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Remote Upstream Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Remote Upstream Scientist information

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$83.5K

$127K

$171K

How much do remote upstream scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote upstream scientist in the United States is $127,031.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,000.00 and $143,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a remote upstream scientist?

A Remote Upstream Scientist is a professional who specializes in the early stages of biopharmaceutical or chemical production processes, known as upstream processing, and performs their duties remotely. Their work typically involves designing and optimizing cell culture or fermentation systems to produce desired biological products, such as proteins or vaccines. By working remotely, they leverage digital tools and data analysis to monitor, manage, and improve production processes without being physically present in the laboratory or manufacturing facility. This role requires strong technical expertise, communication skills, and the ability to collaborate with on-site teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote upstream scientist?

To thrive as a Remote Upstream Scientist, you need a strong background in biological sciences, process engineering, and data analysis, often supported by a relevant degree (such as biotechnology or chemical engineering) and experience in upstream bioprocessing. Familiarity with bioreactor systems, process control software, and data visualization tools is typically required, along with knowledge of industry standards like GMP. Strong problem-solving abilities, self-motivation, and effective virtual communication skills set top performers apart in remote environments. These competencies ensure precise experimental execution, robust data interpretation, and seamless collaboration with distributed teams, all critical for advancing biomanufacturing objectives.

What are some common challenges remote upstream scientists face when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Remote Upstream Scientists often work with process engineers, downstream scientists, and quality assurance teams spread across different locations and time zones. Effective communication and data sharing can be challenging, especially when troubleshooting experiments or scaling up processes. To overcome these hurdles, it's important to leverage collaborative digital tools, maintain detailed documentation, and schedule regular virtual meetings. Building strong relationships with team members and proactively addressing gaps in information flow can greatly enhance productivity and project outcomes.

What is the difference between Remote Upstream Scientist vs Remote Downstream Scientist?

AspectRemote Upstream ScientistRemote Downstream Scientist
CredentialsAdvanced degree in Geology, Petroleum Engineering, or related fieldDegree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline
Work EnvironmentExploration, reservoir analysis, and resource assessmentRefining, product development, and marketing
Industry UsageOil & Gas exploration companies, energy firmsRefining companies, petrochemical industries
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in exploration and resource extractionUnderstanding roles in product development and refining

The Remote Upstream Scientist focuses on exploration, reservoir analysis, and resource assessment within the oil and gas industry, requiring geoscience or engineering credentials. In contrast, the Remote Downstream Scientist works on refining processes, product development, and marketing, often with chemistry or chemical engineering backgrounds. Both roles are essential in the energy sector but differ in their focus areas and work environments.

More about Remote Upstream Scientist jobs

What cities are hiring for Remote Upstream Scientist jobs?

Cities with the most Remote Upstream Scientist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Upstream Scientist jobs?

The most popular types of Upstream Scientist jobs are:

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For Remote Upstream Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Remote Upstream Scientist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,031 per year, or $61.1 per hour.

Senior Upstream Process Engineer, Commercial - BPG

MO • Remote

Thermo Fisher Scientific
Biotechnology Research and Development • 10K+ employees

$106K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Thermo Fisher Scientific rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 430 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Office

Job Description

When you’re part of the team at Thermo Fisher Scientific, you’ll do meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale! Join 120,000 colleagues who bring our Mission to life every single day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. You’ll find the resources here to achieve your career goals and help take science a step beyond by developing solutions for some of the world’s toughest challenges. This includes protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe, and helping find cures for cancer.

Location: Remote role. Relocation assistance is NOT provided. 

  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
  • Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, which includes a drug screening.
     

Position Summary:

Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Bioproduction Group (BPG) is seeking a Senior Upstream Process Engineer (Commercial) to serve as a technical leader at the intersection of engineering, sales, and customer solutions. This role is responsible for defining and shaping upstream bioprocess solutions for capital projects supporting drug substance manufacturing, with a focus on cell culture media, bioreactors, and automation systems.

As a key member of the commercial organization, you will lead front-end engineering and proposal development (FEL/FEED) for customer capital investments, including both greenfield and brownfield facility expansions. You will translate customer process requirements into technically robust, commercially viable solutions while driving Thermo Fisher’s Bioproduction portfolio positioning.

This is a highly visible, customer-facing role working with leading biopharma companies, CDMOs, biotech firms, and engineering partners (A&E, EPCM).

Other Key Responsibilities Include:

Technical Leadership & Process Design

  • Lead upstream process design, including PFDs, P&IDs, balances, and equipment specs
  • Develop scalable solutions for media prep and bioreactor-based manufacturing with automation
  • Ensure compliance with cGMP and global regulatory standards

Front-End Engineering & Proposals

  • Lead FEL/FEED efforts, translating customer needs into defined scopes
  • Develop costed proposals with scope, assumptions, risks, and exclusions
  • Support CAPEX estimates aligned with commercial and margin goals

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Serve as primary technical contact for customers and project teams
  • Lead design reviews, technical discussions, and executive presentations
  • Collaborate cross-functionally across sales, engineering, and global teams

Thought Leadership & Market Development

  • Contribute to technical marketing (white papers, webinars, presentations)
  • Represent Thermo Fisher at industry events to promote bioproduction solutions

Project Transition & Execution Support

  • Ensure smooth handoff to execution teams with clear scope and continuity
  • Provide technical guidance during early project phases as needed

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field required; Master’s or PhD preferred
  • 8+ years of experience in process engineering or bioprocess system design within the biopharma or life sciences industry
  • Strong expertise in upstream bioprocessing, including cell culture, media preparation, and single-use technologies
  • Experience with capital equipment projects and development of complex engineering proposals
  • Demonstrated ability to lead front-end engineering, scope definition, and technical solution development
  • Familiarity with automation platforms (e.g., DeltaV, PLC/SCADA systems) and integration within bioprocess facilities preferred
  • Strong understanding of cGMP and global regulatory frameworks (FDA, EMA, ICH)
  • Proven ability to influence and collaborate across cross-functional and global teams
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience engaging customer stakeholders and executive audiences
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, customer-driven environment

Travel:

  • Global travel is estimated to be up to 25% of the time, independently to customer sites, factories, trade shows, and meetings

We offer competitive remuneration, annual incentive plan bonus scheme, healthcare, company 401k, and a range of employee benefits! Thermo Fisher Scientific offers employment with an innovative, forward-thinking organization, and outstanding career and development prospects. We offer an exciting company culture that stands for integrity, intensity, involvement, and innovation. 

Thermo Fisher Scientific is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform critical job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request an accommodation.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range estimated for this position based in Massachusetts is $120,000.00–$210,000.00.

This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:

  • A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs

  • Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement

  • At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy

  • Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan

  • Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount

For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards


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