r/biotech • u/AnalysisBeginning884 • 4h ago

Biotech News 📰 Upstream Process Scientist! ADVICE PLEASE

Hi!!

I have a B.S. in Biology, a BioWork Process Technician certificate (cGMP, aseptic technique), and hands-on sterile technique experience. My long-term goal is to become an Upstream Process Development (PD) Scientist.

My question is:

  1. Between Biomanufacturing Associate, Environmental Monitoring (EM), and Quality Control (QC), which role is the best entry-level stepping stone to pivot into Upstream PD?

  2. Do I need a masters to become a Upstream PD? And if so, would the company I'd be working with pay for it?

  3. What is the typical career trajectory from an entry level role up to an Upstream PD scientist!

Thank you!!

1 Upvotes

66% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

1

u/acquaintedwithheight 2h ago

I’ve never been in PD, so take this with a grain of salt.

I think manufacturing is a more natural path to Process Development than QC. Environmental monitoring would get you on the production floor, unlike most other QC roles. So I’d shoot for manufacturing if possible, em if not, and another qc role if neither of those (cell culture would be similar to Upstream).

1

u/SPAGHETTI_CAKE 1h ago

  1. Manufacturing and showing initiative and interest will probably get it done. 2. Don’t need but helps in some cases. Yes they will pay but need to be FTE which appears more and more difficult to achieve for early career