Scientist II, MSAT

UPSIDE Foods • Emeryville, CA

6h • $140,000 - $170,000

About The Position

We are seeking a motivated and hands-on scientist to join our Bioprocess Development team, supporting process scale-up and technology transfer activities. This role will focus on executing and optimizing upstream and/or downstream processes and supporting the translation of processes from development into pilot and commercial manufacturing. The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in bioprocess engineering and a willingness to operate at the interface of PD and Manufacturing, contributing to both experimental development and on-the-floor support. This individual will work closely with cross-functional teams to support tech transfer execution, troubleshoot process performance, and improve process robustness at scale. This is an excellent opportunity for a scientist who enjoys hands-on problem solving, working in a fast-paced environment, and contributing to the scale-up of complex biological processes in the cultivated meat space.

Requirements

• PhD in chemical engineering, bioengineering, or related scientific discipline with 2+ years, or MS/BS with 5-7+ years, of relevant industry experience in bioprocess development, MSAT, or manufacturing support.
• Strong foundation in bioprocess engineering principles, with experience in upstream cell culture and/or downstream processing.
• Hands-on experience with bioreactor platforms (SUB and/or stainless steel) and control systems.
• Demonstrated experience with statistically designed experiments (DoE) and data-driven process optimization.
• Working knowledge of scale-up principles and technology transfer to pilot or manufacturing scale.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with a detail-oriented and organized approach to problem solving.
• Effective communicator, able to clearly present technical data and insights to cross-functional teams.
• Comfortable working in a team-based, fast-paced environment, including on-the-floor manufacturing support and occasional off-hours coverage.
• Proactive, ownership-driven mindset with enthusiasm for troubleshooting and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Support technology transfer activities by generating data, documenting process understanding, and assisting with implementation at pilot and manufacturing scales.
• Design, execute, and analyze benchtop and scale-down experiments to support process development, troubleshooting, and scale-up.
• Apply process engineering principles (e.g., mixing, mass/gas transfer, and process control) to support scale-up and resolve performance challenges.
• Apply knowledge of cell separation technologies (e.g., TFF, centrifugation) to support process development, scale-up, and downstream integration.
• Partner with PD, Manufacturing, and Engineering teams to troubleshoot process issues and improve robustness during scale-up and campaign execution.
• Assist in the installation, commissioning, and evaluation of new bioprocess equipment and technologies.
• Analyze and interpret process data to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities.
• Communicate results and manage timelines to support cross-functional execution and program 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: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees