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Entry Level Downstream Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA

Entry Level Downstream Engineer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$15

$34

$55

How much do entry level downstream engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level downstream engineer in Boston, MA is $34.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.76 and $37.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level downstream engineer?

An entry level downstream engineer is an entry-level professional responsible for managing and optimizing the refining, processing, and distribution of petroleum products. They typically work with process control systems, safety protocols, and may require knowledge of industry software and certifications such as OSHA or API standards. This role often involves supporting operations, troubleshooting equipment, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

What is the difference between Entry Level Downstream Engineer vs Entry Level Upstream Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Downstream EngineerEntry Level Upstream Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related fieldBachelor's in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentRefining plants, distribution facilities, sales, and marketingExploration sites, drilling rigs, production facilities
Industry UsageOil refining, petrochemical production, downstream operationsOil and gas exploration, drilling, production

Entry Level Downstream Engineers focus on refining, distribution, and marketing of petroleum products, working mainly in processing plants and sales environments. In contrast, Entry Level Upstream Engineers are involved in exploration and extraction activities at drilling sites. Both roles require a background in engineering and are essential in the oil and gas industry, but they differ in their focus and work settings.

Infographic showing various Entry Level Downstream Engineer job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,757 per year, or $34 per hour.

Technician I or II - Spatial Omics/MERFISH- Sun Lab (Relocation Assistance Available)

Whitehead Institute

Cambridge, MA

$55K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Classification:

Exempt

Job Family:

Technicians

Reports to:

AI Whitehead Fellow

Job Description Summary:

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY
Collaborate on short- and long-term research projects to support the scientific objectives of the laboratory. Perform spatial transcriptomics experiments and associated molecular biology procedures, with a focus on MERFISH and related technologies. Support the development, optimization, and execution of imaging-based transcriptomics workflows and associated data preprocessing pipelines, ensuring high-quality experimental data generation that supports computational modeling and biological discovery. Depending on experience level, the technician may contribute to protocol development, computational workflows, and experimental design.
RESEARCH BACKGROUND AND GOALS
The Sun Lab seeks a highly motivated Spatial Omics Technician interested in combining experimental biology with computational analysis. Our research focuses on understanding how cells communicate and organize within tissues using large-scale spatial transcriptomics and single-cell genomics technologies.
The successful candidate will contribute to establishing and scaling MERFISH-based experiments, including probe design, tissue processing, imaging workflows, and data preprocessing. This position provides opportunities for hands-on training with cutting-edge spatial transcriptomics technologies for early career candidates, while offering experienced candidates the opportunity to independently optimize workflows and contribute to technology development in close collaboration with computational researchers developing AI models to interpret these datasets.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES

  • Perform spatial transcriptomics experiments, including MERFISH sample preparation, hybridization, and imaging workflows
  • Prepare tissue samples (e.g., cryosectioning, fixation, staining) for spatial transcriptomics experiments
  • Assist with or perform probe design and optimization for MERFISH and related spatial technologies
  • Assist with, run, and maintain spatial transcriptomics preprocessing pipelines, including decoding, segmentation, and quality control
  • Organize and manage spatial imaging datasets and associated metadata
  • Develop, implement or modify or implement scripts for probe design, data preprocessing, and quality assessment, as appropriate based on experience
  • Work closely with computational team members to ensure data compatibility with downstream analysis pipelines
  • Maintain detailed experimental documentation and protocols
  • Present experimental progress and results to lab members and collaborators
  • Contribute to the development and optimization of experimental workflows, consistent with experience and level of responsibility

QUALIFICATIONS

  • BSc or MSc (or equivalent) in Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Genomics, Bioinformatics, or a related field
  • Experience with molecular biology techniques such as RNA handling, hybridization assays, or microscopy
  • Experience with spatial transcriptomics technologies (e.g., MERFISH, Xenium, Slide-seq, seqFISH, or related platforms) is preferred for more experienced candidates but not required for entry-level
  • For Technical Assistant II level candidates: Demonstrated experience independently performing complex molecular biology workflows, troubleshooting experiments, optimizing protocols, and/or working with computational or image analysis pipelines is preferred
  • Basic programming or scripting experience (e.g., Python, R, or MATLAB) is preferred
  • Experience with image analysis or bioinformatics tools is a plus
  • Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment
  • Excellent communication skills and attention to detail

The title (Technician I or Technician II) will be determined based on the candidate's education, prior experience, technical expertise, and demonstrated independence.

Whitehead provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the Institute reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience and education/training, and internal peer equity. This pay range represents base pay only and does not include any other benefits or compensation.

  • Pay Range Minimum: $47,500

  • Pay Range Maximum: $55,000


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