How to Explain Upstream and Downstream in an Interview
In the context of the pharmaceutical industry, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are often used to describe different stages of the production process. Often when talking to a recruiter, this is a frustrating topic for both you and the recruiter. This is because they are terms that are often thrown around among recruiters without any real understanding of what this actually is. I know when I placed my first Process Chemist in Pfizer, I had no idea what it was meant by downstream processes and I honestly got lucky with it. Let’s make that you don’t leave your career up to luck.
Other than using the keyword upstream and downstream, there is often little that you can do to catch the attention of the recruiter. However, if you are working with an agency recruiter, they need to be able to sell your skills effectively, and so the ability to explain your skills clearly on your CV/Resume is of paramount importance. Your recruiter will often use your CV as a foundation on which to sell you effectively to their clients.
Upstream Process: What is it and how can you sell it?
A quick Google will tell you that it’s a process referring to the initial stages of pharmaceutical production that involve activities related to research, development, and manufacturing of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) or biological material. It focuses on the production of the raw materials required for drug formulation. You will want your recruiter to explain to your potential new manager that you are an expert in this.
Key activities in the upstream process that you need covered in your CV/Resume:
Discovery and development of new drug compounds. How did you go about doing this? What were the techniques involved? What standards did you work to? What was the end goal?
Process development and optimisation for API synthesis or biological material production. What were the processes? How commercially viable is the process? How did you improve it? What did you improve?
Fermentation or cell culture techniques for the production of proteins, antibodies, enzymes, or other biological substances. This is currently considered cutting edge of chemistry, do not underestimate the value that this can bring to a biologics company. They will want to know your techniques, what kind of large molecule chemistry you may have done etc. Make sure to go into all of the specifics of your techncial skills.
Genetic engineering or recombinant DNA technology for the creation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) used in pharmaceutical production. This can get a little tricky here as there may be NDAs involved, however by following the same guidelines in the point above, you should be able to have a nice workaround. Remember, in industry, it’s all about how you did something rather than why you did something.
Harvesting and purification of the API or biological material. Often the technical skills that you have developed in this role can be a great way to open up new doors. Don’t keep your focus so narrow, make sure to network and see where your skills can take your. If you are unsure of just how to plan your career in pharmaceuticals, make sure to check out my article here.
The upstream processes are critical for establishing the foundation of the drug manufacturing process and ensuring the quality and purity of the active ingredient.
Downstream Process - What is and how can you sell it?
As with downstream process, a quick Google search will tell you that downstream processes encompass the subsequent stages of pharmaceutical production following the upstream processes. This is where most of the manufacturing roles will be found on the spectrum.
It involves activities related to the purification, formulation, and packaging of the API or biological material to create the final dosage form or finished product that is safe, effective, and suitable for patient use. You will want your recruiter to understand the thoroughness of your role. Make sure to spell just how you go about your day to day role.
Key activities in the downstream process include:
Purification and separation techniques to remove impurities and contaminants from the API or biological material. It goes without saying but without these activities, the medicines that we consume couldn’t ensure the safety of these products. With this in mind, it’s important to highlight your conscientiousness in this role.
Formulation and development of drug delivery systems, such as tablets, capsules, injectables, or topical formulations. These are the main ways we consume medical products. It doens’t matter how well the product has been formed if it can’t be stored and consumed effeciently. Though some of these methods are considered more “old fashioned” than others, they are all equally important. Making sure you explain to your recruiter (both on your CV/Resume and on the phone) just how you ensure the safe formulation and development of these drug delivery systems.
Manufacturing of the final dosage forms by blending the API with excipients and additives. Again quite similar to the above point, it’s important to make sure that you take the time to explain the day to day of what it is that you do. It can be very tedious to explain the ins and outs of what we do everyday however it’s best to not assume that whoever is reading our CV/Resume has an intimate understanding of what it is that you actually do.
Packaging and labeling of the finished products. There is an entire industry built up around this and it wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t important. Therefore it’s important to realise that just writing on your CV/Resume that you do some packaging and labeling is not doing your skills a favour. Make sure to walk through the step by step process of what it is that you do and how you keep complience.
Quality control and quality assurance to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and product specifications. These are the most common roles in the manufacturing pharmaceutical job market and act as a way to catch any mistakes made in the formulation or upstream process. Very important to ensure the safety of our medicines.
This is my bread and butter when I am talking about recruitment in pharmaceuticals. Those of you who are interested in how to sell your skills such as HPLC, GC and ELISA testing, should check out those articles. If you are in QC and looking to transfer to QA, make sure to check out that article here.
The downstream processes are crucial for transforming the raw materials obtained from the upstream processes into a finished pharmaceutical product that can be distributed and used by patients.
Overall, upstream processes focus on the production of the active ingredient or biological material, while downstream processes encompass the activities involved in formulating, manufacturing, and packaging the final pharmaceutical product.
Both upstream and downstream processes are essential components of the pharmaceutical production chain, working together to deliver safe and effective medications to patients.
Hopefully that has made it easier to see how to more effectively sell your skills in your career. Best of luck!
