Research Associate, Upstream Process Development

Kelly Services; Tustin (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking Research Associate/Senior Research Associate, Upstream Process Development for contract-to-hire opportunities in the Los Angeles area. Onsite workplace and pay rate of $28-35/hr are highlighted.

The role focuses on designing, optimizing, and scaling mammalian cell culture processes for recombinant protein production, including tech transfer and cross‑functional collaboration to readiness for clinical and commercial production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences (or related field).
• 1–6 years of relevant industry experience in mammalian cell culture process development.
• Experience with various mammalian cell lines, bioreactors, and analytical techniques preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize mammalian cell culture processes for recombinant protein production.
• Lead seed train development, inoculation, maintenance, sampling, feeding, and harvest/clarification of production bioreactors.
• Scale up upstream processes and perform tech transfer to Manufacturing.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure successful implementation.
• Prepare media and feed formulations and operate bioreactors and analytical instruments.
• Analyze growth, productivity, and nutrient data; generate reports and presentations.
• Research and implement new technologies to drive operational excellence.
• Communicate findings to internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Cell culture

Process development

Tech transfer

Data analysis

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences

Tools

Bioreactors

Aseptic techniques

Job description

Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking Research Associates/Senior Research Associates, Process Development for contract-to-hire opportunities with one of our clients, a leading biologics CDMO in the Los Angeles, CA area. If you are driven by the prospect of translating cutting-edge scientific discoveries into tangible advancements and are poised to advance your career, join us as we pioneer progress in the biotechnology industry.

Workplace: Onsite in the Los Angeles area

Position Title: Research Associate/Senior Research Associate, Upstream Process Development

Position Type: Contract-to-hire

Pay rate:

• $28-35 per hour
• $34-43 per hour

Advance Your Career in Biopharmaceutical Innovation

Are you passionate about transforming scientific breakthroughs into life‑saving therapies? Join an energetic team at the forefront of biologics, where your expertise in cell culture and process development helps shape the next generation of protein therapeutics.

Your Role:

As a Research Associate in Upstream Process Development, you’ll play a key part in designing, optimizing, and scaling mammalian cell culture processes for recombinant protein production. You’ll interface with manufacturing teams to facilitate seamless tech transfer, ensuring processes are robust and ready for clinical and commercial production. Key responsibilities include:

• Develop and optimize mammalian cell culture processes—adapting cell lines to suspension/serum‑free conditions, screening media/feed formulations, and producing recombinant proteins in shake flasks, wave, and stirred tank bioreactors.
• Lead seed train development, inoculation, maintenance, sampling, feeding, and harvest/clarification of production bioreactors.
• Work with diverse mammalian cell lines (such as CHO, NSO, HEK), applying advanced aseptic techniques and a strong understanding of metabolic, physical, and mechanical parameters impacting cell growth and productivity.
• Prepare cell culture media and feed formulations from scratch, and operate/troubleshoot state‑of‑the‑art cell culture equipment, including bioreactors and analytical instruments.
• Analyze cell growth, productivity, and nutrient utilization data; document findings for traceability and regulatory compliance; generate comprehensive reports, spreadsheets, graphs, and presentations.
• Scale up and transfer upstream processes to Manufacturing, collaborating closely with cross‑functional teams to ensure successful implementation.
• Research, propose, and implement new technologies and methods to drive operational excellence.
• Communicate findings, participate in scientific discussions, and engage with internal and external stakeholders.
• Work with minimal supervision on projects of routine to moderate complexity and take initiative to expand your skill set.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences (or related field)
• 1–6 years of relevant industry experience in mammalian cell culture process development
• Strong working knowledge of scientific principles and laboratory practices
• Experience with various mammalian cell lines, bioreactors, and analytical techniques strongly preferred