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Upstream Process Development Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Amgen

Process Development Associate

Cambridge, MA · On-site

Process Development Associate What you will do Let's do this. Let's change the world. In this vital ... Perform small-scale bioprocess experiments that encompass both upstream (cell culture) and ...

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How much do upstream process development jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for upstream process development in Boston, MA is $28.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.58 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in upstream process development?

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 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 common upstream process development jobs?

Common upstream process development jobs include roles such as upstream process scientist, process engineer, and bioprocess development specialist. These positions focus on optimizing cell culture, fermentation, and bioreactor processes to improve product yield and quality, often requiring knowledge of bioreactor operation, cell biology, and process scale-up. Skills in laboratory techniques, process modeling, and regulatory compliance are also important in these roles.

What is an upstream process development job?

An upstream process development job involves designing, optimizing, and scaling the early stages of biopharmaceutical production, such as cell culture and fermentation processes. Professionals in this role typically work with bioreactors, laboratory equipment, and process analytical tools to improve yield and quality of biological products. Strong knowledge of microbiology, biochemistry, and process engineering is essential, along with adherence to regulatory standards.

What are popular job titles related to Upstream Process Development jobs in Boston, MA?

For Upstream Process Development jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Upstream Process Development jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Upstream Process Development jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Upstream Process Development jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Upstream Process Development job openings:

Upstream Process Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Upstream Process Development job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,916 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Upstream Process Development Scientist (Cell Culture, Bioreactors)

Pioneer Data

Andover, MA • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Position Details: 
Our client, a world-leading Pharmaceutical Company in Andover, MA is currently looking for a Upstream Process Development Scientist (Cell Culture, Bioreactors) to join their expanding team.
 
Job Title: Upstream Process Development Scientist (Cell Culture, Bioreactors)
Duration: 12 months contract, extendable up to 48 months
Location: Andover, MA
 
Note: 
The client has the right-to-hire you as a permanent employee at any time during or after the end of the contract.
You may participate in the company group medical insurance plan
 
Job Description:
Summary:
Manufacturing Sciences and Technology (MSAT) at client is looking for a highly motivated, versatile candidate to join our multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers in Andover, MA. 
The group supports Pfizer’s portfolio of late stage development and commercial biopharmaceuticals and vaccines, and is responsible for process troubleshooting, process improvements and second- generation process development. 
We are looking for someone who is eager to contribute independent thinking and technical excellence to the upstream cell culture mammalian team.
The ideal candidate will be a valuable contributor to the upstream team within MSAT Andover. 
The role is well-integrated with the rest of the MSAT group and will involve a lot of collaborative work both within the group and across the Andover site. 
The colleague will be expected to plan and execute well-designed lab experiments in cell culture with pre-defined goals. This includes basic analytics, data acquisition and interpretation, user-level maintenance of the relevant equipment and documentation of work.
 
Job Responsibilities:
Plan and execute upstream mammalian process experiments at laboratory scales.
Operate and maintain laboratory bioreactors and associated analytic tools.
Understand and (as necessary) adjust control and data acquisition systems.
Document results and present them to internal teams.
Assist in manufacturing investigations and process troubleshooting.
 
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with 3 years of applicable bioprocess experience.
Proficient in aseptic technique (required).
Experience in laboratory bioreactor operation and associated analytical tools (required).
Familiarity with control and data acquisition systems.
Knowledge of all aspects of cell culture bioreactor operation modes, i.e. batch, fed-batch, continuous.
Experience with processing and interpreting large data sets.
Involves typical bioprocessing lab activities (Examples: Lifting, sitting, standing, walking, bending, ability to perform mathematical calculations and ability to perform complex data analysis).
 
Additional Qualifications:
May require some out of hours working to support laboratory and off hours cell culture work, e.g weekend coverage once a month.