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Upstream Process Development Jobs in Massachusetts

Purification Scientist

Boston, MA · On-site

$44 - $46/hr

... Downstream Process Development team in Boston, MA. This role will support purification and ... Collaborate with upstream process, analytical, and manufacturing teams * Maintain laboratory ...

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Upstream Process Development information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Upstream Process Development, and why are they important?

Success in Upstream Process Development requires a strong background in biology, biochemistry, or chemical engineering, often with an advanced degree and experience in cell culture or fermentation techniques. Familiarity with bioreactors, process control systems, and analytical instrumentation, as well as knowledge of cGMP regulations, is essential. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are important soft skills for optimizing processes and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure efficient development of scalable production processes, maintaining product quality and regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced in upstream process development and how do teams typically address them?

One of the main challenges in upstream process development is optimizing cell culture conditions to consistently achieve high yields and product quality. Teams often encounter variability in biological systems and must troubleshoot issues such as contamination, scale-up inconsistencies, or nutrient limitations. Collaboration with analytical, downstream, and quality teams is essential to identify root causes and implement solutions. Regular data review meetings, cross-functional problem-solving, and continuous process improvement are standard practices to ensure robust upstream processes.

What is upstream process development?

Upstream process development refers to the optimization and scaling of biological production processes that occur before product harvesting. This primarily involves the cultivation of cells or microorganisms to produce a desired product, such as a protein or antibody, in bioreactors. Scientists in this field work on improving cell lines, culture media, and fermentation conditions to maximize yield and quality. Upstream process development is a critical early phase in biomanufacturing, laying the foundation for downstream processing and overall production efficiency.

What is the difference between Upstream Process Development vs Downstream Process Development?

AspectUpstream Process DevelopmentDownstream Process Development
FocusDevelopment of cell culture, fermentation, and bioreactor processesPurification, filtration, and formulation of bioproducts
Skills & CredentialsBioprocess engineering, molecular biology, biochemistryBioprocessing, chromatography, analytical chemistry
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, bioreactors, pilot plantsPurification facilities, labs, quality control
Industry UsageBiotech, pharmaceutical manufacturingBiotech, pharmaceutical manufacturing

Upstream Process Development focuses on creating and optimizing cell culture and fermentation processes to produce bioproducts. In contrast, Downstream Process Development involves purifying and finishing these products. Both roles are essential in biopharmaceutical manufacturing and require similar scientific backgrounds, but they specialize in different stages of bioprocessing.

What are popular job titles related to Upstream Process Development jobs in Massachusetts? For Upstream Process Development jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Upstream Process Development jobs in Massachusetts look for? The top searched job categories for Upstream Process Development jobs in Massachusetts are:
What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Upstream Process Development jobs? Cities in Massachusetts with the most Upstream Process Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Upstream Process Development job openings in Massachusetts as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 80% Full Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, 10% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.
Field Applications Scientist, Upstream Bioproduction Processing (MA)

Field Applications Scientist, Upstream Bioproduction Processing (MA)

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Devens, MA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Thermo Fisher Scientific rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 386 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

186th of 511 rated manufacturers


Job description

Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Office

Job Description

At Thermo Fisher Scientific, our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer.

As a USP Field Application Scientist (FAS) within the BioProduction Group, you will serve as a bioprocessing domain expert—helping biotechnology and biopharmaceutical customers accelerate technology adoption, process design, and optimization across upstream workflows.

You will engage customers on a peer-to-peer, application-focused basis, providing technical leadership and process insight before, during, and after the sale. Acting as both a trusted advisor and problem solver, you will ensure customers achieve compliance, speed, and performance using Thermo Fisher Scientific solutions while helping shape our future innovations through Voice of Customer (VOC)

Location:

This is a remote customer facing position covering a Massachusetts territory. Residency in either Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire or Connecticut is required. No relocation assistance is provided.

What You Will Do

  • Serve as a technical expert and consultant, applying deep bioprocessing knowledge across upstream processing and single-use technologies.
  • Engage customers peer-to-peer to support process development, optimization, and technology integration across upstream workflows.
  • Lead pre- and post-sales technical activities, including product evaluations, proof-of-principle (PoP) studies, demos, pilot runs, and technology qualification in regulated environments.
  • Provide comprehensive troubleshooting as the entry point for quality and performance issues, collaborating with Quality, Field Service, and Technical Support to ensure fast, compliant resolution.
  • Deliver technical training for both internal and external audiences—covering process scientists, engineers, and operators—to build capability and confidence in Thermo Fisher systems.
  • Conduct workflow consulting and GEMBA walks at customer sites to identify process improvement opportunities and align solutions with operational goals.
  • Support Bioprocessing Development Center (BDC) activities and on-site demonstrations, ensuring consistent messaging and technical excellence.
  • Develop and implement adoption plans with measurable achievements (e.g., time-to-first-run, time-to-first-GMP lot) and conduct follow-up utilization reviews.
  • Document all activities in CRM/SFDC, maintaining accurate technical engagement records, win plans, and risk mitigation plans.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Account Managers, Field Service Engineers, Technical Support, Product Management, R&D, and Quality/Regulatory to deliver seamless end-to-end outcomes.
  • Gather and communicate the Voice of Customer (VOC) to inform product roadmaps, feature development, and best-practice content (application notes, white papers, and case studies).
  • Represent Thermo Fisher Scientific at industry events—including conferences, workshops, and webinars—by delivering workflow-based technical presentations and thought leadership.

How You Will Get There

Education

  • BSc/MSc/PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, or a related discipline (or equivalent bioprocessing experience).

Experience

  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in bioprocessing (Process Development, MSAT, or cGMP Manufacturing) with proficiency in at least one of the following:
  • Single-use bioreactors (5–2,000 L+), cell culture, or perfusion systems
  • Proven record of technical engagement and process troubleshooting in Process Development and cGMP environments.
  • Experience supporting scale-up, tech transfer, and process optimization projects from development to manufacturing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Deep understanding of bioprocessing workflows, cGMP principles, and regulatory expectations (FDA, EMA, Annex 1).
  • Ability to interpret URS, P&IDs, batch records, and qualification protocols; comfortable with automation systems and process control HMIs.
  • Skilled in process design, optimization, and workflow consulting, using data-driven analysis to identify improvements.
  • Familiarity with PAT tools , DoE, and QbD principles (ICH Q8/9/10).
  • Knowledge of ASME-BPE standards and risk-based extractables/leachables evaluations for single-use systems.
  • Proficient in data analysis tools (Excel, JMP; scripting a plus) and technical writing.
  • Strong communication, problem-solving, and influencing skills; effective in multi-functional collaboration.
  • Experience using Salesforce.com (SFDC CRM) for opportunity and activity tracking.
  • Demonstrates Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Four I’s values: Integrity, Intensity, Innovation, and Involvement.
  • Field travel of up to 50% (2 weeks out of a month) is required.

Our Mission

At Thermo Fisher Scientific, we are driven by our mission to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer. Join our Bioproduction team and help our customers deliver life-changing medicines through innovation in bioprocessing and technical partnership.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range estimated for this position based in Massachusetts is $84,000.00–$125,000.00.

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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