Upstream Process Development Associate
Emeryville, CA, US
Scientific
Bachelors Degree
Full Time, Temporary
$35-38
Entry Level
On-site
Biotechnology/Pharmaceuticals
First Shift (Day)
Emeryville, CA, US
$35-38
Entry Level
Full Time, Temporary
Biotechnology/Pharmaceuticals
On-site
Scientific
Bachelors Degree
First Shift (Day)
Job details
Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking an Upstream Process Development Associate for a 6-month contract opportunity with one of our clients, a leading biologics CDMO in Emeryville, CA. If you are driven by the prospect of translating cutting-edge scientific discoveries into tangible advancements and are poised to advance your career, join us as we pioneer progress in the biotechnology and medical device industries.
Workplace: Emeryville, CA.
Position Title: Upstream Process Development Associate
Position Type: 6-month Contract
Pay rate: $35-38 hour
Transform the Future of Biomanufacturing
A pioneering Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), located in the San Francisco Bay Area and specializing in antibody and biologic therapeutics, is seeking an Upstream Process Development Associate. In this critical role, you’ll contribute to advancing life-changing therapies for biotechnology clients worldwide, while furthering your career alongside recognized industry experts in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
About the Role
As an integral team member, you’ll be hands-on in developing and optimizing mammalian cell culture processes using cutting-edge bench-scale bioreactors. Reporting to senior upstream leadership, you will partner with cross-disciplinary teams to deliver robust, scalable bioprocess solutions and support tech transfer from bench to manufacturing. This opportunity offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and the ability to help shape the future of bioprocessing in a confidential, client-focused setting.
Key Responsibilities
- Execute mammalian cell culture experiments with shake flasks and bench-scale bioreactors (3L–50L), following defined protocols and project objectives
- Prepare and optimize media, feeds, buffers, and cell culture reagents
- Conduct all steps of upstream operations, including inoculation, feeding, sampling, and harvest, to ensure high product quality
- Monitor and control critical process parameters (pH, DO, agitation, temperature, gas flow) for process robustness
- Collect, analyze, and summarize experimental data (cell growth, viability, metabolite analysis, product titer); contribute to technical reports and protocol updates
- Maintain accurate and compliant laboratory documentation in electronic lab notebooks (ELN) or other record-keeping systems
- Perform routine upstream analytics such as cell counting, viability, osmolality, glucose/lactate, and metabolite analysis
- Participate in troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives; support equipment calibration and upkeep
- Collaborate closely with Downstream Processing, Analytical Development, and Manufacturing teams for successful tech transfer
What You Bring
- Experience with common upstream process development tools and analytics
- Flexibility to occasionally support off-shift or weekend activities as project needs arise
- Ability to work independently while seamlessly collaborating in a team-oriented environment
- Strong experimental and organizational skills; clear communication and diligent documentation
- Demonstrated problem-solving ability and scientific rigor
Qualifications
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
- 1–3 years of hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture or upstream process development (industry or academic labs)
- Proficiency in handling shake flasks, bench-scale bioreactors, and CHO or similar production cell lines
Why Join Us?
- Make a meaningful impact on biopharmaceutical development and manufacturing
- Work alongside and learn from expert colleagues within a collaborative, innovation-driven environment
- Benefit from competitive pay, full benefits, and rich opportunities for career growth in the Bay Area’s thriving biotech sector
- Be part of a confidential, specialized organization dedicated to quality, innovation, and client service
Ready to elevate your upstream process development career?
Apply now and join us in shaping the future of biologics.
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Why Kelly® Science & Clinical?
Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals—it’s the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.About Kelly
Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life—just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.