ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Upstream Process Development Jobs in Massachusetts

CYNET SYSTEMS

Process Engineer II

Framingham, MA · On-site

$60 - $65/hr

OR a Master's degree with a minimum of 1+ years of experience in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, process engineering, or process development. * Familiarity with upstream and/or downstream bioprocess ...

UCB

Scientist II - Molecular Analytics & NGS

Boston, MA · On-site

$99K - $130K/yr

Make your mark for patients The Gene Therapy Vector Core group is seeking a Scientist II in Upstream Process Development and Bioprocess Analytics team to support genetic medicine projects and AAV ...

UCB

Scientist II - Molecular Analytics & NGS

Boston, MA · Hybrid

$99K - $130K/yr

Make your mark for patients The Gene Therapy Vector Core group is seeking a Scientist II in Upstream Process Development and Bioprocess Analytics team to support genetic medicine projects and AAV ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsUpstream Process Development JobsUpstream Process Development Jobs in Massachusetts

Upstream Process Development information

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the field of Upstream Process Development, senior roles such as Director or Vice President can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership skills in biopharmaceutical or biotech industries. High compensation is often associated with managerial responsibilities, strategic decision-making, and overseeing large teams or projects.

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 common upstream jobs?

Common upstream process development jobs include roles such as upstream process scientist, bioprocess engineer, and fermentation scientist. These positions focus on developing and optimizing the early stages of biopharmaceutical production, often requiring knowledge of cell culture, bioreactor operation, and process scale-up. Skills in laboratory techniques, process analytical technology, and regulatory compliance are also important in these roles.

What biology jobs pay over $100k?

In upstream process development, senior roles such as Process Development Managers, Principal Scientists, and Regulatory Affairs Directors often have salaries exceeding $100,000. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive industry experience, and expertise in bioprocessing, quality control, or regulatory compliance.

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 is upstream process development?

Upstream process development involves designing and optimizing the initial stages of biopharmaceutical production, such as cell culture and fermentation, to produce target biological products. It requires knowledge of bioprocessing, cell biology, and often involves working with bioreactors and process control systems to ensure consistent, high-quality output.

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 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:
Upstream Process Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Upstream Process Development job openings in Massachusetts as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Head of Drug Substance & Analytical Development

Zealand Pharma

Cambridge, MA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Does it excite you to build something from the ground up, and do you have deep expertise in peptide process chemistry and leading high-performing teams? If this sounds like you, and you are ready to shape the future of peptide drug substance development at a fast-growing biotech, then you could be our new colleague.
Your new position Zealand Pharma is looking for a Global Head of Drug Substance - Senior Director, based in Boston. This is a rare opportunity to establish and lead a Peptide Process Development function from the ground up - building a Boston-based lab and team while providing global leadership across Drug Substance. The role owns the full arc from synthetic route scouting through Phase 1 and 2, laying the foundation for Phase 3-ready processes, and is central to enabling Zealand's growing pipeline of peptide therapeutics to reach patients.
We offer exciting responsibilities:
  • Establish and lead the Peptide Process Development lab in Boston, including hiring and developing a high-performing local team
  • Provide global leadership and strategic direction for the Drug Substance function from early discovery to Phase 2
  • Lead synthetic route scouting and salt selection, evaluating alternative processes with yield, COGS, manufacturability, and scalability as key decision criteria
  • Develop and optimize upstream and downstream process design to establish scalable, cost-effective synthetic routes fit for initial clinical trials and as the foundation for Phase 3
  • Partner closely with Analytical Development and Manufacturing to ensure processes are scalable, robust, and sustainable
  • Drive technology transfer in collab with DK drug substance team to external CMOs, ensuring seamless transition from development to production

Your profile The ideal candidate brings a track record of scientific excellence in peptide process chemistry combined with the leadership presence to inspire and grow a team. A pragmatic problem-solver and strategic thinker, this person thrives in a dynamic, build-phase environment and can balance hands-on technical depth with cross-functional influence. Comfort with ambiguity and a bias for action are essential.
  • Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field, with extensive experience in peptide process development
  • Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing cross-functional or global technical teams
  • Deep expertise in solid-phase and/or liquid-phase peptide synthesis, purification, and process optimization across Phase 1, 2 and 3 clinical stages
  • Broad experience across the full process development cycle, including synthetic route scouting, salt selection, upstream and downstream process optimization, and evaluation of process alternatives with a focus on yield, COGS, manufacturability, and scalability
  • Knowledge of process development and technology transfer to GMP manufacturing, including CMO management
  • Experience defining manufacturing strategies from early discovery to Phase 2, with an eye toward building a robust foundation for Phase 3 and commercial
  • Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, particularly with Analytical Development and Manufacturing

Your new team This role leads a globally distributed Drug Substance organization spanning two sites. In Boston, the role will establish a process wet lab staffed with process scientists focused on hands-on peptide process development and optimization. In Copenhagen, a DS team serves as the primary connection point to CMOs, ensuring alignment on manufacturing strategies, technology transfer, and day-to-day CMO oversight. Together, the two teams form a cohesive global function with complementary responsibilities, working in close partnership with colleagues across Research, Analytical Development, and Manufacturing.
Let's bond and be bold We have a unique culture, characterized by excellent teamwork and strong engagement across the organization. And we want you to help us strengthen this culture.
Making bonds is at the core of everything we do. From discovering and developing the best new peptide drugs for patients, to engaging with our partners or connecting with each other. We bond through curiosity and playfulness as a team, allowing ourselves to challenge common thinking and drive future innovation. Join us and let's bond and be bold.
Interested in bonding with us? Then please apply as soon as possible. The applications will be reviewed as they come in. While a cover letter is not required, please include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying.
We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and welcome applications from all job applicants.
About Zealand Pharma A/S Zealand Pharma A/S (Nasdaq: ZEAL) is a biotechnology company focused on advancing medicines for obesity and metabolic health. Combining more than 25 years of peptide R&D expertise with a proprietary data platform that leverages advanced data-driven and AI/ML approaches, Zealand Pharma aims to lead a new era in obesity and metabolic health. To date, more than ten Zealand Pharma-invented drug candidates have entered clinical development, of which two products have reached the market and three candidates are in late-stage development. The Company has collaborations with global pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners for research, development, and commercialization. Founded in 1998, Zealand Pharma is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, with a U.S. presence in Boston, Massachusetts. Learn more at www.zealandpharma.com.
#LI-onsite

Apply