Research Associate, Upstream Process Development

Job Description

Job Description

Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking Research Associates/Senior Research Associates, Process Development for contract-to-hire opportunities with one of our clients, a leading biologics CDMO in the Los Angeles, CA area. 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 industry.
Workplace: Onsite in the Los Angeles area
Position Title: Research Associate/Senior Research Associate, Upstream Process Development
Position Type: Contract-to-hire
Pay rate:

• Research Associate: $28-35 per hour
• Senior Research Associate: $34-43 per hour

Advance Your Career in Biopharmaceutical Innovation
Are you passionate about transforming scientific breakthroughs into life-saving therapies? Join an energetic team at the forefront of biologics, where your expertise in cell culture and process development helps shape the next generation of protein therapeutics.
Your Role:
As a Research Associate in Upstream Process Development, you’ll play a key part in designing, optimizing, and scaling mammalian cell culture processes for recombinant protein production. You’ll interface with manufacturing teams to facilitate seamless tech transfer, ensuring processes are robust and ready for clinical and commercial production. Key responsibilities include:

• Develop and optimize mammalian cell culture processes—adapting cell lines to suspension/serum-free conditions, screening media/feed formulations, and producing recombinant proteins in shake flasks, wave, and stirred tank bioreactors.
• Lead seed train development, inoculation, maintenance, sampling, feeding, and harvest/clarification of production bioreactors.
• Work with diverse mammalian cell lines (such as CHO, NSO, HEK), applying advanced aseptic techniques and a strong understanding of metabolic, physical, and mechanical parameters impacting cell growth and productivity.
• Prepare cell culture media and feed formulations from scratch, and operate/troubleshoot state-of-the-art cell culture equipment, including bioreactors and analytical instruments.
• Analyze cell growth, productivity, and nutrient utilization data; document findings for traceability and regulatory compliance; generate comprehensive reports, spreadsheets, graphs, and presentations.
• Scale up and transfer upstream processes to Manufacturing, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to ensure successful implementation.
• Research, propose, and implement new technologies and methods to drive operational excellence.
• Communicate findings, participate in scientific discussions, and engage with internal and external stakeholders.
• Work with minimal supervision on projects of routine to moderate complexity and take initiative to expand your skill set.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences (or related field)
• 1–6 years of relevant industry experience in mammalian cell culture process development
• Strong working knowledge of scientific principles and laboratory practices
• Experience with various mammalian cell lines, bioreactors, and analytical techniques strongly preferred

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As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

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

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