ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Upstream Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Legend Biotech USA, Inc.

$104K - $132K/yr

Legend Biotech is seeking a Sr. Scientist, Lentivirus Upstream Processing as part of the Technical Development team based in Somerset, NJ.Role OverviewThe Senior Scientist, Lentivirus Upstream ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsUpstream Scientist Jobs

Upstream Scientist information

See salary details

$18

$43

$69

How much do upstream scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 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 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 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 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 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.

More about Upstream Scientist jobs

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 are popular job titles related to Upstream Scientist jobs?

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

Upstream Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Upstream Scientist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 2% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,889 per year, or $43.2 per hour.

Associate Scientist, Upstream Process Development

Syracuse, NY • On-site

LOTTE BIOLOGICS USA, LLC
See more jobs at LOTTE BIOLOGICS USA, LLCexternal

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Key responsibilities

  • Execute laboratory experiments to develop, optimize, characterize, and scale-up upstream cell culture processes for biologics.

  • Support process development activities including process control strategy development, technical transfers, and process optimization.

  • Document experimental procedures and results, review technical documentation, and support regulatory submissions related to upstream process development.

Job description

We are LOTTE BIOLOGICS! Delivering Therapies That Enable a Healthier World.
A new company, built on 80 years of tradition. We embody our core values of being Inspired by Science, Embracing Diversity, Fostering Talent, and Connecting Lives. Our mission is to be the most trusted partner in the industry, with high standards of quality and continuous innovation, to reliably deliver benefits for patients worldwide.
Position Summary
The primary role of the Associate Scientist, Upstream Process Development is to execute laboratory experiments in the development, optimization, characterization, and scale-up of biologics upstream cell culture processes from laboratory to manufacturing scale using knowledge of cell culture, cell banking, medium preparation, bioreactor production, and primary recovery. This role is a combination of laboratory- and office-based work. This role will execute and document laboratory studies in laboratory notebooks. Additionally, this role will support documentation review, protocols, technical reports, change controls, and CMC regulatory submissions under supervision. The Associate Scientist is expected to follow detailed GLP/GMP procedures and safety requirements and will work in a team environment and will interact with other functional departments. Additionally, this position is a team-based position that may require work on evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Leverage an understanding of the drug substance upstream cell culture process to support execution and data analysis of scale-down/scale-up studies for media development and optimization, upstream process development, process characterization, and process validation
  • Support development of the upstream inoculum expansion and cell culture process control strategy through identification of critical process parameters and process attributes
  • Support process technical transfers from laboratory-scale or pilot-scale to manufacturing-scale
  • Support process optimization, process robustness initiatives, process troubleshooting, process yield improvements, and process-related investigations at manufacturing-scale through conducting scale-down studies
  • Document execution and results of experimental plans in laboratory notebooks, perform data verification, and author and review SOPs and upstream cell culture documentation to capture experimental designs and results via protocols and other associated scientific technical documents for process development, process characterization, as well as validation protocols with supervision
  • Support continuous process improvements and advance technology for implementation in laboratory and manufacturing operations
  • Support CMC review and verification of regulatory filings (IND, IND amendment, BLA, MAA, PAS, etc.), with interactions with global Health Authorities for inspections
  • Cell culture expansion and handling utilizing sterile technique in plates, T-flasks, and shaker flasks
  • Support routine operation, cleaning, and maintenance of laboratory equipment, including small-scale and pilot-scale bioreactors, autoclaves, centrifuges, scales, and balances
  • Preparation of media, buffers, and reagents
  • Analyze samples on HPLCs and other analytical instrumentation such as metabolite and cell viability analyzers, and Raman spectroscopy
  • Work with other team members and on cross-functional technical teams

Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience.
  • Relevant experience in biologics upstream process development, manufacturing and/or manufacturing technology is required.
  • Candidates should possess:
    • A B.Sc. or B.Eng. with 3-5 years of relevant experience, or
    • An M.Sc. or M.Eng. with 0-2 years of relevant experience
  • Experience with mammalian cell culture processes, aseptic technique, and bioreactor operations is preferred.
  • Experience working in a GLP/GMP-regulated environment and supporting technical documentation is preferred.
  • Experience with experimental design, statistical analysis, and process development data interpretation is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
  • General scientific knowledge and laboratory skills; knowledge of upstream mammalian cell culture and bioreactors is preferred
  • Experience with experimental design, statistical design and data analysis is preferred
  • Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to apply risk-based critical thinking in a technical environment
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare and present scientific and technical information.
  • Ability to complete assignments accurately, compliantly, and within established timelines.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety standards.

Physical Demands
  • Frequent repetitive motions may be required, including pipetting, lifting, bending, twisting, squatting, crouching, kneeling, reaching, and climbing step stools.
  • Occasional unassisted lifting of up to 50 pounds may be required.
  • Repetitive use of the arms, hands, and wrists, including grasping and fine motor movements, is required.
  • Office-based responsibilities associated with the role may require extended periods of sitting and computer use.

Work Environment
  • This position is primarily laboratory-based and performed in an indoor environment.
  • Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn when working in laboratory areas.
  • The role may involve exposure to biohazardous materials, including live cell cultures, as well as hazardous chemicals such as methotrexate, acids, and caustics. Handling of powdered materials and high-temperature liquids or solids may also be required.
  • The position requires working both collaboratively with cross-functional teams and independently.
  • Occasional shift work, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, may be required to support project and operational needs.
  • This role is performed in a dynamic, fast-paced, collaborative, and innovative environment.

Travel
Less than 5% travel required for this role.
Target Bonus
8%
Work Location:
East Syracuse, NY
New York Pay Range
$60,000-$88,000 USD
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer.
We believe that women, people of color, veterans and LGBTQ communities must participate in the work we do, so we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of underrepresented communities! If this is the work that you want to do, in a culture of inclusion and excellence with the goal of making our world to be a healthier place, then please apply today!

Apply