Principal Scientist, Tech Transfer (PD&MSAT)

UPSIDE Foods • Emeryville, CA

6h • $140,000 - $170,000

About The Position

We are seeking an innovative, highly motivated, and experienced scientist to join our Bioprocess Development team. This role will be instrumental in developing, optimizing, and scaling upstream and/or downstream processes for the production of cultivated meat. The ideal candidate brings both strong scientific depth and operational expertise, with a proven ability to translate process understanding into robust, scalable manufacturing solutions. This individual will provide technical leadership across process development and drive successful technology transfer to pilot and commercial scales in close partnership with Manufacturing and Engineering. This is a high-impact opportunity for a scientist who thrives at the interface of R&D and Manufacturing, is passionate about scaling complex biological systems, and is motivated to advance the rapidly evolving field of cellular agriculture.

Requirements

• PhD in chemical engineering, bioengineering, or related scientific discipline with 6+ years, or MS/BS with 10-12+ years, of relevant industry experience in bioprocess development, MSAT, or manufacturing support.
• Deep expertise in bioprocess scale-up and technology transfer, including upstream cell culture systems and associated unit operations.
• Demonstrated leadership in technical and/or manufacturing-facing functions, with the ability to influence across PD, MSAT, Manufacturing, and Engineering.
• Proven track record of executing complex, cross-functional programs in GMP or GMP-like environments.
• Strong working knowledge of large-scale bioreactor platforms (e.g., SUB, stainless steel) and control systems (e.g., DeltaV or equivalent).
• Strong systems thinker with the ability to translate process understanding into robust, scalable manufacturing strategies.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of prioritizing in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Effective communicator with the ability to distill complex technical topics for diverse audiences, including senior leadership.
• Comfortable operating in an on-the-floor support model, including off-hours coverage when needed to support manufacturing operations.
• Proactive, ownership-driven mindset with a bias toward problem solving, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end technology transfer from PD to manufacturing, including transfer strategy, risk assessment, and readiness deliverables.
• Serve as the primary bridge between PD, MSAT, and Manufacturing, ensuring process intent translates into robust, executable operations at scale.
• Drive standardization and scalability of tech transfer frameworks, tools, and best practices across programs.
• Lead cross-functional teams to execute campaigns and resolve on-the-floor technical challenges.
• Oversee investigation and closure of deviations, CAPAs, and planned events with rigorous root cause analysis.
• Monitor and act on process performance and quality trends (e.g., variability, yield, productivity) to drive continuous improvement.
• Identify and implement process and operational improvements to enhance robustness and improve manufacturability.
• Leverage scale-down models and experimental design to troubleshoot issues and de-risk scale-up.
• Communicate technical strategy, risks, and progress clearly to cross-functional stakeholders and senior leadership.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and team development to ensure successful delivery of tech transfer milestones.

Benefits

• Stock options for all full-time incoming team members!
• 84-100% employer-paid healthcare premiums for team members (medical [including HSA and FSA], dental, and vision)
• Pet insurance for your furry family members!
• Unlimited PTO
• Company-sponsored learning & development opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees