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Upstream Process Scientist Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Novartis

Principal Engineer, MS&T

Durham, NC

$126K - $234K/yr

As a Principal Engineer, MS&T, you will serve as a scientific and technical leader for upstream processes, bringing deep expertise in gene therapy manufacturing to support innovation, troubleshoot ...

Valspec

CQV Consultant

Holly Springs, NC

... Life Sciences industry. Established in 1999, Valspec's mission is to provide a wide spectrum of ... Upstream Processing * Downstream Processing * CIP (Clean-in-Place) Systems * PSE (Process Support ...

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How much do upstream process scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for upstream process scientist in Raleigh, NC is $40.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.13 and $46.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are typical daily responsibilities for an Upstream Process Scientist in a biopharmaceutical company?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Upstream Process Scientist position, and why are they important?

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 is an Upstream Process Scientist job?

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 job categories do people searching Upstream Process Scientist jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Upstream Process Scientist jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Upstream Process Scientist jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Upstream Process Scientist job openings:
Upstream Process Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Upstream Process Scientist job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,084 per year, or $40.9 per hour.
Associate Scientist - Upstream Cell Culture

Associate Scientist - Upstream Cell Culture

Novartis

Durham, NC • On-site

$73K - $136K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Novartis rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 74 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

Job Description Summary

Associate Scientist - Upstream Cell Culture
#LI-Onsite
Location:Durham, USA
This role is based inDurham,USA.Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role. Please only apply if this location is accessibleforyou.
The Technical Research & Development (TRD) Department drives the advancement of the Adeno-associated virus (AAV) and Lentiviral vector (LVV) production platform across multiple development sites and manages the development, scale-up, scale-down, transfer, optimization, and characterization of processes for the clinical manufacturing of Novartis cell gene therapy products.


Job Description

Major accountabilities:

  • Designs and executes gene therapy upstream process development studies.
  • Supports early development study projects and late-stage process characterization and scaling up studies.
  • Analyses and interprets experimental data from process studies with strong statistical mindset.
  • Conducts laboratory studies to enhance AAV and LVV manufacturing technologies, capabilities, and processes (such as media development, bioreactor fed-batch and perfusion process development, optimization and scale-up).
  • Preforms experiments at different scales to support pre-clinical, clinical and commercial programs.
  • Assists the evaluation and introduction of new technologies.
  • Authors technical reports and presents results of development studies both internally and externally.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional groups to coordinate studies.
  • Other related duties as assigned.

Essential Requirements:

  • Experience with bioreactor operation including ambr (15 & 250), bench-top bioreactor, pilot scale bioreactor.
  • Proficient in statistical analysis principles and software. Working knowledge and experience with Design of Experiment (DoE).
  • Ability to analyze data to make date-driven decisions and further progress development strategies.
  • Knowledge of viral gene therapy and previous experience with AAV process development is preferred.
  • Excellent team player with good communication skills.

Novartis Compensation Summary:

The salary for this position is expected to range between $73,500.00 - $136,500.00 USD Annual per year. The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards. US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a

variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.


EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.


Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.


Salary Range

$73,500.00 - $136,500.00


Skills Desired

Materials Science, Process Simulation

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