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

Actalent; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 41,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Sr. Upstream Processing Technician to support large-scale mammalian cell culture, bioreactor operation, and related filtration in a cGMP-cleanroom setting.

You will work on commercial and clinical biologics, following strict aseptic practices and documented procedures. The role emphasizes proficiency in batch records, SOPs, and process improvements, with responsibilities across documentation, data management, and cross-functional collaboration in a fully onsite Saint Louis

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of work experience in manufacturing, operations, production, laboratory, or a related technical field.
• Bachelor’s degree in STEM preferred.
• Ability to apply practical knowledge to achieve successful outcomes in production or lab settings.
• Experience in GMP-regulated environments preferred.
• Aseptic technique and cell culture experience desirable.

Responsibilities

• Execute batch records, SOPs, and work instructions with accuracy and proactive timing.
• Assist batch record reconciliation for completeness and accuracy.
• Perform upstream cell culture operations and aseptic handling of materials.
• Operate production bioreactors 50L–2000L for commercial/clinical biologics.
• Conduct large-scale filtration and centrifugation steps.
• Maintain production suites, supplies, equipment, logbooks, and data per SOPs.

Skills

Upstream processing

Cell culture

Aseptic technique

Bioreactor operations

GMP compliance

Documentation

English communication

MS Office

Lifting 25 lbs

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Tools

Pipetting

Chromatography

Bioreactor operations

Job description

The Sr. Upstream Processing Technician supports the manufacture of commercial and clinical biologic products by performing upstream cell culture operations in a cGMP-regulated cleanroom environment. This role focuses on large-scale mammalian cell culture, bioreactor operation, and associated filtration and centrifugation activities, while maintaining strict compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and aseptic techniques. The position offers hands‑on experience with large-scale biological and chemistry pharmaceutical operations that produce proteins used in therapies for conditions such as autoimmune diseases.

Sr. Upstream Processing Technician

The Sr. Upstream Processing Technician supports the manufacture of commercial and clinical biologic products by performing upstream cell culture operations in a cGMP-regulated cleanroom environment. This role focuses on large-scale mammalian cell culture, bioreactor operation, and associated filtration and centrifugation activities, while maintaining strict compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and aseptic techniques. The position offers hands‑on experience with large-scale biological and chemistry pharmaceutical operations that produce proteins used in therapies for conditions such as autoimmune diseases.

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.

Essential Skills

• 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).

Additional Skills & 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.

Work Environment

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.

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 - $33.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

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 27, 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.

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.