Manufacturing Associate II / III, Cell Culture (Nights)
The Manufacturing Associate II/III in Cell Culture at Confidential Client is responsible for performing critical upstream biomanufacturing operations including mammalian cell culture, bioreactor preparation, and aseptic processing in a cGMP environment. This role operates on a night shift schedule and requires adherence to strict SOPs and documentation standards to ensure product quality and compliance. The position supports cross-functional collaboration to deliver life-changing therapies through precise and safe manufacturing processes.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Scientific & QA.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Overview — Night Shift, Upstream (Cell Culture)
Confidential Client is hiring Manufacturing Associate II / III focused on Upstream Cell Culture operations. This is a 12-hour night shift role on a 2-2-3 rotation (Black Nights rotating schedule). Work is hands-on in a cGMP biomanufacturing environment performing mammalian cell culture, bioreactor preparation, inoculation, sampling and routine in-process testing.
What You’ll Do
- Perform inoculation thaws, splits, and pools using aseptic technique with WAVE bags and ITV cans
- Prepare bioreactors by executing automated CIP/SIP recipes using DeltaV
- Standardize and calibrate pH and DO probes during bioreactor setup
- Perform inoculation of bioreactors across multiple scales (small-scale to production)
- Support cell growth operations including media feeds and process additions
- Conduct routine sampling and in-process testing to monitor product quality
- Maintain and standardize laboratory/manufacturing equipment (Vi-Cell Blu/XR, osmometers, pH meters, RapidPoint BGA, conductivity meters, biosafety cabinets, small-scale centrifuges)
- Accurately document activities per cGMP and SOP requirements
- Maintain a clean, safe, and compliant manufacturing environment
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Manufacturing, MSAT, Quality, and Engineering teams
Who You Are
- Mission-driven and purpose-oriented — you understand the impact of biomanufacturing on patients
- Comfortable in fast-paced, shift-based manufacturing operations
- Detail-oriented with strong documentation and data-integrity habits
- Able to follow SOPs precisely and work collaboratively across functions
- Learning-oriented and adaptable to evolving processes and equipment
Qualifications
Manufacturing Associate II (entry-level band)
- Pay range indicated in source: $23.56 - $30.77 per hour
- Combinations accepted:
- Bachelor’s degree (STEM preferred) — 0+ years relevant experience
- BioWorks certificate or associate degree — 0+ years relevant experience
- High school diploma (or equivalent) and at least 0.5 years direct experience
- Previous experience in a GxP/cGMP environment preferred
- Understanding of aseptic technique and cleanroom practices preferred
Manufacturing Associate III (experienced band)
- Pay range indicated in source: $25.96 - $34.13 per hour
- Combinations accepted:
- Bachelor’s degree (STEM preferred) and ≥0.5 years relevant experience
- BioWorks certificate or associate degree and ≥1 year relevant experience
- High school diploma (or equivalent) and ≥1.5 years direct experience
- Previous experience in a cGMP environment required
- Demonstrated documentation and data integrity skills
- Exposure to DeltaV, Syncade, or similar systems preferred
- Experience performing bioreactor preparation, inoculation, and monitoring preferred
- Hands-on mammalian cell culture experience preferred
Preferred Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field from an accredited institution
- Strong communication and a team-oriented mindset
- Experience with process automation systems and bioreactor operations
Compensation & Benefits
- Source-listed base/hourly pay ranges:
- Manufacturing Associate II: $23.56 - $30.77 per hour
- Manufacturing Associate III: $25.96 - $34.13 per hour
- Additional compensation details from source: base compensation range shown as $25.56-$34.13 (refer to final offer and banding)
- Benefits (as summarized in source): medical/dental/vision, life insurance, short- & long-term disability, paid vacation and holidays, sick time, parental leave, 401(k) with match, employee stock purchase plan, tuition reimbursement, wellness programs, and employee resource groups
Shift & Location
- Location: Research Triangle Park, NC
- Schedule: 12-hour night shifts on a 2-2-3 rotation (Black Nights rotating schedule)
- On-site role in a regulated biomanufacturing facility (cGMP)
Additional Details
- Employment type: Full-time
- This role requires adherence to cleanroom and cGMP practices and accurate recordkeeping
- The client seeks candidates who are safety-minded, collaborative, and committed to high-quality manufacturing standards
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
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