Scientist - Upstream Process Development

About the Role

Join our Biologics Pilot Lab and contribute directly to the development, scaleup, and pilot-scale production of early and late-stage biologic programs. In this role, you will execute upstream operations, support downstream activities as needed, and help advance programs that are central to Client biologics pipeline. This position is ideal for candidates who are hands-on in the lab, collaborative, and excited to work on fast moving development efforts. Selected responsibilities include:

Hands-on execution of bioprocess unit operations (media preparation, seed train, WAVE and 100-500L SUB cultures) in a pilot environment (schedule-driven runs).

Strong documentation and GxP habits (batch records/run summaries, deviations/observations, change notes).

Run execution under tight timelines; ability to support run schedules/weekend coverage.

Troubleshooting in real time during pilot runs.

Working from SOPs/Benchling batch records; capturing deviations/observations; maintaining readiness.

Key Responsibilities

Technical & Operational

Prepare media/buffers/reagents; set up equipment; post-run teardown and cleaning.

Maintain laboratory readiness, including equipment maintenance, analytical instrument upkeep, consumable inventory management, and general lab support.

Support upstream operations to ensure seamless end-to-end process execution.

Participate in tech transfer activities to support bringing new projects into the Pilot Lab

Monitor process and performance data; prepare clear summaries of findings as appropriate.

Communication & Collaboration

Organize and present data, results, and conclusions in group meetings/discussions.

Communicate technical information clearly and effectively to colleagues at varying levels.

Work with a team-oriented, collaborative, and solutions-focused mindset.

Maintain a strong safety focus in all laboratories and pilot operations.

Required Qualifications

Familiarity or working experience in pilot lab/plant operations for biologics in a Pilot Lab facility.

Familiarity or working experience with Pilot-scale bioprocess equipment

Strong verbal communication, technical writing, and documentation skills.

Ability to work effectively in cross functional teams and in a dynamic environment.

Self-motivated, organized, and comfortable with scientific problem solving.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience executing upstream processes end-to-end (not only individual unit ops).

Experience in a pilot plant /manufacturing support /tech transfer / GMP-adjacent environment.

Comfortable working from controlled documentation (SOPs, batch records, run sheets).

Ability to support weekend/extended-hour coverage during runs.

Familiarity with Process Development and/or GxP, technology transfer, plant operations, and bioprocess scaleup principles.

Education

AA/AS degree with > 2 years of relevant industry experience (purification/DSP techniques), or

BS/BE in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology, or related discipline with 0-2 year of relevant experience.

Work Requirements

This is a 100% onsite role in Foster City, CA.

Occasional weekend work required to support pilot-scale biologics operations.

This contractor will be a key hands-on contributor on run execution and process improvements for multiple biologics programs

What Success Looks Like in 60-90 Days

Prepare cell culture media and buffers independently and flawlessly.

Support execution of bioprocess operations with minimal oversight.

About the Biologics Pilot Lab Team

• You will join a team of seven scientists responsible for producing pilot-scale biological products that support biologics programs, trouble shooting and improving processes. The team implements new technologies to enhance operational capability, capacity, and efficiency across the site.