Sr. Upstream Processing Technician

Upstream Processing Technician

The Upstream Processing Technician supports the manufacture of commercial and clinical biologics by performing upstream (cell culture) operations in a regulated, cGMP environment. This role focuses on mammalian cell culture, operation of large-scale bioreactors, and associated filtration or centrifugation activities while maintaining strict aseptic technique and accurate documentation. The position offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience with large-scale biological and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes that contribute to the production of biologic therapies.

Responsibilities

• Execute manufacturing batch records, work instructions, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) with a proactive focus on accurate, 'right the first time' completion.
• Assist with batch record reconciliation and ensure all required documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant with cGMP standards.
• Support all department functions, including maintaining production suites, supplies, equipment, logbooks, and data in accordance with site SOPs and policies.
• Perform upstream processing activities such as propagation of mammalian cell cultures, aseptic cell culture operations, and execution of large-scale production bioreactors ranging from 50L to 2000L.
• Conduct large-scale filtration or centrifugation operations as part of upstream processing workflows.
• Document all activities in real time to meet cGMP requirements, including completing daily record reviews, task documentation, and updates to relevant databases.
• Review and revise documents as needed to support continuous improvement and regulatory compliance.
• Participate in and, when appropriate, lead shift exchanges, one-on-one discussions, and team meetings to communicate status, issues, and changes affecting the area.
• Engage in lean activities and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and process reliability.
• Support quality investigations by providing clear, accurate information, answering questions, and suggesting potential process improvements.
• Promote and follow safe work habits, adhering to all safety procedures, guidelines, and site policies.
• Critically evaluate processes with foresight, identifying potential issues and opportunities for improvement before they arise.
• Interpret production schedules, prioritize tasks appropriately, and complete work in alignment with manufacturing timelines.
• Maintain cleanroom discipline, including proper gowning, aseptic technique, and adherence to environmental and contamination control procedures.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in manufacturing, quality, and support functions to ensure smooth operation of upstream activities.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2 years of work experience in manufacturing, operations, production, laboratory, or a related field.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working in cleanroom or controlled environments with adherence to aseptic techniques.
• Ability to perform aseptic cell culture operations, including handling mammalian cell cultures.
• Familiarity with upstream processing activities such as bioreactor operation, filtration, or centrifugation.
• Ability to understand and follow cGMP requirements and site SOPs.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to complete and review documentation accurately and consistently.
• Ability to interpret production schedules and prioritize tasks to meet operational timelines.
• Willingness and ability to wear full cleanroom gowning, including bodysuit, gloves, hair and beard nets, face covers, and safety glasses.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 25 pounds independently.
• Ability to stand for approximately 80% of the shift.
• Preferred: At least 6 months of experience in a GMP-regulated environment and with aseptic technique.
• Preferred: Bachelor's degree in a Science or STEM discipline with experience in aseptic technique, cell culture, and pipetting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Preferred experience in a cGMP environment, particularly within pharmaceutical or biologics manufacturing.
• Knowledge of cGMP practices, aseptic techniques, or chemical concepts.
• Experience or familiarity with the pharmaceutical industry and biologics manufacturing processes.
• Exposure to large-scale bioreactors (50L2000L) and upstream processing steps.
• Preferred: Subject matter expertise in upstream processing steps.
• Experience with laboratory techniques such as pipetting and cell culturing.
• Strong communication skills to participate effectively in shift exchanges, meetings, and cross-functional discussions.
• Ability to support quality investigations by providing clear documentation and constructive suggestions for process improvements.
• Interest in working with biologics that support pharmaceutical products, including large-scale antibody production for therapeutic use.
• Motivation to develop a career in large-scale biological and chemistry-based pharmaceutical operations.

Work Environment

This role is based in cleanroom and aseptic suites where strict environmental and contamination control standards apply. Team members must be willing and able to fully gown, including wearing bodysuits, gloves, hair and beard nets, face covers, and safety glasses. Cleanroom policies prohibit items such as makeup, jewelry, nail polish, cologne or perfume, and scented lotions or hair care products. Personnel must meet cleanroom gowning requirements, including the use of Tyvek garments and nitrile and/or latex gloves. The work involves standing for approximately 80% of the shift and lifting at least 25 pounds independently. Initial training follows a MondayFriday schedule for approximately 46 weeks, typically from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After training, the position follows a second-shift schedule from 1:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on a rotating two-week pattern: Week 1 includes days off on Sunday, Thursday, and Friday with work on Monday through Wednesday and Saturday; Week 2 includes work on Sunday and Wednesday through Friday, with days off on Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday. The environment emphasizes safety, adherence to cGMP standards, and collaboration within teams that support the manufacture of biologics used in pharmaceutical products.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.80 - $30.80/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)

Workplace Type

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

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 30, 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 click.appcast.io 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