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Principal Scientist/Director, Biologics Drug Substance Commercialization Join Our Company ... Our Upstream Cell Culture department is seeking a passionate and skilled individual to lead the ...

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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.

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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.

Sr/Principal Scientist - Upstream Process Development

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Genezen
Biotechnology Research and Development • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Genezenexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Sr./Principal Scientist, Upstream Process Development will be part of the Process Development Group reporting to the Director of Process Development. The role will have direct management responsibility for a team of Scientists and Research Associates. The Sr/Principal Scientist is responsible for the Upstream Process development, characterization, technology transfer and GMP manufacturing technical support. This individual will lead or contribute as a core member of various cross-functional teams, and interact extensively with other departments within Genezen, including Analytical Development, Manufacturing, Engineering, and MSAT. This is a client-facing position with regular interaction with our partners including external presentations, driving the technical discussion and program strategy.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provides technical oversight and strategic input for upstream viral vector drug substance development activities
  • Leads, proposes, manages, and coordinates activities on platform improvement/continuous projects in USP labs
  • Leads, manages, and supports late-stage development, by identifying tasks, planning, monitoring progress of deliverables, and in terms of protocol and report generation in areas such as scale-down model qualification, process characterization, and scale-down model process validation studies
  • Leads and supports technology transfer activities at pilot plant and when necessary, preforms experiments him/herself, focusing scale-up platform process at scale and process improvements implementation, process characterization at scale and bills of materials as well as sampling plans.
  • Provides MSAT and manufacturing technical Upstream SME support for process troubleshooting, manufacturing data analysis, root cause analysis, and deviations during GMP production, change controls, CAPAs, CCRs and other Quality Systems documentation as needed.
  • Designs and outlines experimental plans to meet the defined Genezen and client objective. Analyses and reviews experimental results and data.
  • Performs, optimizes, and maintains linear scale-down models. Writes, reviews, and approves electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) entries, experimental protocols, development reports, process descriptions, and scientific reports
  • Presents project progress and results internally to cross-functional teams and externally to clients/stakeholders
  • Maintains robust communication with all relevant functions that have an impact on or are impacted by Upstream Process Development
  • Coordinates and supervises the activities in the USP labs (with a team of engineers/ (Jr.) bioprocess technologist, co-op students, interns, temporary personnel (contractors), and technical SMEs and when necessary, performs experiments him/herself. Guides junior USP team members by setting goals/tasks on projects

SPECIAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

  • Adaptability required as work schedule may change based on business needs
  • Criminal background check required
  • Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION / CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES

Essential/Desired

MSc with 8+ years of relevant work experience in Bioprocess Engineering/ Life Science Biotechnology/Biochemistry/ Protein Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related disciplines

Essential

PhD with 6+ years of relevant work experience in Bioprocess Engineering/ Life Science Biotechnology/Biochemistry/ Protein Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related disciplines

Desired

ON-THE-JOB EXPERIENCE

 

Process Development and Cell Line Development Experience

Essential

Upstream Processing Experience with Cell Culture, Bioreactor Technologies, and Transfection/Infection approaches

Essential

Prior work experience at a CDMO 

Desired

SKILLS / ABILITIES

 

Hands-on experience on complex biologics, e.g. gene therapy, viral vaccines, therapeutic proteins

Essential

Experience with technology transfer and GMP manufacturing technical support

Essential

Experience with EMA/FDA regulations, ICH guidelines, GMP and quality systems

Essential

Effective communicator with track record of presenting data to relevant stakeholders including external stakeholders

Essential

Experience with DoE design and statistical analysis on large data sets

Essential

Excellent scientific writing skills demonstrated by publications and reports

Essential

Experience with direct management of Scientists and Research Associates including day-to-day oversight and direction and career development and coaching.

Essential

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to meet the following physical demands:

Work Environment

  • Regularly sit for long periods of time

Movement

  • Frequently required to stand; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms
  • Occasionally required to walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl

Lifting

  • Frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds
  • Rarely lift and/or move up to 25 pounds

Vision

  • Frequently utilize close vision and the ability to adjust focus

Communication

  • Frequently required to communicate by talking, hearing, using telephone and e-mail

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