Sr. Upstream Processing Technician **30-33/hr**

This role supports the manufacture of commercial and clinical biologic products by performing upstream cell culture operations in a cGMP-regulated cleanroom environment. Focus areas include large-scale mammalian cell culture, bioreactor operation, and associated filtration and centrifugation activities.

Responsibilities

• Execute manufacturing batch records, work instructions, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) with a strong focus on accurate, proactive, and ‘right the first time’ performance.
• Assist with batch record reconciliation to ensure documentation completeness and accuracy.
• Perform upstream cell culture operations, including propagation of mammalian cell cultures and aseptic handling of materials and equipment.
• Operate large-scale production bioreactors ranging from 50L to 2000L for commercial and clinical biologic manufacturing.
• Conduct large-scale filtration and centrifugation steps associated with upstream processing.
• Support all department functions by maintaining production suites, supplies, equipment, logbooks, and data in accordance with site SOPs and policies.
• Document all activities in compliance with cGMP requirements, including completing reviews and revisions of records, daily task logs, and relevant databases.
• Participate in and sometimes lead shift exchanges, one-on-one discussions, and team meetings, and attend additional meetings as needed to support area changes and continuous improvement (lean activities).
• Support quality investigations by answering questions, providing process details, and suggesting improvements to prevent recurrence.
• Promote and follow safe work habits, adhering to all safety procedures, guidelines, and site policies.
• Critically evaluate processes, using foresight and forward-thinking to identify potential issues before they occur.
• Prioritize tasks effectively by interpreting production schedules and completing work in alignment with manufacturing timelines.
• Consistently meet cleanroom gowning and aseptic behavior requirements while performing duties in controlled environments.
• Lift materials and equipment up to 25 pounds independently and stand for extended periods during production activities.

Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of work experience in manufacturing, operations, production, laboratory, or a related technical field.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to apply practical knowledge to achieve successful outcomes in a production or laboratory setting.
• Capability to recognize problems as they begin to develop, not only once they have fully occurred.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Solid math skills to support calculations related to cell culture, bioreactor operations, and solution preparation.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications for documentation, data entry, and communication.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to understand and carry out written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 25 pounds independently.
• Ability to stand for approximately 80% of the work shift.
• Willingness and ability to meet cleanroom gowning requirements, including wearing full gowning suits, Tyvek garments, and appropriate gloves (Nitrile and/or Latex).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM-related field or in a scientific discipline such as biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or pharmaceutical sciences is preferred.
• Experience in a cGMP-regulated environment is preferred.
• At least 6 months of experience in a GMP-regulated environment and with aseptic techniques is preferred.
• Knowledge of cGMP practices, aseptic techniques, and basic chemical concepts is preferred.
• Subject matter expertise in upstream processing steps is a strong plus.
• Experience with aseptic technique, cell culturing, pipetting, chromatography, and bioreactor operations is highly desirable.
• Experience in biology, laboratory work, chemistry, chromatography, biochemistry, or the pharmaceutical industry is beneficial.

About the role

Join a team that helps produce important therapeutic products in a highly regulated, state-of-the-art cleanroom environment. The role offers hands-on experience with biologics manufacturing and requires full cleanroom gowning, fragrance and personal-item restrictions, and occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $33.00/hr. Individual compensation offered within this range will depend on factors including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, and internal equity.

Benefits

If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital coverage
• 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)

Schedule

This is a Contract to Hire, fully onsite position based in Saint Louis, MO.