Sr. Upstream Processing Technician

Upstream Processing Technician

Job Description

The Upstream Processing Technician supports the manufacture of commercial and clinical biologics by performing upstream (cell culture) operations in a regulated cleanroom environment. This role follows Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and focuses on mammalian cell culture, large-scale bioreactor operations, and associated filtration or centrifugation activities. The technician contributes directly to the production of biologic materials used in pharmaceutical products, gaining valuable experience in large-scale biological and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Execute manufacturing batch records, work instructions, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) with a strong focus on proactive, right-first-time performance.
• Assist with batch record reconciliation to ensure complete, accurate, and compliant documentation.
• Support all department functions, including maintaining production suites, supplies, equipment, logbooks, and data in accordance with site SOPs and policies.
• Document all activities in compliance with cGMP requirements, including timely and accurate completion of records, forms, and logs.
• Perform daily document and record reviews, complete assigned tasks, and update relevant databases as required.
• Participate in or lead shift exchanges, one-on-one discussions, and team meetings to ensure effective communication of area needs and process changes.
• Engage in lean activities and continuous improvement efforts to enhance operational efficiency and quality.
• Support quality investigations by providing detailed information, answering questions, and suggesting process improvements.
• Practice and promote safe work habits by adhering to all safety procedures and guidelines.
• Evaluate processes proactively, using foresight and critical thinking to identify and mitigate potential issues.
• Interpret production schedules, prioritize tasks appropriately, and complete work according to established timelines.
• Perform upstream cell culture operations, including propagation of mammalian cell cultures under aseptic conditions.
• Execute large-scale production bioreactor operations in the 50L to 2000L range, following defined procedures.
• Conduct large-scale filtration or centrifugation steps associated with upstream processing while maintaining aseptic technique.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area within aseptic suites and cleanrooms, following gowning and contamination control procedures.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2 years of work experience in manufacturing, operations, production, laboratory setting, or a related field.
• Ability to work in a cleanroom environment and follow aseptic techniques.
• Basic understanding of laboratory practices, including aseptic technique, cell culture handling, and pipetting.
• Ability to accurately follow cGMP documentation practices and complete batch records and SOP-driven tasks.
• Capability to interpret production schedules and manage task prioritization in a dynamic environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to right-first-time execution.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 25 pounds independently.
• Ability to stand for approximately 80% of the shift.
• Willingness and ability to meet cleanroom gowning requirements, including wearing full body suits, gloves, hair and beard nets, face covers, and safety glasses.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Preferred: At least 6 months of experience in a GMP-regulated environment.
• 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 pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.
• Preferred: Experience with mammalian cell culturing and bioreactor operations.
• Preferred: Knowledge of cGMP practices, aseptic techniques, and basic chemical concepts.
• Preferred: Subject matter expertise in upstream processing steps.
• Interest in large-scale biological and chemistry-based pharmaceutical operations.
• Motivation to contribute to the production of biologics such as large-scale antibodies used in therapies for conditions like autoimmune diseases.

Work Environment

This role operates in cleanroom and aseptic suites, where strict contamination control and gowning procedures apply. Team members work on a day shift schedule from approximately 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., following rotating 10-hour shifts that total 40 hours per week. A typical two-week rotation may include working Monday through Wednesday and Saturday in the first week, followed by working Sunday and Wednesday through Friday in the second week, with designated days off in between. The position requires full cleanroom gowning, including bodysuit, gloves, hair and beard nets, face covers, and safety glasses. To maintain aseptic conditions, items such as makeup, jewelry, nail polish, cologne or perfume, and scented lotions or hair care products are not permitted in the cleanroom. Team members must be able to wear Tyvek garments and nitrile and/or latex gloves for extended periods. The work involves standing for most of the shift and handling equipment and materials that may weigh at least 25 pounds. The environment offers exposure to large-scale biologics manufacturing and advanced upstream processing technologies, providing a strong foundation in pharmaceutical production and cGMP operations.

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 $30.00 - $30.00/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)

Workplace Type

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

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 13, 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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.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.