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How much do upstream scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for upstream scientist in the United States is $43.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.17 and $51.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Upstream Scientists in bioprocess development, and how can they be addressed?

Upstream Scientists often encounter challenges such as optimizing cell culture conditions, scaling up processes from the laboratory to production levels, and ensuring consistency in yield and product quality. These challenges require strong problem-solving skills, close attention to experimental design, and effective collaboration with downstream and analytical teams. Staying current with new bioprocessing technologies and maintaining clear documentation are also essential for addressing these issues and driving successful project outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Upstream Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Upstream Scientist, you need a solid background in biology, biochemistry, or chemical engineering, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in cell culture or fermentation processes. Familiarity with bioreactor systems, process analytical technologies (PAT), and data analysis software is typically required, along with knowledge of GMP regulations. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure efficient process development and optimization, leading to high-quality biologics production in a regulated environment.

What is an Upstream Scientist?

An Upstream Scientist is a professional who specializes in the early stages of biopharmaceutical production, focusing on the cultivation and optimization of biological materials such as cells or microorganisms. Their primary role involves developing and improving processes like cell culture, fermentation, and media design to maximize the yield and quality of desired products, such as proteins or vaccines. Upstream Scientists work closely with downstream teams to ensure smooth transition of materials for further processing, and they play a crucial role in scaling up laboratory processes for commercial manufacturing.

What is the difference between Upstream Scientist vs Downstream Scientist?

AspectUpstream ScientistDownstream Scientist
Primary FocusResearch and develop processes for oil and gas extraction or biopharmaceutical production at the initial stagesRefine, purify, and package products after initial production
Required SkillsProcess engineering, laboratory analysis, biochemistry, geologyPurification techniques, chromatography, formulation, quality control
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, exploration sites, production facilitiesManufacturing plants, labs, quality assurance settings
Industry UsageOil & gas, biotechnology, pharmaceuticalsPharmaceuticals, biotech, chemical manufacturing

Upstream Scientists focus on the initial stages of production, such as exploration and process development, while Downstream Scientists handle the refining, purification, and final product formulation. Both roles require specialized skills and are essential in the production pipeline, often working in related industries like biotech and pharmaceuticals.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Upstream Scientist jobs? The most popular types of Upstream Scientist jobs are:
What states have the most Upstream Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Upstream Scientist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Upstream Scientist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Upstream Scientist jobs are:
Upstream Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Upstream Scientist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,889 per year, or $43.2 per hour.
Scientist II, Upstream Development for Protein Development and Manufacturing

Scientist II, Upstream Development for Protein Development and Manufacturing

Vaxcyte

San Carlos, CA • On-site

$146K - $171K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Summary:

Vaxcyte is seeking a talented and experienced Scientist II, to join the Upstream Process Development group within the Protein Development and CMC team. This is an exciting opportunity to join an outstanding team pursuing bacterial fermentation development at Vaxcyte.

The successful candidate will have the following skills and qualities:

  • A skilled upstream scientist with expertise in developing and characterizing bacterial fermentation processes for protein production.
  • Hands-on experience operating and maintaining bioreactors, including Ambr 250, at laboratory scale.
  • Experience with pilot scale fermentation and recovery equipment is a plus.
  • Skillful in analyzing and presenting data for process improvements, troubleshooting, and optimization.
  • An exceptional team player who works seamlessly with others, speaks up, and remains focused on achieving the best results to achieve company goals.
  • An experienced scientist who works with growing independence, collaborates across functional teams, and mentors junior colleagues.
  • Strong organizational and planning skills.
Essential Functions:
  • Contribute significantly to the development and characterization of upstream fermentation processes.
  • Serve as a primary technical contributor to operational activities related to bioreactor set-up, monitoring, harvest, and maintenance.
  • Develop, test, and implement recipe scripting for fed-batch fermentation feeding controls.
  • Provide engineering support for design, implementation, and qualification of scale-down models.
  • Author SOPs (standard operating procedure), process flow diagrams and batch records.
  • Analyze and present fermentation data at internal project meetings. Participate in upstream database management and documentation in electronic notebooks.
  • Collaborate with Downstream Process Development, Pilot Plant, MSAT, or Analytical Development as needed.
  • Provide guidance or mentorship to junior team members.
Requirements: 
  • PhD with 2-5 years, MS with 7 years, or BA/BS with a minimum of 10 years of relevant Pharma/Biotech industry experience. Other combinations of education and/or experience may be considered.
  • Strong scientific background and hands-on experience with fermentation and/or primary recovery unit operations.
  • Good understanding in fundamentals of bioreactor design, operation and controls.
  • Strong knowledge of aseptic techniques
  • Mechanical and technical knowledge of primary recovery unit operations such as homogenization, centrifugation, and depth filtration, is a plus
  • Understanding of fermentation scale up and development of scale down models
  • Familiarity with DoE (Design of Experiments) principles and software.
  • Familiarity with regulatory requirements of biotherapeutics. Late-stage process characterization experience is a plus.
Reports to: Senior Scientist, Upstream Development and Manufacturing
 
Location: San Carlos, CA
 
Work Arrangement (may be adjusted based on business needs, job responsibilities, or changes to company policy): 
Onsite (5 days per week onsite)
 
Compensation:
The compensation package will be competitive and includes comprehensive benefits and an equity component.
 
Salary Range: $146,000 - $171,000
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About Vaxcyte

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Biotechnology research and development

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

San Carlos, CA, US

Year founded

2013

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