Author technical reports, development summaries, scientific presentations, protocols, and regulatory-supporting documentation.

Qualifications:

Required:

  • PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field with 2+ years of relevant experience; ORBS or MS with 4-6 years of relevant experience.

  • Experience with process development of viral based products.

  • Experience in mammalian cell culture process development for biologics, cell and gene therapy, RNA therapeutics, or related viral vector modalities.

  • Hands-on experience with cell culture, bioreactor operation, media optimization, process monitoring, and process scale-up.

  • Strong data analysis, experimental design, and technical documentation skills.

  • Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, interpret, and communicate complex studies.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Ability to work effectively in cross-functional team environments.

  • Previous experience with technology transfer of a bioprocess to clinical or commercial GMP manufacturing is strongly preferred

  • Occasional weekend work may be required

  • Up to 10% domestic and international travel may be required

Johnson & Johnson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Johnson and Johnson is committed to providing an interview process that is inclusive of our applicants' needs. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation, please email the Employee Health Support Center (ra-employeehealthsup@its.jnj.com) or contact AskGS to be directed to your accommodation resource.

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

Analytical Reasoning, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Control (CMC), Coaching, Consulting, Critical Thinking, Drug Discovery Development, Emerging Technologies, Molecular Diagnostics, Pharmacogenetics, Pharmacovigilance, Process Improvements, Quality Assurance (QA), Relationship Building, Research Documents, Scientific Research, Technologically Savvy

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