Job Information
Actalent Sr. Upstream Processing Technician in Saint Louis, Missouri
Job Title: Upstream Processing TechnicianJob Description
The Upstream Processing Technician supports the manufacture of commercial and clinical biologics by executing upstream (cell culture) operations in a cGMP-regulated environment. This role focuses on mammalian cell culture, operation of large-scale production bioreactors, and associated filtration and centrifugation steps, while maintaining strict compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices and aseptic techniques.
Responsibilities
Execute manufacturing batch records, work instructions, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) with a strong focus on proactive, right-the-first-time performance.
Assist with batch record reconciliation to ensure complete and accurate documentation of all manufacturing activities.
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 completing document reviews, revisions, and daily record review tasks and databases.
Perform upstream processing operations such as propagation of mammalian cell culture, aseptic cell culture operations, and execution of large-scale production bioreactors ranging from 50L to 2000L.
Conduct large-scale filtration and centrifugation operations to support upstream production processes.
Participate in and, when appropriate, lead shift exchanges, one-on-one discussions, and team meetings to communicate status, issues, and changes impacting the manufacturing area.
Engage in lean activities and continuous improvement efforts to enhance process efficiency and reliability.
Support quality investigations by providing clear information, answering questions, and suggesting improvements to processes and documentation.
Demonstrate and promote safe work habits by following all safety procedures, guidelines, and cleanroom practices.
Critically evaluate processes, anticipate potential issues, and think ahead to maintain smooth and compliant operations.
Interpret production schedules, prioritize tasks accordingly, and ensure timely completion of assigned work.
Maintain cleanroom discipline, including proper gowning, aseptic technique, and adherence to contamination control procedures.
Collaborate effectively with cross-functional team members in manufacturing, quality, and support functions to achieve production goals.
Contribute to a culture of quality, safety, and operational excellence within the upstream processing team.
Essential Skills
Minimum of 2 years of work experience in manufacturing, operations, production, laboratory setting, or a related field.
Demonstrated ability to follow cGMP requirements and comply with written procedures such as batch records, work instructions, and SOPs.
Experience performing tasks in a regulated or process-driven environment with strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
Basic proficiency with aseptic technique and cleanroom practices, or a strong willingness and ability to learn and apply them quickly.
Ability to work with biological materials and equipment used in cell culture and upstream processing.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks based on production schedules and operational needs.
Effective communication skills to participate in shift exchanges, meetings, and cross-functional discussions.
Ability to lift a minimum of 25 pounds independently.
Ability to stand for approximately 80% of a 12-hour shift.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Preferred: At least 6 months of experience in a cGMP-regulated environment.
Preferred: Experience with aseptic technique, cell culturing, and pipetting in a laboratory or manufacturing setting.
Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline (STEM field).
Preferred: Knowledge of cGMP practices, aseptic techniques, or basic chemical concepts.
Preferred: Subject matter expertise or hands-on familiarity with upstream processing steps.
Experience working with mammalian cell culture and aseptic cell culture operations.
Experience operating bioreactors, ideally in the 50L to 2000L scale range.
Exposure to pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical industry environments, particularly involving biologics manufacturing.
Familiarity with large-scale filtration and centrifugation processes.
Interest in large-scale biological and chemistry-based pharmaceutical operations, including production of biologics such as antibodies used in therapies for autoimmune and other diseases.
Work Environment
This role is based in a cleanroom and aseptic suite environment, where you will work around large-scale bioreactors and upstream processing equipment used to produce biologics. You will work rotating 12-hour shifts, either on a day schedule (approximately 6:15 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.) or a night schedule (approximately 6:15 p.m. to 6:45 a.m.), averaging 7 working days over a 2-week period. The typical rotation includes working Monday–Tuesday, off Wednesday–Thursday, and working Friday–Sunday in one week, followed by off Monday–Tuesday, working Wednesday–Thursday, and off Friday–Sunday the next week. You must be willing and able to meet full cleanroom gowning requirements, including wearing a bodysuit, gloves, hair and beard covers, face coverings, and safety glasses, as well as Tyvek garments and nitrile and/or latex gloves. Use of items such as makeup, jewelry, nail polish, cologne or perfume, and scented lotions or hair products is restricted in the cleanroom environment. The work is physically active, requiring standing for the majority of the shift and periodically lifting up to 25 pounds. You will work closely with a collaborative team focused on safety, quality, and supporting the production of biologics used in pharmaceutical products.
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 $28.00 - $32.30/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 Apr 23, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.