Upstream Scientist

Insight Global; Spring House (PA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

HSA

FSA

DCFSA

401k matching

Paid time off

Job summary

Insight Global is assisting a large pharmaceutical client in Spring House, PA to hire an Upstream Associate Scientist focused on LVV production for CAR T manufacturing. The role requires performing cell culture, operating 10–50 L bioreactors, and driving scale-down studies.

You will collect data, generate technical reports, and support process transfer while ensuring safety, quality, and regulatory standards. Collaboration with internal and external teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline with 3–5 years of lab-based experience.
• Experience with aseptic cell culture and routine analysis of pH, gases, metabolites, cell densities, and viabilities.
• Experience with large-scale bioreactors (wave or stirred-tank, single-use preferred).
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with data-driven mindset.
• MS Office proficiency for data aggregation and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Execute routine suspension cell culture and aseptic preculture operations, including cell vial thawing, shake flask expansion, wave bag preparation, and bioreactor setup.
• Perform LVV production runs at scales ranging from 10 L to 50 L using single-use bioreactors with focus on sterility and process consistency.
• Conduct Ambr and shake flask scale-down studies to support platform development and material generation.
• Management of experimental samples, including aliquoting, storage, and shipment as needed.
• Collect and analyze post-run data, generate technical reports, and present findings to cross-functional teams.
• Maintain accurate records of analytical data and ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support onboarding of new processes and resolution of technical challenges.
• Contribute to ongoing improvements in the existing CAR T process and support development of new LVV platforms.

Skills

Upstream cell culture

LVV production

Data analysis

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree

Tools

Bioreactors

Ambr

Shake flasks

pH/gases/metabolites

Job description

Job Description

Our large pharmaceutical client is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Upstream Associate Scientist to support lentiviral vector (LVV) production within our small-scale upstream development team. This role focuses on platform process optimization, characterization, and technical transfer activities to advance our next-generation LVV modality supporting CAR T manufacturing for solid tumor indications.

• Execute routine suspension cell culture and aseptic preculture operations, including cell vial thawing, shake flask expansion, wave bag preparation, and bioreactor setup.
• Perform LVV production runs at scales ranging from 10 L to 50 L using single-use bioreactors, with a focus on sterility and process consistency.
• Conduct Ambr and shake flask scale-down studies to support platform development and material generation.
• Management of experimental samples, including aliquoting, storage, and shipment as needed.
• Collect and analyze post-run data, generate technical reports, and present findings to cross-functional teams.
• Maintain accurate records of analytical data and ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support onboarding of new processes and resolution of technical challenges.
• Contribute to ongoing improvements in the existing CAR T process and support development of new LVV platforms aligned with FDA CAR T expectations.

Compensation

$35-55/hr

Exact compensation may vary based on several factors, including skills, experience, and education.

Benefit packages

Benefit packages for this role will start on the 31st day of employment and include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as HSA, FSA, and DCFSA account options, and 401k retirement account access with employer matching. Employees in this role are also entitled to paid sick leave and/or other paid time off as provided by applicable law.

Requirements and Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline with 3–5 years of lab-based experience in upstream cell culture or bioprocessing.
• Experience with lab techniques, including but not limited to aseptic cell culture and routine analysis of pH, gases, metabolites, cell densities, and viabilities.
• Experience with large-scale bioreactors (wave or stirred-tank, single-use preferred).
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify gaps, troubleshoot issues, and propose innovative solutions.
• Microsoft Office proficiency, particularly with data aggregation and analysis.

Nice to Have Skills & Experience

• Familiarity with LVV production, CAR T process development, and technical transfer activities.
• Experience supporting scale-up or platform development initiatives in a regulated environment.
• Experience with modeling software tools.