Sr. Upstream Processing Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Upstream Processing Technician – Harvest Team
Job Description

The Upstream Processing Technician works on the Harvest team and supports the critical transition between upstream (cell culture) and downstream processing in a cleanroom biologics manufacturing environment. This is a hands-on, labor-intensive role that contributes directly to the manufacture of commercial and clinical biologics by performing cell culture operations, operating large-scale bioreactors, and executing filtration and centrifugation steps in compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). The technician prepares buffers and bulk reagents, participates in process improvement projects, and helps ensure that biologics used in pharmaceutical products are produced safely, consistently, and at scale.

Responsibilities

• Support the Harvest team in the in-between process steps connecting upstream (cell culture) and downstream operations.
• Perform upstream processing activities, including propagation of mammalian cell culture and aseptic cell culture operations.
• Execute large-scale production bioreactor operations ranging from 50L to 2000L, following established procedures and cGMP requirements.
• Conduct large-scale filtration and centrifugation operations to support biologics production.
• Manufacture buffers and simple bulk reagents according to manufacturing procedures with limited supervision.
• Review all area documentation for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with cGMP standards.
• Take responsibility for assigned workflows and documentation systems, including work instructions and related records.
• Assist in the manufacture of controls and calibrators and complete batch records in accordance with cGMPs.
• Perform in-process assays using equipment such as spectrophotometers, pH meters, and clinical analyzers.
• Weigh, transfer, and mix chemicals as required for upstream and harvest operations.
• Perform product filtrations and ensure proper handling and transfer of materials.
• Clean and steam steel tanks using clean-in-place (CIP) and steam-in-place (SIP) procedures.
• Prepare glassware and steel tanks for sterilization and operate autoclaves safely and correctly.
• Maintain laboratory and production equipment, including pumps, pH meters, and flow meters, and report any issues promptly.
• Monitor inventory levels of common laboratory supplies and communicate replenishment needs.
• Keep the department lead or supervisor updated on operational status, issues, and deviations.
• Respond to emergency notifications and follow established safety and escalation procedures.
• Participate in process improvement projects to enhance efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Follow all cleanroom and aseptic gowning, behavior, and contamination control requirements.
• Work flexible hours, including weekends and rotating shifts, to support 24/7 manufacturing operations.
• Perform other related duties as required to support manufacturing, laboratory, and operational needs.

• Minimum of 2 years of work experience in manufacturing, operations, production, laboratory setting, or a related field.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working in a cleanroom or aseptic environment or strong willingness and ability to learn aseptic techniques.
• Ability to perform aseptic techniques and follow strict contamination control procedures.
• Familiarity with cell culture operations, including handling and propagation of mammalian cells.
• Ability to follow cGMP procedures and detailed manufacturing instructions.
• Competence in using laboratory equipment such as spectrophotometers, pH meters, and clinical analyzers.
• Ability to perform accurate weighing, transferring, and mixing of chemicals.
• Capability to operate and support large-scale bioreactors (50L–2000L) and related upstream processing equipment.
• Ability to perform filtration and centrifugation operations safely and effectively.
• Basic mechanical aptitude to maintain pumps, pH meters, flow meters, and related equipment.
• Ability to accurately complete batch records and documentation in compliance with cGMP.
• Physical ability to lift a minimum of 25 lbs independently.
• Ability to stand for approximately 80% of the shift.
• Willingness and ability to work 2nd shift and rotating schedules, including weekends.
• Strong attention to detail, reliability, and adherence to safety and quality standards.

• Preferred: At least 6 months of experience in a GMP-regulated environment.
• Preferred: Experience with aseptic technique in a laboratory or manufacturing setting.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in a Science or STEM field, particularly with experience in aseptic technique, cell culture, and pipetting.
• Preferred: Experience in the pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical industry.
• Preferred: Experience with cell culturing and operation of bioreactors.
• Preferred: Knowledge of cGMP practices, aseptic techniques, or chemical concepts.
• Preferred: Subject matter expertise in upstream processing steps.
• Interest in working with large-scale biological and chemistry-based pharmaceutical operations.
• Motivation to contribute to the production of biologics, such as large-scale antibody manufacturing used in therapies for autoimmune and other diseases.
• Strong communication skills to keep leads and supervisors informed and to collaborate effectively with team members.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and support process improvements.

This role is based in a cleanroom and aseptic suite environment, where strict gowning and contamination control procedures apply. Team members must be willing and able to meet full cleanroom gowning requirements, including wearing a bodysuit, gloves, hair and beard nets, face covers, safety glasses, and other protective garments such as Tyvek, nitrile, and/or latex gloves. The environment prohibits items such as makeup, jewelry, nail polish, cologne or perfume, and scented lotions or hair care products to maintain aseptic conditions. Work is performed on 2nd shift, typically from 1:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., with rotating 10-hour shifts totaling approximately 40 hours per week. The schedule follows a rotating two-week pattern that includes weekday and weekend work, such as working Monday–Wednesday and Saturday one week, and Sunday plus Wednesday–Friday the next week. The role involves extended periods of standing (about 80% of the shift) and frequent lifting of up to 25 lbs. The facility uses large-scale bioreactors (50L–2000L), filtration and centrifugation systems, CIP/SIP systems, autoclaves, and laboratory instruments including spectrophotometers, pH meters, clinical analyzers, pumps, and flow meters. The culture emphasizes safety, cGMP compliance, teamwork, and continuous improvement, offering a strong entry point into large-scale biologics and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Louis, MO.

The pay range for this position is $27.00 - $28.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Saint Louis,MO.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 19, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.