Pilot-Scale Bioprocess Scientist (Contract)

Planet Pharma; Foster City (CA); Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma is seeking a hands-on upstream bioprocess professional to join the Biologics Pilot Lab in Foster City on a 12-month contract. The role involves running pilot-scale cell culture processes, solving real-time operational challenges, and supporting biologics development programs in a collaborative environment.

You’ll prepare media and reagents, execute daily bioreactor activities, document via SOPs and bench records, and assist with tech transfers and data summaries to drive process

Qualifications

• Hands-on upstream cell culture experience at bench, pilot, or manufacturing scale.
• Clear technical writing and documentation habits (SOPs, batch records, run summaries).
• Organized, collaborative, solutions-focused approach with safety and data integrity in tight schedules.

Responsibilities

• Prepare media, buffers, and reagents; set up equipment; support teardown and cleaning.
• Execute routine upstream activities: daily bioreactor sampling, feeding, end-to-end run support.
• Maintain accurate documentation in SOPs, batch records, run summaries, deviations, observations, and change notes.
• Troubleshoot issues during pilot runs; maintain equipment, inventory, analytical support, and lab readiness.
• Support technology transfers, monitor process performance, and summarize data.

Skills

Hands-on upstream cell culture

Technical writing

Data integrity & documentation

Education

AA/AS with 4+ years experience

BS/BE in related field with 2+ years experience

Tools

WAVE system

Single-use bioreactors

Benchling

Job description

Planet Pharma is seeking a hands-on upstream bioprocess professional to join the Biologics Pilot Lab in Foster City on a 12-month contract. The role involves running pilot-scale cell culture processes, solving real-time operational challenges, and supporting biologics development programs in a collaborative environment.

You’ll prepare media and reagents, execute daily bioreactor activities, document via SOPs and bench records, and assist with tech transfers and data summaries to drive process