Upstream Bioprocess Associate

VARITE is looking for qualified Upstream Bioprocess Associate in Foster City, CA 94404 (Onsite)
 
WHAT THE CLIENT DOES?
An American biopharmaceutical company that focuses on researching and developing antiviral drugs used in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, influenza, and COVID-19.
 
WHAT WE DO?
Established in the Year 2000, VARITE is an award-winning minority business enterprise providing global consulting & staffing services to Fortune 1000 companies and government agencies. With 850+ global consultants, VARITE is committed to delivering excellence to its customers by leveraging its global experience and expertise in providing comprehensive scientific, engineering, technical, and non-technical staff augmentation and talent acquisition services.
 
Job Title: Upstream Bioprocess Associate
Location: Foster City, CA 94404 (Onsite - 5 days/week with occasional weekends as needed)
Contract Duration: 12 months with possible extension
Pay Range: $50.00/hr. to $54.67/hr. on W2
 
HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL DO
Summary

• We are looking for a hands-on upstream bioprocess professional to join ***'s Biologics Pilot Lab in Foster City on a contract basis.
• This is an opportunity to run pilot-scale cell culture processes, solve real-time operational challenges, and support biologics development programs in a highly collaborative environment.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Work directly with pilot-scale upstream operations, including seed train shake flasks, WAVE systems, and 100 L and 500 L single-use bioreactors.
• Build broad experience across process execution, troubleshooting, technology transfer, and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to biologics programs spanning early- and late-stage development, with visibility into how pilot-scale work supports the broader pipeline.
• Enjoy a contract of 12 months from start date, with room to take on more independence quickly in a fast-paced, schedule-driven pilot environment.

 
What You'll Do

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

 
What You'll Bring

• Hands-on upstream cell culture experience at bench, pilot, or manufacturing scale (e.g., shake flasks, bioreactors, media and buffer preparation).
• Clear technical writing and documentation habits (e.g., SOPs, batch records, run summaries), plus confidence presenting data and conclusions.
• An organized, collaborative, solutions-focused approach in a schedule-driven environment, with a strong commitment to safety and data integrity.

 
Strongly Preferred

• Pilot lab, pilot plant, or pilot-scale bioprocess experience, including WAVE systems or single-use bioreactors.

 
Nice to Have

• End-to-end upstream process execution across multiple unit operations.
• Technology transfer, manufacturing support, or GMP/GMP-adjacent work.

 
Education

• AA/AS with more than four years of relevant industry experience, or
• BS/BE in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related field with more than two years of relevant experience.

 
About the Team

• You'll join a ten-person team of scientists producing pilot-scale biologics material for early and late development programs. The team also troubleshoots and improves processes and introduces new technologies that expand site capability, capacity, and efficiency.

 
BENEFITS:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. Eligible employees may receive:

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement Plans: Participation in a company-sponsored retirement savings plan.
• Legal Service Plans: Offering access to attorneys for legal advice and representation.

 
If this opportunity interests you, please respond by clicking on EasyApply.
 
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VARITE is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.