Upstream Process Development Scientist

Upstream Process Development Scientist - Job Opportunity

Location: Fully Onsite in Spring House, PA

Shift: 1st Shift (M-F)

Hiring Method: 12 Month Contract with possible extensions + conversion potential (PTO/Holidays included)

Compensation: $31.25/hr to $38.46/hr.

Exact compensation may vary based on several factors, including skills, experience, and education.

Benefit packages for this role will start on the 1st day of employment and include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as HSA, FSA, and DCFSA account options, and 401k retirement account access with employer matching. Employees in this role are also entitled to paid sick leave and/or other paid time off as provided by applicable law.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline with 3–5 years of hands‑on experience in upstream cell culture or bioprocessing.
• Proficiency in aseptic technique and experience with suspension cell culture; experience with bioreactors (wave or stirred‑tank, single‑use preferred) is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify gaps, troubleshoot issues, and propose innovative solutions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines with a positive attitude.

• Familiarity with LVV production, CAR T process development, and technical transfer activities.
• Experience supporting scale-up or platform development initiatives in a regulated environment.

Our large pharmaceutical client is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Upstream Associate Scientist to support lentiviral vector (LVV) production within our small-scale upstream development team. This role focuses on platform process optimization, characterization, and technical transfer activities to advance our next-generation LVV modality supporting CAR T manufacturing for solid tumor indications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Execute routine suspension cell culture and aseptic preculture operations, including cell vial thawing, shake flask expansion, wave bag preparation, and bioreactor setup.
• Perform LVV production runs at scales ranging from 10 L to 50 L using single‑use bioreactors, with a focus on sterility and process consistency.
• Conduct Am  and shake flask scale‑down studies to support platform development and material generation.
• Collect and analyze post‑run data, generate technical reports, and present findings to cross‑functional teams.
• Maintain accurate records of analytical data and ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support onboarding of new processes and resolution of technical challenges.
• Contribute to ongoing improvements in the Carvicky process and support development of new LVV platforms aligned with FDA CAR T expectations.