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Upstream Process Scientist Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

CEDENT

Process Scientist

Philadelphia, PA

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 US

Scientist

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

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 ...

Legend Biotech US

Scientist

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

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 Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for upstream process scientist in Philadelphia, PA is $42.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.42 and $47.91 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 Philadelphia, PA?

The most popular types of Upstream Process Scientist jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:

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Upstream Process Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Upstream Process Scientist job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,598 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

Scientist, Upstream Process Development

Spring House, PA • On-site

6084-Janssen Research & Development, LLC Legal Entity
See more jobs at 6084-Janssen Research & Development, LLC Legal Entityexternal

$90 - $130/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

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 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.

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 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.

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

Purpose:

The Scientist, Upstream Process Development will support development, optimization, and characterization of scalable cell culture processes for in vivo therapeutic programs. This role will contribute to early- through clinical-stage process development, with emphasis on bioreactor execution, media and process optimization, scale-down model generation, and data-driven process understanding for next-generation biologics and genetic medicines.

You will be responsible for:
  • Design and execute upstream process development studies for lentiviral in vivo therapeutic products under scientific guidance.
  • Perform cell culture experiments using shake flasks, bench-scale bioreactors, and automated high-throughput systems.
  • Support development of scalable fed-batch and perfusion processes to improve productivity, quality, and manufacturability.
  • Utilize Ambr® 250 bioreactor systems for process development, media optimization, and scale-down model studies.
  • Apply statistical experimental design, data analytics, and visualization tools to support process understanding and decision-making.
  • Build working knowledge of Process Analytical Technology, Raman spectroscopy, online monitoring, and digital bioprocessing tools.
  • Analyze and interpret process data using JMP, MiniTab, Python, Spotfire, or similar platforms.
  • Support evaluation of novel upstream technologies that improve process robustness and development efficiency.
  • Collaborate with downstream, analytical, automation, modeling, and formulation teams to align study design and deliverables.
  • Author technical reports, development summaries, protocols, and regulatory-supporting documentation.
Qualifications:
  • BS or MS in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field with 2-4+ years of relevant experience
  • Experience in mammalian cell culture process development for biologics, cell and gene therapy, RNA therapeutics, or related viral vector modalities.
  • Hands-on experience with bioreactor operation, media optimization, process monitoring, and process scale-up support.
  • Experience with Ambr® 250 high-throughput bioreactor systems.
  • Strong data analysis, experimental design, and technical documentation skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
Required Skills:

Preferred Skills: Analytical Reasoning, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Control (CMC), Coaching, Collaboration, Conducting Experiments, Data Quality, Drug Discovery Development, Molecular Diagnostics, Patent Applications, Pharmacogenetics, Report Writing, Research Documents, Scientific Research, Technologically Savvy, Written Expression 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 at https://www.jnj.com/.

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 & Johnson is committed to providing an interview process that is inclusive of our applicants’ needs.

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