Upstream Processing

Upstream processing is essentially the stage of the process where the biotech product (proteins) are produced. This stage is composed of the bioreactor (the vessel used) and the cells themselves. Allied to this is the sterile media which contains the food which bacteria will require for the process. Depending on the product the bacteria may require feeding after they have been inoculated into the broth media. Many in the area come from strong academic backgrounds, such as an MSc or PhD.

Key Responsibilities of the Upstream Processing

• Participate in facility and process design of a multi-product biopharmaceutical manufacturing platform.
• Play a role in commissioning and start-up of the biotech facility.
• Play a role in developing and predicting processing strategies and throughputs for the various products for the site biotech business.
• Provide day-to-day bioprocess engineering support to downstream manufacturing operations.
• Initiate facility and equipment upgrades to improve plant productivity and throughput.
• Facilitate the introduction of new products with associated new equipment and ensure the bioprocessing at the site stays current with emerging processing and equipment trends.
  

Required Qualifications & Experience

• A degree-level qualification in Biochemical/Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Knowledge of the downstream biopharmaceutical unit operations involved with bioreactor design and control, SIP/CIP, filtration etc.
• Experience in either design or commissioning of a mammalian cell-based biopharmaceutical manufacturing plant.
• Operations experience in purification or related bioprocess manufacturing experience in an established biotech production operation.